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Microsoft Word 2010 STIG

  • Version/Release: V1R11
  • Published: 2018-04-04
  • Released: 2018-04-27
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Settings in this guidance assume a complete installation of Microsoft Office 2010 on the Windows 7 Platform. Registry paths and values identified in each control assume the use of Group Policy Administrative Templates. Installations not using Group Policies to administer Microsoft Office products may observe alternate registry paths for stored configuration values. Comments or proposed revisions to this document should be sent via e-mail 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-17173 - SV-33407r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO104 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17173
Rule IDs
  • SV-33407r1_rule
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 Web site but actually opens a deceptive (spoofed) Web site. 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 could pose a security risk. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-33891r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Disable user name and password” must be “Enabled” and a check in the ‘winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29580r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Disable user name and password” to “Enabled” and place a check in the ‘winword.exe’ check box.

b
Enabling IE Bind to Object functionality must be present.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-17174 - SV-33391r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO111 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17174
Rule IDs
  • SV-33391r1_rule
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. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-33875r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Bind to Object” must be “Enabled” and a check in the ‘winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29564r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Bind to Object” to “Enabled” and place a check in the ‘winword.exe’ check box.

b
Saved from URL mark to assure Internet zone processing must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-17175 - SV-33418r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO117 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17175
Rule IDs
  • SV-33418r1_rule
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.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-33901r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Saved from URL” must be “Enabled” and a check in the ‘winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29590r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Saved from URL” to “Enabled” and place a check in the ‘winword.exe’ check box.

b
Navigation to URL's embedded in Office products must be blocked.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-17183 - SV-33415r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO123 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17183
Rule IDs
  • SV-33415r1_rule
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 in some cases.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-33898r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Navigate URL” must be “Enabled” and a check in the ‘winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29587r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Navigate URL” to “Enabled” and place a check in the ‘winword.exe’ check box.

b
Links that invoke instances of IE from within an Office product must be blocked.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-17184 - SV-33397r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO129 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17184
Rule IDs
  • SV-33397r1_rule
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.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-33880r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Block popups” must be “Enabled” and ‘winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29569r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Block popups” to “Enabled” and select 'winword.exe’.

b
Trust Bar Notifications for unsigned application add-ins must be blocked.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-17187 - SV-33612r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO131 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17187
Rule IDs
  • SV-33612r1_rule
If an application is configured to require all add-ins 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.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34078r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins and block them” must be “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security Criteria: If the value NoTBPromptUnsignedAddin is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29754r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins and block them” to “Enabled”.

b
Pre-release versions of file formats new to Office Products must be blocked.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-001764 - V-17322 - SV-33450r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001764
Version
DTOO210 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17322
Rule IDs
  • SV-33450r1_rule
This policy setting controls whether users with the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word 2010 File Formats installed can open Office Open XML files saved with pre-release versions of Word 2010. Word Open XML files usually have the following extensions: .docx, .docm, .dotx, .dotm, .xml. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-33933r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 -> Office 2010 Converters “Block opening of pre-release versions of file formats new to Word 2010 through the Compatibility Pack for Office 2010 and Word 2010 Open XML/Word 97-2003 Format Converter” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word12BetaFilesFromConverters is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29622r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 -> Office 2010 Converters “Block opening of pre-release versions of file formats new to Word 2010 through the Compatibility Pack for Office 2010 and Word 2010 Open XML/Word 97-2003 Format Converter” to “Enabled”.

b
All automatic loading from Trusted Locations must be disabled.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-17471 - SV-33624r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO133 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17471
Rule IDs
  • SV-33624r1_rule
Trusted locations specified in the Trust Center are used to define file locations assumed to be safe. Content, code, and add-ins are allowed to load from trusted locations with a minimal amount of security, without prompting the users for permission. If a dangerous file is opened from a trusted location, it will not be subject to standard security measures and could harm users' computers or data. By default, files located in trusted locations (those specified in the Trust Center) are assumed to be safe. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34089r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Disable all trusted locations” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\trusted locations Criteria: If the value AllLocationsDisabled is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29766r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Disable all trusted locations” to “Enabled”.

