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V-251866

CAT II (Medium)

The default message format must be set to use Plain Text.

Rule ID

SV-251866r961863_rule

STIG

Microsoft Outlook 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R4

CCIs

CCI-000366

Discussion

Outlook uses HTML as the default email format. HTML format poses a security risk by embedding information into the email itself, which could allow for release of sensitive information. If a user attempted to insert an HTML link into an email message, the link itself may direct to a malicious website. By sending emails in HTML format, the recipient could be subject to becoming infected by the malicious website.

Check Content

Verify the policy value for User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Outlook 2016 >> Outlook Options >> Mail Format >> Internet Formatting >> Message Format "Set message format" is "Enabled: Plain Text".

Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: 

HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\outlook\options\mail

Criteria: If the value EditorPreference is REG_DWORD = 65536 (dec), this is not a finding.

Fix Text

Set the policy value for User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Outlook 2016 >> Outlook Options >> Mail Format >> Internet Formatting >> Message Format "Set message format" to "Enabled: Plain Text".