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Microsoft Word 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

V2R1 · · · Released 05 Jan 2026 · 35 rules
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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.
Digest of Updates vs. V1R1 · 14 Nov 2016 +35 −34

Comparison against the immediately-prior release (V1R1). Rule matching uses the Group Vuln ID. Content-change detection compares the rule’s description, check, and fix text after stripping inline markup — cosmetic-only edits aren’t flagged.

Added rules 35

  • V-238121 Medium Disabling of user name and password syntax from being used in URLs must be enforced.
  • V-238122 Medium Blocking as default file block opening behavior must be enforced.
  • V-238123 Medium The Internet Explorer Bind to Object functionality must be enabled.
  • V-238124 Medium Saved from URL mark to assure Internet zone processing must be enforced.
  • V-238125 Medium Configuration for file validation must be enforced.
  • V-238126 Medium Files from the Internet zone must be opened in Protected View.
  • V-238127 Medium Navigation to URLs embedded in Office products must be blocked.
  • V-238128 Medium Scripted Window Security must be enforced.
  • V-238129 Medium Add-on Management functionality must be allowed.
  • V-238130 Medium Add-ins to Office applications must be signed by a Trusted Publisher.
  • V-238131 Medium Links that invoke instances of Internet Explorer from within an Office product must be blocked.
  • V-238132 Medium Trust Bar Notifications for unsigned application add-ins must be blocked.
  • V-238133 Medium File Downloads must be configured for proper restrictions.
  • V-238134 Medium All automatic loading from trusted locations must be disabled.
  • V-238135 Medium Disallowance of trusted locations on the network must be enforced.
  • V-238136 Medium The Save commands default file format must be configured.
  • V-238137 Medium Force encrypted macros to be scanned in open XML documents must be determined and configured.
  • V-238138 Medium Trust access for VBA must be disallowed.
  • V-238139 Medium Protection from zone elevation must be enforced.
  • V-238140 Medium ActiveX Installs must be configured for proper restriction.
  • V-238141 Medium Files in unsafe locations must be opened in Protected View.
  • V-238142 Medium Document behavior if file validation fails must be set.
  • V-238143 Medium Attachments opened from Outlook must be in Protected View.
  • V-238144 Medium The automatically update links feature must be disabled.
  • V-238145 Medium Warning Bar settings for VBA macros must be configured.
  • V-238146 Medium Online translation dictionaries must not be used.
  • V-238147 Medium Word 2 and earlier binary documents and templates must be blocked for open/save.
  • V-238148 Medium Word 2000 binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
  • V-238149 Medium Word 6.0 binary documents and templates must be configured for block open/save actions.
  • V-238150 Medium Word 95 binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
  • V-238151 Medium Word 97 binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
  • V-238152 Medium Word XP binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
  • V-238153 Medium Macros must be blocked from running in Office files from the Internet.
  • V-238154 Medium Files on local Intranet UNC must be opened in Protected View.
  • V-279951 High The version of Word running on the system must be a supported version.

