Title

The Windows Explorer Preview pane must be disabled for Windows Server 2016. (Cat II impact)

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.

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

Fix Text

Ensure the following settings are configured for Windows Server 2016 locally or applied through group policy. Configure the policy value for User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> File Explorer >> Explorer Frame Pane "Turn off Preview Pane" to "Enabled". Configure the policy value for User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> File Explorer >> Explorer Frame Pane "Turn on or off details pane" to "Enabled" and "Configure details pane" to "Always hide".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-236000r641817_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-236000

Group Title: SRG-OS-000095-GPOS-00049

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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