Title

Microsoft Defender AV must configure local administrator merge behavior for lists. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

This policy setting configures how locally defined lists are combined or merged with globally defined lists. This setting applies to exclusion lists, specified remediation lists, and attack surface reduction.

Check Content

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Configure local administrator merge behavior for lists is set to "Enabled". Otherwise, this is a finding. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Criteria: If the value "DisableLocalAdminMerge" is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding. If the value is 0, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Configure local administrator merge behavior for lists to "Enabled". Click "OK". Click "Apply".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-278656r1144051_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-278656

Group Title: SRG-APP-000210

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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