Removed rules 34

  • V-71041 Medium Disabling of user name and password syntax from being used in URLs must be enforced.
  • V-71043 Medium Blocking as default file block opening behavior must be enforced.
  • V-71045 Medium The Internet Explorer Bind to Object functionality must be enabled.
  • V-71047 Medium Saved from URL mark to assure Internet zone processing must be enforced.
  • V-71049 Medium Configuration for file validation must be enforced.
  • V-71051 Medium Files from the Internet zone must be opened in Protected View.
  • V-71053 Medium Navigation to URLs embedded in Office products must be blocked.
  • V-71055 Medium Scripted Window Security must be enforced.
  • V-71057 Medium Add-on Management functionality must be allowed.
  • V-71059 Medium Add-ins to Office applications must be signed by a Trusted Publisher.
  • V-71061 Medium Links that invoke instances of Internet Explorer from within an Office product must be blocked.
  • V-71063 Medium Trust Bar Notifications for unsigned application add-ins must be blocked.
  • V-71065 Medium File Downloads must be configured for proper restrictions.
  • V-71067 Medium All automatic loading from trusted locations must be disabled.
  • V-71069 Medium Disallowance of trusted locations on the network must be enforced.
  • V-71071 Medium The Save commands default file format must be configured.
  • V-71073 Medium Force encrypted macros to be scanned in open XML documents must be determined and configured.
  • V-71075 Medium Trust access for VBA must be disallowed.
  • V-71077 Medium Protection from zone elevation must be enforced.
  • V-71079 Medium ActiveX Installs must be configured for proper restriction.
  • V-71081 Medium Files in unsafe locations must be opened in Protected View.
  • V-71083 Medium Document behavior if file validation fails must be set.
  • V-71085 Medium Attachments opened from Outlook must be in Protected View.
  • V-71087 Medium The automatically update links feature must be disabled.
  • V-71089 Medium Warning Bar settings for VBA macros must be configured.
  • V-71091 Medium Online translation dictionaries must not be used.
  • V-71093 Medium Word 2 and earlier binary documents and templates must be blocked for open/save.
  • V-71095 Medium Word 2000 binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
  • V-71097 Medium Word 6.0 binary documents and templates must be configured for block open/save actions.
  • V-71099 Medium Word 95 binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
  • V-71101 Medium Word 97 binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
  • V-71103 Medium Word XP binary documents and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
  • V-71107 Medium Macros must be blocked from running in Office files from the Internet.
  • V-71643 Medium Files on local Intranet UNC must be opened in Protected View.
Sort by
b
Disabling of user name and password syntax from being used in URLs must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238121 - SV-238121r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO104
Vuln IDs
  • V-238121
  • V-71041
Rule IDs
  • SV-238121r961092_rule
  • SV-85665
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 website). If user names and passwords in URLs are allowed, users could be diverted to dangerous Web pages, which could pose a security risk.
Checks: C-41331r651911_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Disable user name and password" is 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_HTTP_USERNAME_PASSWORD_DISABLE Criteria: If the value winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41290r651912_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Disable user name and password" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winword.exe' check box.

b
Blocking as default file block opening behavior must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-238122 - SV-238122r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO110
Vuln IDs
  • V-238122
  • V-71043
Rule IDs
  • SV-238122r961086_rule
  • SV-85667
This policy setting allows you to determine if users can open, view, or edit Word files. If you enable this policy setting, you can set one of these options:- Blocked files are not opened- Blocked files open in Protected View and can not be edited- Blocked files open in Protected View and can be edited. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the behavior is the same as the "Blocked files are not opened" setting. Users will not be able to open blocked files.
Checks: C-41332r651914_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Set default file block behavior" is set to "Enabled: Blocked files are not opened". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value OpenInProtectedView is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41291r651915_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Set default file block behavior" to "Enabled: Blocked files are not opened".

b
The Internet Explorer Bind to Object functionality must be enabled.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-238123 - SV-238123r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO111
Vuln IDs
  • V-238123
  • V-71045
Rule IDs
  • SV-238123r960921_rule
  • SV-85669
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-41333r651917_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Bind to Object" is 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_SAFE_BINDTOOBJECT Criteria: If the value winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41292r651918_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (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-238124 - SV-238124r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO117
Vuln IDs
  • V-238124
  • V-71047
Rule IDs
  • SV-238124r961092_rule
  • SV-85671
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-41334r651920_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Saved from URL" is 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_UNC_SAVEDFILECHECK Criteria: If the value winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41293r651921_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Saved from URL" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winword.exe' check box.

b
Configuration for file validation must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-238125 - SV-238125r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO119
Vuln IDs
  • V-238125
  • V-71049
Rule IDs
  • SV-238125r960921_rule
  • SV-85673
This policy setting allows you to turn off the file validation feature. If you enable this policy setting, file validation will be turned off. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, file validation will be turned on. Office Binary Documents (97-2003) are checked to see if they conform against the file format schema before they are opened.
Checks: C-41335r651923_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security "Turn off file validation" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value EnableOnLoad is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41294r651924_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security "Turn off file validation" to "Disabled".

