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Microsoft Publisher 2013 Security Technical Implementation Guide

  • Version/Release: V1R6
  • 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-242799 - SV-242799r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO104
Vuln IDs
  • V-242799
  • V-17173
Rule IDs
  • SV-242799r961092_rule
  • SV-53235
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-46074r716362_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Disable user name and password" must be "Enabled" and a check in the 'mspub.exe' check box must be 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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46031r716363_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 'mspub.exe' check box.

b
The Internet Explorer Bind to Object functionality must be enabled.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-242800 - SV-242800r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO111
Vuln IDs
  • V-242800
  • V-40893
Rule IDs
  • SV-242800r960921_rule
  • SV-53236
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-46075r716365_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Bind to Object" must be "Enabled" and a check in the 'mspub.exe' check box must be 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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46032r716366_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 'mspub.exe' check box.

b
The Saved from URL mark must be selected to enforce Internet zone processing.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-242801 - SV-242801r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO117
Vuln IDs
  • V-242801
  • V-40894
Rule IDs
  • SV-242801r961092_rule
  • SV-53237
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-46076r716368_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Saved from URL" must be "Enabled" and a check in the 'mspub.exe' check box must be 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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46033r716369_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 'mspub.exe' check box.

b
Navigation to URLs embedded in Office products must be blocked.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-242802 - SV-242802r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO123
Vuln IDs
  • V-242802
  • V-40895
Rule IDs
  • SV-242802r961092_rule
  • SV-53238
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-46077r716371_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Navigate URL" must be "Enabled" and a check in the 'mspub.exe' check box must be 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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46034r716372_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 'mspub.exe' check box.

b
Scripted Window Security must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-242803 - SV-242803r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO124
Vuln IDs
  • V-242803
  • V-40896
Rule IDs
  • SV-242803r960921_rule
  • SV-53239
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' computer 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-46078r716374_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 'mspub.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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46035r716375_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 'mspub.exe' is checked.

b
Add-on Management functionality must be allowed.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-242804 - SV-242804r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO126
Vuln IDs
  • V-242804
  • V-26584
Rule IDs
  • SV-242804r961086_rule
  • SV-53240
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 the user's computer.
Checks: C-46079r716377_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 'mspub.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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46036r716378_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Add-on Management" to "Enabled" and 'mspub.exe' is checked.

b
Add-ins to Office applications must be signed by a Trusted Publisher.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-242805 - SV-242805r960954_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO127
Vuln IDs
  • V-242805
  • V-26589
Rule IDs
  • SV-242805r960954_rule
  • SV-53241
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 the user's computer or the network.
Checks: C-46080r716380_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Publisher 2013 -> 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\publisher\security Criteria: If the value RequireAddinSig is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46037r716381_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Publisher 2013 -> 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-242806 - SV-242806r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO129
Vuln IDs
  • V-242806
  • V-17184
Rule IDs
  • SV-242806r961086_rule
  • SV-53242
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-46081r716383_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" must be "Enabled" and 'mspub.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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46038r716384_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" to "Enabled" and select 'mspub.exe'.

b
Trust Bar Notifications for unsigned application add-ins must be blocked.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-242807 - SV-242807r960954_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO131
Vuln IDs
  • V-242807
  • V-17187
Rule IDs
  • SV-242807r960954_rule
  • SV-53243
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-46082r716386_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Publisher 2013 -> Security -> Trust Center "Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins" must be "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\15.0\publisher\security Criteria: If the value NoTBPromptUnsignedAddin is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46039r716387_fix

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

b
File Downloads must be configured for proper restrictions.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001169 - V-242808 - SV-242808r961089_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001169
Version
DTOO132
Vuln IDs
  • V-242808
  • V-26587
Rule IDs
  • SV-242808r961089_rule
  • SV-53244
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 the user's computer or the network.
Checks: C-46083r716389_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 'mspub.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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46040r716390_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict File Download" to "Enabled" and 'mspub.exe' is checked.

b
Protection from zone elevation must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-242809 - SV-242809r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO209
Vuln IDs
  • V-242809
  • V-26585
Rule IDs
  • SV-242809r960921_rule
  • SV-53245
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 the user's computer or the network.
Checks: C-46084r716392_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 'mspub.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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46041r716393_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 'mspub.exe' is checked.

b
ActiveX Installs must be configured for proper restriction.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-002460 - V-242810 - SV-242810r961779_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-002460
Version
DTOO211
Vuln IDs
  • V-242810
  • V-26586
Rule IDs
  • SV-242810r961779_rule
  • SV-53246
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 the user's computer or the network.
Checks: C-46085r716395_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 'mspub.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 mspub.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46042r716396_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2013 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict ActiveX Install" to "Enabled" and 'mspub.exe' is checked.

b
Warning Bar settings for VBA macros must be configured.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-242811 - SV-242811r960963_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO304
Vuln IDs
  • V-242811
  • V-17545
Rule IDs
  • SV-242811r960963_rule
  • SV-53248
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 the user's computer or the network.
Checks: C-46086r716398_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Publisher 2013 -> Security -> Trust Center "VBA Macro Notification Settings" must be "Enabled (Disabled all with notifications)". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\15.0\publisher\security Criteria: If the value VBAWarnings is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46043r716399_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Publisher 2013 -> Security -> Trust Center "VBA Macro Notification Settings" to "Enabled (Disabled all with notifications)".

b
Fatally corrupt files must be blocked from opening.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-242812 - SV-242812r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO322
Vuln IDs
  • V-242812
  • V-26707
Rule IDs
  • SV-242812r961086_rule
  • SV-53255
Enabling this setting allows a user to open fatally corrupt Publisher 2013 files. As a result, malicious code or users could become active on the user's computer or the network. For example, a malicious user may purposely corrupt a Publisher file. The corrupted file could force the application to fail or execute malicious code, giving the malicious user control of Publisher 2013.
Checks: C-46087r716401_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Publisher 2013 -> Security "Prompt to allow fatally corrupt files to open instead of blocking them" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\15.0\publisher Criteria: If the value PromptForBadFiles is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46044r716402_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Publisher 2013 -> Security "Prompt to allow fatally corrupt files to open instead of blocking them" to "Disabled".

b
The Publisher Automation Security Level must be configured for high security.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-242813 - SV-242813r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO323
Vuln IDs
  • V-242813
  • V-26708
Rule IDs
  • SV-242813r961092_rule
  • SV-53256
When a separate application is used to launch Publisher 2013 programmatically, any macros can run in the programmatically-opened application without being blocked. Disabling or not configuring this setting could allow a malicious user to use automation to run malicious code in Publisher 2013.
Checks: C-46088r716404_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Publisher 2013 -> Security "Publisher Automation Security Level" is set to "Enabled and High (Disabled)" is selected. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\Common\Security Criteria: If the value AutomationSecurityPublisher is REG_DWORD = 3, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-46045r716405_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Publisher 2013 -> Security "Publisher Automation Security Level" to "Enabled and High (Disabled)" is selected.

c
The version of Microsoft Publisher running on the system must be a supported version.
SI-2 - High - CCI-002605 - V-265899 - SV-265899r999901_rule
RMF Control
SI-2
Severity
High
CCI
CCI-002605
Version
DTOO999-Pub13
Vuln IDs
  • V-265899
Rule IDs
  • SV-265899r999901_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-69818r999899_chk

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

Fix: F-69722r999900_fix

Upgrade to a supported version.