Title

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

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'.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-223115r879587_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-223115

Group Title: SRG-APP-000141

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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