b
Files from the Internet zone must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-238126 - SV-238126r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO121
Vuln IDs
  • V-238126
  • V-71051
Rule IDs
  • SV-238126r961086_rule
  • SV-85675
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.
Checks: C-41336r651926_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files from the Internet zone in Protected View" is set to "Not Configured" or "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableInternetFilesInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding. If the value does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is REG_DWORD = 1, then this is a finding.

Fix: F-41295r651927_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files from the Internet zone in Protected View" to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".

b
Navigation to URLs embedded in Office products must be blocked.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238127 - SV-238127r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO123
Vuln IDs
  • V-238127
  • V-71053
Rule IDs
  • SV-238127r961092_rule
  • SV-85677
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-41337r651929_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Navigate URL" is 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_VALIDATE_NAVIGATE_URL Criteria: If the value winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41296r651930_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Navigate URL" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winword.exe' check box.

b
Scripted Window Security must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-238128 - SV-238128r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO124
Vuln IDs
  • V-238128
  • V-71055
Rule IDs
  • SV-238128r960921_rule
  • SV-85679
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-41338r651932_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Scripted Window Security Restrictions" is 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-41297r651933_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Scripted Window Security Restrictions" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winword.exe' check box.

b
Add-on Management functionality must be allowed.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-238129 - SV-238129r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO126
Vuln IDs
  • V-238129
  • V-71057
Rule IDs
  • SV-238129r961086_rule
  • SV-85681
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-41339r651935_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Add-on Management" is 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-41298r651936_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Add-on Management" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winword.exe' check box.

b
Add-ins to Office applications must be signed by a Trusted Publisher.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-238130 - SV-238130r960954_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO127
Vuln IDs
  • V-238130
  • V-71059
Rule IDs
  • SV-238130r960954_rule
  • SV-85683
This policy setting controls whether add-ins for this applications must be digitally signed by a trusted publisher. If you enable this policy setting, this application checks the digital signature for each add-in before loading it. If an add-in does not have a digital signature, or if the signature did not come from a trusted publisher, this application disables the add-in and notifies the user. Certificates must be added to the Trusted Publishers list if you require that all add-ins be signed by a trusted publisher. For detail on about obtaining and distributing certificates, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=294922. Office 2016 stores certificates for trusted publishers in the Internet Explorer trusted publisher store. Earlier versions of Microsoft Office stored trusted publisher certificate information (specifically, the certificate thumbprint) in a special Office trusted publisher store. Office 2016 still reads trusted publisher certificate information from the Office trusted publisher store, but it does not write information to this store. Therefore, if you created a list of trusted publishers in a previous version of Office and you upgrade to Office 2016, your trusted publisher list will still be recognized. However, any trusted publisher certificates that you add to the list will be stored in the Internet Explorer trusted publisher store. For more information about trusted publishers, see the Office Resource Kit. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, this application does not check the digital signature on application add-ins before opening them. If a dangerous add-in is loaded, it could harm users' computers or compromise data security.
Checks: C-41340r651938_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word 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\16.0\word\security Criteria: If the value RequireAddinSig is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41299r651939_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word 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-238131 - SV-238131r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO129
Vuln IDs
  • V-238131
  • V-71061
Rule IDs
  • SV-238131r961086_rule
  • SV-85685
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-41341r651941_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" is 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_WEBOC_POPUPMANAGEMENT Criteria: If the value winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41300r651942_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winword.exe' check box.

