Title

The Download unsigned ActiveX controls property must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone). (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Unsigned code is potentially harmful, especially when coming from an untrusted zone. ActiveX controls can contain potentially malicious code and must only be allowed to be downloaded from trusted sites. They must also be digitally signed.

Check Content

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Control Panel -> Security Page -> Restricted Sites Zone -> 'Download unsigned ActiveX controls' must be 'Enabled', and 'Disable' selected from the drop-down box. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\4 Criteria: If the value "1004" is REG_DWORD = 3, this is not a finding.

Fix Text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Control Panel -> Security Page -> Restricted Sites Zone -> 'Download unsigned ActiveX controls' to 'Enabled', and select 'Disable' from the drop-down box.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-223054r879629_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-223054

Group Title: SRG-APP-000209

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.