Title

Print driver installation privilege is not restricted to administrators. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

By default, the print spooler allows any user to add and to delete printer drivers on the local system. This capability should be restricted to authorized personnel.

Check Content

Analyze the system using the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in. Expand the Security Configuration and Analysis tree view. Navigate to Local Policies -> Security Options. If the value for “Devices: Prevent users from installing printer drivers” is not set to “Enabled”, then this is a finding. The policy referenced configures the following registry value: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Providers\LanMan Print Services\Servers Value Name: AddPrinterDrivers Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 Documentable Explanation: If site circumstances require that users be able to install print drivers for locally attached printers (e.g. - Users that telecommute and attach a home printer), this exception can be documented with the site IAO.

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> “Devices: Prevent users from installing printer drivers” to “Enabled”.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-29009r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-1151

Group Title: Secure Print Driver Installation

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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