b
Trust Bar Notifications for unsigned application add-ins must be blocked.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-238132 - SV-238132r960954_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO131
Vuln IDs
  • V-238132
  • V-71063
Rule IDs
  • SV-238132r960954_rule
  • SV-85687
This policy setting controls whether the specified Office application notifies users when unsigned application add-ins are loaded or silently disable such add-ins without notification. This policy setting only applies if you enable the "Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher" policy setting, which prevents users from changing this policy setting. If you enable this policy setting, applications automatically disable unsigned add-ins without informing users. If you disable this policy setting, if this application is configured to require that 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 that informs users about the unsigned add-in. If you do not configure this policy setting, the disable behavior applies, and in addition, users can configure this requirement themselves in the "Add-ins" category of the Trust Center for the application.
Checks: C-41342r651944_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word 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\16.0\word\security Criteria: If the value NoTBPromptUnsignedAddin is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41301r651945_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word 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-238133 - SV-238133r961089_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001169
Version
DTOO132
Vuln IDs
  • V-238133
  • V-71065
Rule IDs
  • SV-238133r961089_rule
  • SV-85689
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-41343r651947_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict File Download" is 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 of winword.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41302r651948_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict File Download" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winword.exe' check box.

b
All automatic loading from trusted locations must be disabled.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238134 - SV-238134r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO133
Vuln IDs
  • V-238134
  • V-71067
Rule IDs
  • SV-238134r961092_rule
  • SV-85691
This policy setting allows administrators to disable all trusted locations in the specified applications. Trusted locations specified in the Trust Center are used to define file locations that are 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. If you enable this policy setting, all trusted locations (those specified in the Trust Center) in the specified applications are ignored, including any trusted locations established by Office 2016 during setup, deployed to users using Group Policy, or added by users themselves. Users will be prompted again when opening files from trusted locations. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, all trusted locations (those specified in the Trust Center) in the specified applications are assumed to be safe.
Checks: C-41344r651950_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations "Disable all trusted locations" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security\trusted locations Criteria: If the value AllLocationsDisabled is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41303r651951_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations "Disable all trusted locations" to "Enabled".

b
Disallowance of trusted locations on the network must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238135 - SV-238135r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO134
Vuln IDs
  • V-238135
  • V-71069
Rule IDs
  • SV-238135r961092_rule
  • SV-85693
This policy setting controls whether trusted locations on the network can be used. If you enable this policy setting, users can specify trusted locations on network shares or in other remote locations that are not under their direct control by clicking the "Add new location" button in the Trusted Locations section of the Trust Center. Content, code, and add-ins are allowed to load from trusted locations with minimal security and without prompting the user for permission. If you disable this policy setting, the selected application ignores any network locations listed in the Trusted Locations section of the Trust Center. If you also deploy Trusted Locations via Group Policy, you should verify whether any of them are remote locations. If any of them are remote locations and you do not allow remote locations via this policy setting, those policy keys that point to remote locations will be ignored on client computers. Disabling this policy setting does not delete any network locations from the Trusted Locations list, but causes disruption for users who add network locations to the Trusted Locations list. Users are also prevented from adding new network locations to the Trusted Locations list in the Trust Center. We recommended that you do not enable this policy setting (as the "Allow Trusted Locations on my network (not recommended)" check box also states). Therefore, in practice, it should be possible to disable this policy setting in most situations without causing significant usability issues for most users. If you do not enable this policy setting, users can select the "Allow Trusted Locations on my network (not recommended)" check box if desired and then specify trusted locations by clicking the "Add new location" button.
Checks: C-41345r651953_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations "Allow Trusted Locations on the network" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security\trusted locations Criteria: If the value AllowNetworkLocations is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41304r651954_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations "Allow Trusted Locations on the network" to "Disabled".

