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Microsoft Project 2013 Security Technical Implementation Guide

  • Version/Release: V1R5
  • Published: 2024-06-14
  • Released: 2024-07-24
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This Security Technical Implementation Guide is published as a tool to improve the security of Department of Defense (DOD) information systems. The requirements are derived from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-53 and related documents. Comments or proposed revisions to this document should be sent via email to the following address: disa.stig_spt@mail.mil.
b
Disabling of user name and password syntax from being used in URLs must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-242785 - SV-242785r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO104
Vuln IDs
  • V-242785
  • V-17173
Rule IDs
  • SV-242785r961092_rule
  • SV-53220
The Uniform Resource Locator (URL) standard allows user authentication to be included in URL strings in the form http://username:password@example.com. A malicious user might use this URL syntax to create a hyperlink that appears to open a legitimate website but actually opens a deceptive (spoofed) website. For example, the URL http://www.wingtiptoys.com@example.com appears to open http://www.wingtiptoys.com but actually opens http://example.com. To protect users from such attacks, Internet Explorer usually blocks any URLs using this syntax. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). If user names and passwords in URLs are allowed, users could be diverted to dangerous web pages, which would pose a security risk.
Checks: C-46060r716183_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Disable user name and password" is "Enabled" and a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box is present. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_HTTP_USERNAME_PASSWORD_DISABLE Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46017r716184_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Disable user name and password" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
The Internet Explorer Bind to Object functionality must be enabled.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-242786 - SV-242786r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO111
Vuln IDs
  • V-242786
  • V-17174
Rule IDs
  • SV-242786r960921_rule
  • SV-53221
Internet Explorer performs a number of safety checks before initializing an ActiveX control. It will not initialize a control if the kill bit for the control is set in the registry, or if the security settings for the zone in which the control is located do not allow it to be initialized. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). A security risk could occur if potentially dangerous controls are allowed to load.
Checks: C-46061r716186_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Bind to Object" is "Enabled" and a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box is present. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_SAFE_BINDTOOBJECT Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46018r716187_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Bind to Object" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
The Saved from URL mark must be selected to enforce Internet zone processing.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-242787 - SV-242787r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO117
Vuln IDs
  • V-242787
  • V-17175
Rule IDs
  • SV-242787r961092_rule
  • SV-53222
Typically, when Internet Explorer loads a web page from a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) share that contains a Mark of the Web (MOTW) comment, indicating the page was saved from a site on the Internet, Internet Explorer runs the page in the Internet security zone instead of the less restrictive Local Intranet security zone. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). If Internet Explorer does not evaluate the page for a MOTW, potentially dangerous code could be allowed to run.
Checks: C-46062r716189_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Saved from URL" is "Enabled" and a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box is present. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_UNC_SAVEDFILECHECK Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46019r716190_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Saved from URL" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
Navigation to URLs embedded in Office products must be blocked.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-242788 - SV-242788r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO123
Vuln IDs
  • V-242788
  • V-17183
Rule IDs
  • SV-242788r961092_rule
  • SV-53223
To protect users from attacks, Internet Explorer usually does not attempt to load malformed URLs. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). If Internet Explorer attempts to load a malformed URL, a security risk could occur.
Checks: C-46063r716192_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Navigate URL" is "Enabled" and a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box is present. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_VALIDATE_NAVIGATE_URL Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46020r716193_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Navigate URL" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
Scripted Window Security must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-242789 - SV-242789r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO124
Vuln IDs
  • V-242789
  • V-26588
Rule IDs
  • SV-242789r960921_rule
  • SV-53224
Malicious websites often try to confuse or trick users into giving a site permission to perform an action allowing the site to take control of the users' computers in some manner. Disabling or not configuring this setting allows unknown websites to: -Create browser windows appearing to be from the local operating system. -Draw active windows displaying outside of the viewable areas of the screen capturing keyboard input. -Overlay parent windows with their own browser windows to hide important system information, choices, or prompts.
Checks: C-46064r716195_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Scripted Window Security Restrictions" is set to "Enabled" and 'winproj.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_WINDOW_RESTRICTIONS Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46021r716196_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Scripted Window Security Restrictions" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
Add-on Management functionality must be allowed.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-242790 - SV-242790r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO126
Vuln IDs
  • V-242790
  • V-26584
Rule IDs
  • SV-242790r961086_rule
  • SV-53225
Internet Explorer add-ons are pieces of code, run in Internet Explorer, to provide additional functionality. Rogue add-ons may contain viruses or other malicious code. Disabling or not configuring this setting could allow malicious code or users to become active on user computers or the network. For example, a malicious user can monitor and then use keystrokes users type into Internet Explorer. Even legitimate add-ons may demand resources, compromising the performance of Internet Explorer, and the operating systems for user computers.
Checks: C-46065r716198_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Add-on Management" is set to "Enabled" and 'winproj.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ADDON_MANAGEMENT Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46022r716199_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Add-on Management" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
Add-ins to Office applications must be signed by a Trusted Publisher.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-242791 - SV-242791r960954_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO127
Vuln IDs
  • V-242791
  • V-40888
Rule IDs
  • SV-242791r960954_rule
  • SV-53226
Office 2013 applications do not check the digital signature on application add-ins before opening them. Disabling or not configuring this setting may allow an application to load a dangerous add-in. As a result, malicious code could become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-46066r716201_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Project 2013 -> Project Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> "Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\software\policies\Microsoft\office\15.0\ms project\security Criteria: If the value requireaddinsig is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46023r716202_fix

