Title

McAfee VirusScan Access Protection Rules Common Maximum Protection must be set to detect and log the launching of files from the Downloaded Programs Files folder. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A common distribution method for adware and spyware is to have the user download an executable file and run it automatically from the Downloaded Program Files folder. This rule is specific to Microsoft Internet Explorer and prevents software installations through the web browser. Internet Explorer runs code from the Downloaded Program Files directory, notably ActiveX controls. Some vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer and viruses place an .exe file into this directory and run it. This rule closes that attack vector.

Check Content

Note: If the HIPS signature 3910 is enabled to provide this same protection, this check is not applicable. Access the local VirusScan console by clicking Start->All Programs->McAfee->VirusScan Console. Under the Task column, select Access Protection, right-click, and select Properties. Under the Access Protection tab, locate the "Access protection rules:" label. In the "Categories" box, select "Common Maximum Protection". Ensure the "Prevent launching of files from the Downloaded Program Files folder" (Report) option is selected. Criteria: If the "Prevent launching of files from the Downloaded Program Files folder" (Report) option is selected, this is not a finding.

Fix Text

Access the local VirusScan console by clicking Start->All Programs->McAfee->VirusScan Console. Under the Task column, select Access Protection, right-click, and select Properties. Under the Access Protection tab, locate the "Access protection rules:" label. In the "Categories" box, select "Common Maximum Protection". Select the "Prevent launching of files from the Downloaded Program Files folder" (Report) option. Click OK to Save.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-243421r722602_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-243421

Group Title: SRG-APP-000209

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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