b
The Save commands default file format must be configured.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-238136 - SV-238136r960963_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO139
Vuln IDs
  • V-238136
  • V-71071
Rule IDs
  • SV-238136r960963_rule
  • SV-85695
This policy setting determines the default file format for saving files in Word. If you enable this policy setting, you can set the default file format from among the following options: - Word Document (*.docx): This option is the default configuration in Word.- Single Files Web Page (*.mht)- Web Page (*.htm; *.html)- Web Page, Filtered (*.htm, *.html)- Rich Text Format (*.rtf)- Plain Text (*.txt)- Word 6.0/95 (*.doc)- Word 6.0/95 - Chinese (Simplified) (*.doc)- Word 6.0/95 - Chinese (Traditional) (*.doc)- Word 6.0/95 - Japanese (*.doc)- Word 6.0/95 - Korean (*.doc)- Word 97-2002 and 6.0/95 - RTF- Word 5.1 for Macintosh (*.mcw)- Word 5.0 for Macintosh (*.mcw)- Word 2.x for Windows (*.doc)- Works 4.0 for Windows (*.wps)- WordPerfect 5.x for Windows (*.doc)- WordPerfect 5.1 for DOS (*.doc)- Word Macro-Enabled Document (*.docm)- Word Template (*.dotx)- Word Macro-Enabled Template (*.dotm)- Word 97 - 2003 Document (*.doc)- Word 97 - 2003 Template (*.dot)- Word XML Document (*.xml)- Strict Open XML Document (*.docx)- OpenDocument Text (*.odt). Users can choose to save presentations or documents in a different file format than the default. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Word saves new files in the Office Open XML format: Word files have a .docx extension. For users who run recent versions of Word, Microsoft offers the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack, which enables them to open and save Office Open XML files. If some users in your organization cannot install the Compatibility Pack, or are running versions of Word older than Microsoft Office 2000 with Service Pack 3, they might not be able to access Office Open XML files. This policy setting is often set in combination with the "Save As Open XML in Compatibility Mode" policy setting.
Checks: C-41346r651956_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Save "default file format" is set to "Enabled: Word Document (.docx)". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\options Criteria: If the value DefaultFormat is REG_SZ = (blank), this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41305r651957_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Save "default file format" to "Enabled: Word Document (.docx)".

b
Force encrypted macros to be scanned in open XML documents must be determined and configured.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238137 - SV-238137r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO142
Vuln IDs
  • V-238137
  • V-71073
Rule IDs
  • SV-238137r961092_rule
  • SV-85697
This policy setting controls whether encrypted macros in Open XML documents be are required to be scanned with anti-virus software before being opened. If you enable this policy setting, you may choose one of these options:- Scan encrypted macros: encrypted macros are disabled unless anti-virus software is installed. Encrypted macros are scanned by your anti-virus software when you attempt to open an encrypted workbook that contains macros.- Scan if anti-virus software available: if anti-virus software is installed, scan the encrypted macros first before allowing them to load. If anti-virus software is not available, allow encrypted macros to load.- Load macros without scanning: do not check for anti-virus software and allow macros to be loaded in an encrypted file. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the behavior will be similar to the "Scan encrypted macros" option.
Checks: C-41347r651959_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Scan encrypted macros in Word Open XML documents" is set to "Disabled". The option 'Enabled: Scan encrypted macros (default)' is also an acceptable value. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security Criteria: If the value WordBypassEncryptedMacroScan does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41306r651960_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Scan encrypted macros in Word Open XML documents" to "Disabled".

b
Trust access for VBA must be disallowed.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-238138 - SV-238138r960963_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO146
Vuln IDs
  • V-238138
  • V-71075
Rule IDs
  • SV-238138r960963_rule
  • SV-85699
This policy setting controls whether automation clients such as Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Microsoft Office (VSTO) can access the Visual Basic for Applications project system in the specified applications. 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. If you enable this policy setting, VSTO and other automation clients can access the Visual Basic for Applications project system in the specified applications. Users will not be able to change this behavior through the "Trust access to the VBA project object model" user interface option under the Macro Settings section of the Trust Center. If you disable this policy setting, VSTO does not have programmatic access to VBA projects. In addition, the "Trust access to the VBA project object model" check box is cleared and users cannot change it. Note: Disabling this policy setting prevents VSTO projects from interacting properly with the VBA project system in the selected application. If you do not configure this policy setting, automation clients do not 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.
Checks: C-41348r651962_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Trust access to Visual Basic Project" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security Criteria: If the value AccessVBOM is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41307r651963_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Trust access to Visual Basic Project" to "Disabled".

