Title

The system is configured to allow installation of printers using kernel-mode drivers. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Kernel-mode drivers are drivers that operate in kernel mode. Kernel mode allows virtually unlimited access to hardware and memory. A poorly written kernel driver may cause system instability and data corruption. Malicious code inserted in a kernel-mode driver has almost no limit on what it may do. Most modern printers do not require kernel-mode drivers.

Check Content

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Printers “Disallow Installation of Printers Using Kernel-mode Drivers” will be set to “Enabled”. If the following registry value doesn’t exist or its value is not set to 1, then this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Subkey: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\ Value Name: KMPrintersAreBlocked Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 Note: This setting will prevent some applications from installing PDF print drivers.

Fix Text

Configure the system to prevent it from allowing the installation of kernel-mode drivers by setting the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Printers “Disallow Installation of Printers Using Kernel-mode Drivers” to “Enabled”.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-3478r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-3478

Group Title: Printers - Disallow Installation of Drivers

Expert Comments

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