b
Force encrypted macros to be scanned in open XML documents must be determined and configured.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-17473 - SV-33613r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO142 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17473
Rule IDs
  • SV-33613r1_rule
When an Office Open XML document (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is rights-managed, or password-protected, any macros embedded in the document are encrypted along with the rest of the contents. By default, these encrypted macros will be disabled unless they are scanned by antivirus software immediately before being loaded. If this default configuration is modified, Office products will not require encrypted macros to be scanned before loading. They will be handled as specified by the Office System macro security settings, which can cause macro viruses to load undetected and lead to data loss or reduced application functionality. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34079r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Scan encrypted macros in Word Open XML documents” must be “Enabled (Scan encrypted macros (default))”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security Criteria: If the value WordBypassEncryptedMacroScan is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29755r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Scan encrypted macros in Word Open XML documents” to “Enabled (Scan encrypted macros (default))”.

b
Disallowance of Trusted Locations on the network must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-17520 - SV-33621r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO134 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17520
Rule IDs
  • SV-33621r1_rule
Files located in Trusted Locations and specified in the Trust Center are assumed to be safe. Content, code, and add-ins are allowed to load from Trusted Locations with minimal security and without prompting the user for permission. By default, users can specify Trusted Locations on network shares, or in other remote locations not under their direct control, by selecting the “Allow Trusted Locations on my network” (not recommended) check box in the Trusted Locations section of the Trust Center. If a dangerous file is opened from a trusted location, it will not be subject to typical security measures and could affect users' computers or data.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34086r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Allow Trusted Locations on the network” must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\trusted locations Criteria: If the value AllowNetworkLocations is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29764r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Allow Trusted Locations on the network” to “Disabled”.

b
Save files default format must be configured.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-17521 - SV-33610r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO139 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17521
Rule IDs
  • SV-33610r1_rule
When users create new document files, Word 2010 saves them in the new Word 2010 .docx format. Ensure this setting is enabled to specify that all new files are created in Word 2010. If a new document is created in an earlier format, some users may not be able to open or use the file, or they may choose a format this is less secure than the Word 2010 format. Users can still select a specific format when they save files, but they cannot change default of this setting from the Word Options dialog box. This enforced user behavior ensures any change to the file format requires additional deliberate user interaction. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34076r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Save "default file format" must be set to "Enabled Word Document (.docx)”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\options Criteria: If the value DefaultFormat is REG_SZ = (blank), this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29752r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Save "default file format" to "Enabled Word Document (.docx)”.

b
Trust access for VBA must be disallowed.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-17522 - SV-33615r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO146 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17522
Rule IDs
  • SV-33615r1_rule
VSTO projects require access to the Visual Basic for Applications project system in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, even though the projects do not use Visual Basic for Applications. Design-time support of controls in both Visual Basic and C# projects depends on the Visual Basic for Applications project system in Word and Excel. By default, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint do not allow automation clients to have programmatic access to VBA projects. Users can enable this by selecting the Trust access to the VBA project object model in the Macro Settings section of the Trust Center. However, doing so allows macros in any documents the user opens to access the core Visual Basic objects, methods, and properties, which represents a potential security hazard. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34081r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Trust access to Visual Basic Project” must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security Criteria: If the value AccessVBOM is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29758r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Trust access to Visual Basic Project” to “Disabled”.

b
Warning Bar settings for VBA macros must be configured.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-17545 - SV-33619r2_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO304 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17545
Rule IDs
  • SV-33619r2_rule
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. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34084r2_chk

NOTE: If VBA support is not installed, this check is Not Applicable. The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “VBA Macro Notification Settings” must be “Enabled (Disable all with notification)”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security Criteria: If the value VBAWarnings is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29761r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “VBA Macro Notification Settings” to “Enabled (Disable all with notification)”.

b
The automatically update links feature must be configured as off.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-17811 - SV-33609r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO302 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17811
Rule IDs
  • SV-33609r1_rule
When users open documents Word automatically updates any links to external content, such as graphics, Excel worksheets, and PowerPoint slides. To disable automatic updating, the user can click the Office Button, click Word Options, click Advanced, scroll to the General section, and then clear the Update automatic links at open check box. If Word is configured to automatically update links when documents are open, document content can change without the user's knowledge, which could put important information at risk. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34075r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Advanced “Update automatic links at Open” must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\options Criteria: If the value DontUpdateLinks is REG_DWORD = 1 this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29751r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Advanced “Update automatic links at Open” to “Disabled”.