b
Protection from zone elevation must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-238139 - SV-238139r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO209
Vuln IDs
  • V-238139
  • V-71077
Rule IDs
  • SV-238139r960921_rule
  • SV-85701
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-41349r651965_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Protection From Zone Elevation" is 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-41308r651966_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Protection From Zone Elevation" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winword.exe' check box.

b
ActiveX Installs must be configured for proper restriction.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-002460 - V-238140 - SV-238140r961779_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-002460
Version
DTOO211
Vuln IDs
  • V-238140
  • V-71079
Rule IDs
  • SV-238140r961779_rule
  • SV-85703
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-41350r651968_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict ActiveX Install" is 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-41309r651969_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict ActiveX Install" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'winword.exe' check box.

b
Files in unsafe locations must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238141 - SV-238141r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO288
Vuln IDs
  • V-238141
  • V-71081
Rule IDs
  • SV-238141r961092_rule
  • SV-85705
This policy setting determines whether 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.
Checks: C-41351r651971_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View" is set to "Not Configured" or "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableUnsafeLocationsInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding. If the value does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is REG_DWORD = 1, then this is a finding.

Fix: F-41310r651972_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View" to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".

b
Document behavior if file validation fails must be set.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238142 - SV-238142r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO292
Vuln IDs
  • V-238142
  • V-71083
Rule IDs
  • SV-238142r961092_rule
  • SV-85707
This policy setting controls how Office handles documents when they fail file validation. If you enable this policy setting, you can configure the following options for files that fail file validation:- Block files completely. Users cannot open the files.- Open files in Protected View and disallow edit. Users cannot edit the files. This is also how Office handles the files if you disable this policy setting.- Open files in Protected View and allow edit. Users can edit the files. This is also how Office handles the files if you do not configure this policy setting.If you disable this policy setting, Office follows the "Open files in Protected View and disallow edit" behavior. If you do not configure this policy setting, Office follows the "Open files in Protected View and allow edit" behavior.
Checks: C-41352r651974_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Set document behavior if file validation fails" is set to "Disabled". The option 'Enabled: Open in Protected View' and Unchecked for 'Do not allow edit' is also an acceptable value. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value openinprotectedview does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding. If the value DisableEditFromPV is set to REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding. If the value is set to REG_DWORD = 0, this is a finding.

Fix: F-41311r651975_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Set document behavior if file validation fails" to "Disabled".

b
Attachments opened from Outlook must be in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238143 - SV-238143r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO293
Vuln IDs
  • V-238143
  • V-71085
Rule IDs
  • SV-238143r961092_rule
  • SV-85709
This policy setting allows for determining whether Word 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.
Checks: C-41353r651977_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Turn off Protected View for attachments opened from Outlook" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following keys: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableAttachmentsInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41312r651978_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Turn off Protected View for attachments opened from Outlook" to "Disabled".

b
The automatically update links feature must be disabled.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238144 - SV-238144r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO302
Vuln IDs
  • V-238144
  • V-71087
Rule IDs
  • SV-238144r961092_rule
  • SV-85711
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.
Checks: C-41354r651980_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Advanced "Update automatic links at Open" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\options Criteria: If the value DontUpdateLinks is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41313r651981_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Advanced "Update automatic links at Open" to "Disabled".

