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V-223115

CAT II (Medium)

Internet Explorer Processes for Restrict File Download must be enforced (iexplore).

Rule ID

SV-223115r960963_rule

STIG

Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R7

CCIs

CCI-000381

Discussion

In certain circumstances, websites can initiate file download prompts without interaction from users. This technique can allow websites to put unauthorized files on users' hard drives if they click the wrong button and accept the download. If you configure the Restrict File Download\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting to "Enabled", file download prompts that are not user-initiated are blocked for Internet Explorer processes. If you configure this policy setting as "Disabled", prompting will occur for file downloads that are not user-initiated for Internet Explorer processes. Note: This setting is configured as "Enabled" in all environments specified in this guide to help prevent attackers from placing arbitrary code on users' computers.

Check Content

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Security Features -> Restrict File Download -> 'Internet Explorer Processes' must be 'Enabled'. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_RESTRICT_FILEDOWNLOAD Criteria: If the value "iexplore.exe" is REG_SZ = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix Text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Security Features -> Restrict File Download -> 'Internet Explorer Processes' to 'Enabled'.