Title

The default message format must be set to use Plain Text. (Cat II impact)

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".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-251866r811197_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-251866

Group Title: SRG-APP-000516

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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