b
Warning Bar settings for VBA macros must be configured.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-238145 - SV-238145r960963_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO304
Vuln IDs
  • V-238145
  • V-71089
Rule IDs
  • SV-238145r960963_rule
  • SV-85713
This policy setting controls how the specified applications warn users when Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros are present. If you enable this policy setting, you can choose from four options for determining how the specified applications will warn the user about macros: - Disable all with notification: The application displays the Trust Bar for all macros, whether signed or unsigned. This option enforces the default configuration in Office. - Disable all except digitally signed macros: The application displays the Trust Bar for digitally signed macros, allowing users to enable them or leave them disabled. Any unsigned macros are disabled, and users are not notified. - Disable all without notification: The application disables all macros, whether signed or unsigned, and does not notify users. - Enable all macros (not recommended): All macros are enabled, whether signed or unsigned. This option can significantly reduce security by allowing dangerous code to run undetected. If you disable this policy setting, "Disable all with notification" will be the default setting. If you do not configure this policy setting, when users open files in the specified applications that contain VBA macros, the applications open the files with the macros disabled and display the Trust Bar with a warning that macros are present and have been disabled. Users can inspect and edit the files if appropriate, but cannot use any disabled functionality until they enable it by clicking "Enable Content" on the Trust Bar. If the user clicks "Enable Content", then the document is added as a trusted document. Important: If "Disable all except digitally signed macros" is selected, users will not be able to open unsigned Access databases. Also, note that Microsoft Office stores certificates for trusted publishers in the Internet Explorer trusted publisher store. Earlier versions of Microsoft Office stored trusted publisher certificate information (specifically, the certificate thumbprint) in a special Office trusted publisher store. Microsoft Office still reads trusted publisher certificate information from the Office trusted publisher store, but it does not write information to this store. Therefore, if you created a list of trusted publishers in a previous version of Microsoft Office and you upgrade to Office, your trusted publisher list will still be recognized. However, any trusted publisher certificates that you add to the list will be stored in the Internet Explorer trusted publisher store.
Checks: C-41355r651983_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center "VBA Macro Notification Settings" is set to "Enabled: Disable all with notification". The options 'Enabled: Disable all except digitally signed macros' and 'Enabled: Disable all without notification' are more restrictive and also acceptable values. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security Criteria: If the value VBAWarnings is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding. Values of REG_DWORD = 3 or 4 are also acceptable values. If the registry key does not exist or the value is REG_DWORD = 1, then this is a finding.

Fix: F-41314r651984_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center "VBA Macro Notification Settings" to "Enabled (Disable all with notification)".

b
Online translation dictionaries must not be used.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238146 - SV-238146r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO328
Vuln IDs
  • V-238146
  • V-71091
Rule IDs
  • SV-238146r961092_rule
  • SV-85715
This policy setting allows you to prevent online dictionaries from being used for the translation of text through the Research pane. If you enable or do not configure this policy setting, the online dictionaries can be used to translate text through the Research pane. If you disable this policy setting, the online dictionaries cannot be used to translate text through the Research pane.
Checks: C-41356r651986_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Miscellaneous -> "Use online translation dictionaries" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\software\policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\common\research\translation Criteria: If the value useonline is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41315r651987_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Miscellaneous -> "Use online translation dictionaries" to "Disabled".