b
A warning before printing that the document contains tracking changes must be provided.
CM-6 - Medium - CCI-000366 - V-17813 - SV-33611r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-6
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-000366
Version
DTOO303 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-17813
Rule IDs
  • SV-33611r1_rule
Tracked changes or comments embedded within a document may contain sensitive, insulting, or embarrassing information that the document owner forgot, or that a contributor may have placed. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34077r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security “Warn before printing, saving or sending a file that contains tracked changes or comments” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\options\vpref Criteria: If the value fWarnRevisions_1125_1 is REG_DWORD = 1 this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29753r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security “Warn before printing, saving or sending a file that contains tracked changes or comments” to “Enabled”.

b
Add-on Management functionality must be allowed.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-26584 - SV-33783r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO126 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26584
Rule IDs
  • SV-33783r1_rule
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.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34159r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Add-on Management ” must be set to “Enabled” and ‘winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29848r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Add-on Management ” to “Enabled” and ‘winword.exe’ is checked.

b
Protection from zone elevation must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-26585 - SV-33789r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO209 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26585
Rule IDs
  • SV-33789r1_rule
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. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34165r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Protection From Zone Elevation” must be set to “Enabled” and 'winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29854r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Protection From Zone Elevation” to “Enabled” and 'winword.exe' is checked.

b
ActiveX Installs must be configured for proper restriction.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-002460 - V-26586 - SV-33795r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-002460
Version
DTOO211 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26586
Rule IDs
  • SV-33795r1_rule
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. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34170r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Restrict ActiveX Install” must be set to “Enabled” and 'winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29859r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Restrict ActiveX Install” to “Enabled” and 'winword.exe' is checked.

b
File Downloads must be configured for proper restrictions.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001169 - V-26587 - SV-33801r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001169
Version
DTOO132 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26587
Rule IDs
  • SV-33801r1_rule
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 interacting 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. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34175r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Restrict File Download” must be set to “Enabled” and 'winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29864r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Restrict File Download” to “Enabled” and 'winword.exe' is checked.

b
Scripted Window Security must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-26588 - SV-33805r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO124 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26588
Rule IDs
  • SV-33805r1_rule
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. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34179r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Scripted Window Security Restrictions” must be set to “Enabled” and 'winword.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 winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29868r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Scripted Window Security Restrictions” to “Enabled” and 'winword.exe' is checked.

b
Application add-ins must be signed by Trusted Publisher.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-26589 - SV-33853r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO127 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26589
Rule IDs
  • SV-33853r1_rule
Office 2010 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.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34250r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security Criteria: If the value RequireAddinSig is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29944r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher” to “Enabled”.

b
Data Execution Prevention must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-26590 - SV-33859r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO128 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26590
Rule IDs
  • SV-33859r1_rule
Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a set of hardware and software technologies performing additional checks on memory to help prevent malicious code from running on a system. The primary benefit of DEP is to help prevent code execution from data pages. Enabling this setting, turns off Data Execution Prevention. As a result, malicious code takes advantage of code injection or buffer overflow vulnerabilities possibly exploiting the computer.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34251r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Turn off Data Execution Prevention” must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security Criteria: If the value EnableDEP is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29945r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Turn off Data Execution Prevention” to “Disabled”.

b
Configuration for file validation must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-26592 - SV-33875r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO119 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26592
Rule IDs
  • SV-33875r1_rule
Office Binary Documents (97-2003) are checked to see if they conform against the file format schema before they are opened. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34249r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security “Turn off file validation” must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value EnableOnLoad is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29943r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security “Turn off file validation” to “Disabled”.

b
Blocking as default file block opening behavior must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-26612 - SV-33873r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO110 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26612
Rule IDs
  • SV-33873r1_rule
Users can open, view, or edit a large number of file types in Word 2010. Some file types are safer than others, as some could allow malicious code to become active on user computers or the network. For this reason, disabling or not configuring this setting could allow malicious code to become active on user computers or the network.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34252r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Set default file block behavior” must be “Enabled: Blocked files are not opened”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value OpenInProtectedView is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29946r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Set default file block behavior” to “Enabled: Blocked files are not opened”.

b
Files from the Internet zone must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-26614 - SV-33863r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO121 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26614
Rule IDs
  • SV-33863r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining if files downloaded from the Internet zone open in Protected View. If enabling this policy setting, files downloaded from the Internet zone do not open in Protected View. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, files downloaded from the Internet zone open in Protected View.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34260r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Do not open files from the Internet zone in Protected View” must be set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableInternetFilesInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29953r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Do not open files from the Internet zone in Protected View” to "Disabled".

