Title

Microsoft Defender AV must convert warn verdict to block. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

If a site URL has an unknown or uncertain reputation, a toast notification presents the user with the following options: - Ok: The toast notification is released (removed), and the attempt to access the site is ended. - Unblock: The user has access to the site for 24 hours, at which point the block is reenabled. The user can continue to use Unblock to access the site until such time that the administrator prohibits (blocks) the site, thus removing the option to Unblock. - Feedback: The toast notification presents the user with a link to submit a ticket, which the user can use to submit feedback to the administrator in an attempt to justify access to the site.

Check Content

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Network Inspection System >> Convert warn verdict to block 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\NIS Criteria: If the value "EnableConvertWarnToBlock" 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 >> MpEngine >> Convert warn verdict to block to "Enabled". Click "OK". Click "Apply".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-278677r1144077_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-278677

Group Title: SRG-APP-000210

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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