b
Word 2 and earlier binary documents and templates must be blocked for open/save.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-238147 - SV-238147r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO333
Vuln IDs
  • V-238147
  • V-71093
Rule IDs
  • SV-238147r961086_rule
  • SV-85717
This policy 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. If you enable this policy setting, you can specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files.The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting.- Do not block: The file type will not be blocked.- Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked.- Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key.- Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open.- Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled.- Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will be blocked.
Checks: C-41357r651989_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Word 2 and earlier binary documents and templates" is set to "Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word2Files is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41316r652013_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> 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-238148 - SV-238148r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO334
Vuln IDs
  • V-238148
  • V-71095
Rule IDs
  • SV-238148r961086_rule
  • SV-85719
This policy 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. If you enable this policy setting, you can specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files.The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting.- Do not block: The file type will not be blocked.- Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked.- Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key.- Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open.- Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled.- Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.
Checks: C-41358r651992_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Word 2000 binary documents and templates" is set to "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\16.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word2000Files is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41317r652015_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> 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-238149 - SV-238149r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO336
Vuln IDs
  • V-238149
  • V-71097
Rule IDs
  • SV-238149r961086_rule
  • SV-85721
This policy 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. If you enable this policy setting, you can specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files.The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting.- Do not block: The file type will not be blocked.- Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked.- Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key.- Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open.- Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled.- Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will be blocked.
Checks: C-41359r651995_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Word 6.0 binary documents and templates" is set to "Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word60Files is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41318r651996_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> 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-238150 - SV-238150r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO337
Vuln IDs
  • V-238150
  • V-71099
Rule IDs
  • SV-238150r961086_rule
  • SV-85723
This policy 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. If you enable this policy setting, you can specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files.The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting.- Do not block: The file type will not be blocked.- Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked.- Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key.- Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open.- Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled.- Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will be blocked.
Checks: C-41360r651998_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Word 95 binary documents and templates" is set to "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\16.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word95Files is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41319r652017_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> 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-238151 - SV-238151r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO338
Vuln IDs
  • V-238151
  • V-71101
Rule IDs
  • SV-238151r961086_rule
  • SV-85725
This policy 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. If you enable this policy setting, you can specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files.The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting.- Do not block: The file type will not be blocked.- Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked.- Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key.- Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open.- Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled.- Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.
Checks: C-41361r652001_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Word 97 binary documents and templates" is set to "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\16.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Word97Files is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41320r652019_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> 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-238152 - SV-238152r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO339
Vuln IDs
  • V-238152
  • V-71103
Rule IDs
  • SV-238152r961086_rule
  • SV-85727
This policy 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. If you enable this policy setting, you can specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files.The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting.- Do not block: The file type will not be blocked.- Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked.- Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key.- Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open.- Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled.- Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.
Checks: C-41362r652004_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Word XP binary documents and templates" is set to "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\16.0\word\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value WordXPFiles is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41321r652021_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Word XP binary documents and templates" to "Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View".

b
Macros must be blocked from running in Office files from the Internet.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238153 - SV-238153r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO600
Vuln IDs
  • V-238153
  • V-71107
Rule IDs
  • SV-238153r961092_rule
  • SV-85731
This policy setting allows you to block macros from running in Office files that come from the Internet. If you enable this policy setting, macros are blocked from running, even if 'Enable all macro's is selected in the Macro Settings section of the Trust Center. Also, instead of having the choice to 'Enable Content', users will receive a notification that macros are blocked from running. If the Office file is saved to a trusted location or was previously trusted by the user, macros will be allowed to run. If you disable or don't configure this policy setting, the settings configured in the Macro Settings section of the Trust Center determine whether macros run in Office files that come from the Internet.
Checks: C-41363r652007_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Block macros from running in Office files from the Internet" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\security Criteria: If the value blockcontentexecutionfrominternet is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41322r652008_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Block macros from running in Office files from the Internet" to "Enabled".

b
Files on local Intranet UNC must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238154 - SV-238154r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO605
Vuln IDs
  • V-238154
  • V-71643
Rule IDs
  • SV-238154r961092_rule
  • SV-86267
This policy setting lets you determine if files on local Intranet UNC file shares open in Protected View. If you enable this policy setting, files on local Intranet UNC file shares open in Protected View if their UNC paths appear to be within the Internet zone. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, files on Intranet UNC file shares do not open in Protected View if their UNC paths appear to be within the Internet zone.
Checks: C-41364r652010_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Open files on local Intranet UNC in Protected View" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableIntranetCheck is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-41323r652011_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Open files on local Intranet UNC in Protected View" is set to "Enabled".

c
The version of Word running on the system must be a supported version.
SI-2 - High - CCI-002605 - V-279951 - SV-279951r1156602_rule
RMF Control
SI-2
Severity
H
CCI
CCI-002605
Version
DTO-Word999
Vuln IDs
  • V-279951
Rule IDs
  • SV-279951r1156602_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-84512r1156600_chk

Word 2016 is no longer supported by the vendor. If the system is running Word 2016, this is a finding.

Fix: F-84417r1156601_fix

Upgrade to a supported version.