Title

Create configuration to prevent Internet links and Network UNCs from being created as embedded hyperlinks. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

By default, when users type a string of characters that Excel 2007 recognizes as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or Uniform Naming Convention (UNC) path to a resource on the Internet or a local network, Excel will transform it into a hyperlink. Clicking the hyperlink opens it in the configured default Web browser or the appropriate application. This functionality can enable users to accidentally create links to dangerous or restricted resources, which could create a security risk.

Check Content

Validate the policy value for User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 >> Excel Options >> Proofing >> Autocorrect Options “Internet and network paths as hyperlinks” is set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Options Criteria: If the value AutoHyperlink exists, this is a finding.

Fix Text

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Proofing -> Autocorrect Options “Internet and network paths as hyperlinks” will be set to “Disabled”.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-18797r5_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-17650

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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