b
Files in unsafe locations must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-26615 - SV-33865r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO288 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26615
Rule IDs
  • SV-33865r1_rule
This policy setting determines if files located in unsafe locations will open in Protected View. If unsafe locations have not been specified, only the "Downloaded Program Files" and "Temporary Internet Files" folders are considered unsafe locations. If enabling this policy setting, files located in unsafe locations do not open in Protected View. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, files located in unsafe locations open in Protected View.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34263r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View” must be set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableUnsafeLocationsInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29954r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View” to "Disabled".

b
Document behavior if file validation fails must be set.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-26616 - SV-33868r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO292 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26616
Rule IDs
  • SV-33868r1_rule
This policy key controls the behavior of how Office documents should be handled when failing File Validation. The options available are: -Block files completely. This will prevent users from opening files. -Open files in Protected View and disallow edit. This will prevent users from editing the files. -Open files in Protected view and allow edit. This will allow users to edit the files. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, the default setting will be, "open files in protected view and allow edit". System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34266r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Set document behavior if file validation fails” must be "Enabled: Open in Protected View" and Unchecked for "Do not allow edit". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following keys: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value OpenInProtectedView is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding. AND HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value DisableEditFromPV is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29955r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Set document behavior if file validation fails” to "Enabled: Open in Protected View" and Unchecked for "Do not allow edit".

b
Attachments opened from Outlook must be in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-26617 - SV-33871r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO293 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26617
Rule IDs
  • SV-33871r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining if Excel files in Outlook attachments open in Protected View. If enabling this policy setting, Outlook attachments do not open in Protected View. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, Outlook attachments open in Protected View.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34267r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Turn off Protected View for attachments opened from Outlook” must be set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following keys: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableAttachmentsInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29956r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Turn off Protected View for attachments opened from Outlook” to "Disabled".

b
Online translation dictionaries must be in use.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-26648 - SV-34094r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO328 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26648
Rule IDs
  • SV-34094r1_rule
This setting allows you to prevent online dictionaries from being used for the translation of text through the Research pane. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34248r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Miscellaneous “Use online translation dictionaries” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\common\research\translation Criteria: If the value UseOnline is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29942r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Miscellaneous “Use online translation dictionaries” to “Enabled”.

b
Word 2 and earlier binary documents and templates must be blocked for open/save.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-26653 - SV-34095r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO333 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26653
Rule IDs
  • SV-34095r1_rule
This setting allows you to determine whether users can open, view, edit, or save Word files with the format specified by the title of this policy setting. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34253r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 2 and earlier binary documents and templates” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word2Files is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29947r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 2 and earlier binary documents and templates” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy”.

b
Word 2000 binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-26654 - SV-34096r2_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO334 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26654
Rule IDs
  • SV-34096r2_rule
This setting allows you to determine whether users can open, view, edit, or save Word files with the format specified by the title of this policy setting. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34254r2_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 2000 binary documents and templates” must be “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word2000Files is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29948r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 2000 binary documents and templates” to “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View".

b
Word 6.0 binary documents and templates must be configured for block open/save actions.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-26656 - SV-34097r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO336 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26656
Rule IDs
  • SV-34097r1_rule
This setting allows you to determine whether users can open, view, edit, or save Word files with the format specified by the title of this policy setting. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34255r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 6.0 binary documents and templates” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word60Files is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29949r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 6.0 binary documents and templates” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy”.

b
Word 95 binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-26657 - SV-34098r2_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO337 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26657
Rule IDs
  • SV-34098r2_rule
This setting allows you to determine whether users can open, view, edit, or save Word files with the format specified by the title of this policy setting. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34256r2_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 95 binary documents and templates” must be “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word95Files is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29950r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 95 binary documents and templates” to “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View".

b
Word 97 binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-26658 - SV-34099r2_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO338 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26658
Rule IDs
  • SV-34099r2_rule
This setting allows you to determine whether users can open, view, edit, or save Word files with the format specified by the title of this policy setting. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34257r2_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 97 binary documents and templates” must be “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word97Files is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29951r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word 97 binary documents and templates” to “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View".

b
Word XP binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-26659 - SV-34100r2_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO339 - Word
Vuln IDs
  • V-26659
Rule IDs
  • SV-34100r2_rule
This setting allows you to determine whether users can open, view, edit, or save Word files with the format specified by the title of this policy setting. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-34259r2_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word XP binary documents and templates” must be “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value WordXPFiles is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29952r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2010 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Word XP binary documents and templates” to “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View".