Set the policy User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Project 2013 -> Project Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> "Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher" to "Enabled".

b
Links that invoke instances of Internet Explorer from within an Office product must be blocked.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-242792 - SV-242792r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO129
Vuln IDs
  • V-242792
  • V-17184
Rule IDs
  • SV-242792r961086_rule
  • SV-53227
The Pop-up Blocker feature in Internet Explorer can be used to block most unwanted pop-up and pop-under windows from appearing. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). If the Pop-up Blocker is disabled, disruptive and potentially dangerous pop-up windows could load and present a security risk.
Checks: C-46067r716204_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" is "Enabled" and 'winproj.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_WEBOC_POPUPMANAGEMENT Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46024r716205_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
Trust Bar Notifications for unsigned application add-ins must be blocked.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-242793 - SV-242793r960954_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO131
Vuln IDs
  • V-242793
  • V-40889
Rule IDs
  • SV-242793r960954_rule
  • SV-53228
If an application is configured to require all add-ins to be signed by a trusted publisher, any unsigned add-ins the application loads will be disabled and the application will display the Trust Bar at the top of the active window. The Trust Bar contains a message informing users about the unsigned add-in. If a user is allowed to make the determination to allow an unsigned add-in, it increases the risk of malicious code being introduced onto the user's computer or the network.
Checks: C-46068r716207_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Project 2013 -> Project Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> "Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins and block them" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\software\policies\Microsoft\office\15.0\ms project\security Criteria: If the value notbpromptunsignedaddin is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46025r716208_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Project 2013 -> Project Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> "Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins and block them" to "Enabled".

b
File Downloads must be configured for proper restrictions.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001169 - V-242794 - SV-242794r961089_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001169
Version
DTOO132
Vuln IDs
  • V-242794
  • V-26587
Rule IDs
  • SV-242794r961089_rule
  • SV-53229
Disabling this setting allows websites to present file download prompts via code without the user specifically initiating the download. User preferences may also allow the download to occur without prompting or interaction with the user. Even if Internet Explorer prompts the user to accept the download, some websites abuse this functionality. Malicious websites may continually prompt users to download a file or present confusing dialog boxes to trick users into downloading or running a file. If the download occurs and it contains malicious code, the code could become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-46069r716210_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict File Download" is set to "Enabled" and 'winproj.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_RESTRICT_FILEDOWNLOAD Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46026r716211_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict File Download" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
Protection from zone elevation must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-242795 - SV-242795r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO209
Vuln IDs
  • V-242795
  • V-26585
Rule IDs
  • SV-242795r960921_rule
  • SV-53230
Internet Explorer places restrictions on each web page users can use the browser to open. Web pages on a user's local computer have the fewest security restrictions and reside in the Local Machine zone, making this security zone a prime target for malicious users and code. Disabling or not configuring this setting could allow pages in the Internet zone to navigate to pages in the Local Machine zone to then run code to elevate privileges. This could allow malicious code or users to become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-46070r716213_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Protection From Zone Elevation" is set to "Enabled" and 'winproj.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ZONE_ELEVATION Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46027r716214_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Protection From Zone Elevation" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
ActiveX Installs must be configured for proper restriction.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-002460 - V-242796 - SV-242796r961779_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-002460
Version
DTOO211
Vuln IDs
  • V-242796
  • V-26586
Rule IDs
  • SV-242796r961779_rule
  • SV-53231
Microsoft ActiveX controls allow unmanaged, unprotected code to run on the user computers. ActiveX controls do not run within a protected container in the browser like the other types of HTML or Microsoft Silverlight-based controls. Disabling or not configuring this setting does not block prompts for ActiveX control installations and these prompts display to users. This could allow malicious code to become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-46071r716216_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict ActiveX Install" is set to "Enabled" and 'winproj.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_RESTRICT_ACTIVEXINSTALL Criteria: If the value winproj.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46028r716217_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict ActiveX Install" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winproj.exe' check box.

