Title

Windows Explorer – Shell Protocol Protected Mode (Cat II impact)

Discussion

This check verifies that the shell protocol is run in protected mode. (This allows applications to only open limited folders.)

Check Content

If the following registry value doesn’t exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Subkey: \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\ Value Name: PreXPSP2ShellProtocolBehavior Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Explorer “Turn off shell protocol protected mode” to “Disabled”.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-16600r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-15683

Group Title: Windows Explorer – Shell Protocol Protected Mode

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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