Title

Windows 11 Kernel (Direct Memory Access) DMA Protection must be enabled. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Kernel DMA Protection to protect PCs against drive-by Direct Memory Access (DMA) attacks using PCI hot plug devices connected to Thunderbolt 3 ports. Drive-by DMA attacks can lead to disclosure of sensitive information residing on a PC, or even injection of malware that allows attackers to bypass the lock screen or control PCs remotely.

Check Content

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Kernel DMA Protection Value Name: DeviceEnumerationPolicy Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> Kernel DMA Protection >> "Enumeration policy for external devices incompatible with Kernel DMA Protection" to "Enabled" with "Enumeration Policy" set to "Block All".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-253426r991580_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-253426

Group Title: SRG-OS-000471-GPOS-00216

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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