b
Warning Bar settings for VBA macros must be configured.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-242797 - SV-242797r960963_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO304
Vuln IDs
  • V-242797
  • V-40890
Rule IDs
  • SV-242797r960963_rule
  • SV-53232
When users open files containing VBA macros, applications open the files with the macros disabled and displays the Trust Bar with a warning that macros are present and have been disabled. Users may then enable these macros by clicking Options on the Trust Bar and selecting the option to enable them. Disabling or not configuring this setting may allow dangerous macros to become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-46072r716219_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Project 2013 -> Project Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> "VBA Macro Notification Settings" is set to "Enabled: Disable all with notification". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\software\policies\Microsoft\office\15.0\ms project\security Criteria: If the value vbawarnings is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46029r716220_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Project 2013 -> Project Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> "VBA Macro Notification Settings" must be set to "Enabled: Disable all with notification".

b
Untrusted intranet zone access to Project servers must not be allowed.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-242798 - SV-242798r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO346
Vuln IDs
  • V-242798
  • V-40892
Rule IDs
  • SV-242798r961092_rule
  • SV-53234
Enabling this setting allows users to access Project server websites and workspaces outside of the trusted Internet zone. As a result, malicious code could become active on user computers or the network to gain access to sensitive data. In this situation, the site could attempt to capture personal information, such as passwords and user names.
Checks: C-46073r716222_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Project 2013 -> Project Options -> Security "Enable untrusted intranet zone access to Project server" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\15.0\ms project\security Criteria: If the value TrustWSS is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46030r716223_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Project 2013 -> Project Options -> Security "Enable untrusted intranet zone access to Project server" to "Disabled".

c
The version of Microsoft Project running on the system must be a supported version.
SI-2 - High - CCI-002605 - V-265897 - SV-265897r999895_rule
RMF Control
SI-2
Severity
High
CCI
CCI-002605
Version
DTOO999-Project13
Vuln IDs
  • V-265897
Rule IDs
  • SV-265897r999895_rule
Security flaws with software applications are discovered daily. Vendors are constantly updating and patching their products to address newly discovered security vulnerabilities. Organizations (including any contractor to the organization) are required to promptly install security-relevant software updates (e.g., patches, service packs, and hot fixes). Flaws discovered during security assessments, continuous monitoring, incident response activities, or information system error handling must also be addressed expeditiously. Organization-defined time periods for updating security-relevant software may vary based on a variety of factors including, for example, the security category of the information system or the criticality of the update (i.e., severity of the vulnerability related to the discovered flaw). This requirement will apply to software patch management solutions that are used to install patches across the enclave and also to applications themselves that are not part of that patch management solution. For example, many browsers today provide the capability to install their own patch software. Patch criticality, as well as system criticality will vary. Therefore, the tactical situations regarding the patch management process will also vary. This means that the time period used must be a configurable parameter. Time frames for application of security-relevant software updates may be dependent upon the Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) process. The application will be configured to check for and install security-relevant software updates within an identified time period from the availability of the update. The specific time period will be defined by an authoritative source (e.g., IAVM, CTOs, DTMs, and STIGs).
Checks: C-69816r999893_chk

Microsoft Project 2013 is no longer supported by the vendor. If the system is running Microsoft Project 2013, this is a finding.

Fix: F-69720r999894_fix

Upgrade to a supported version.