Windows 7 STIG Version Comparison

There are 1 differences between versions v1 r30 (April 27, 2018) (the "left" version) and v1 r32 (June 17, 2020) (the "right" version).

Check WINCC-000030 was added to the benchmark in the "right" version.

This check's original form is available here.

Title

The Windows Explorer Preview pane must be disabled for Windows 7.

Check Content

If the following registry values do not exist or are not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer Value Name: NoPreviewPane Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 Registry Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer Value Name: NoReadingPane Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1

Discussion

A known vulnerability in Windows could allow the execution of malicious code by either opening a compromised document or viewing it in the Windows Preview pane. Organizations must disable the Windows Preview pane and Windows Detail pane.

Fix

Ensure the following settings are configured for Windows 7 locally or applied through group policy. Configure the policy value for User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Explorer >> Explorer Frame Pane "Turn off Preview Pane" to "Enabled". Configure the policy value for User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components Windows Explorer >> Explorer Frame Pane "Turn on or off details pane" to "Enabled" and "Configure details pane" to "Always hide".