Title

Windows must be prevented from using Windows Update to search for drivers. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system. This setting prevents Windows from searching Windows Update for device drivers when no local drivers for a device are present.

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 Subkey: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching\ Value Name: DontSearchWindowsUpdate Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Internet Communication Management -> Internet Communication settings -> "Turn off Windows Update device driver searching" to "Enabled".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-48215r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-14261

Group Title: Windows Update Device Drive Searching

Expert Comments

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