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Adobe Reader DC must enable FIPS mode.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-65813 ARDC-CL-000345 SV-80303r2_rule Medium
Description
Use of weak or untested encryption algorithms undermines the purposes of utilizing encryption to protect data. The application must implement cryptographic modules adhering to the higher standards approved by the federal government since this provides assurance they have been tested and validated.
STIG Date
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Classic Track Security Technical Implementation Guide 2018-06-11

Details

Check Text ( C-66495r2_chk )
Verify the following registry configuration:

Note: The Key Names "bFIPSMode" is not created by default in the Adobe Reader DC install and must be created.

Utilizing the Registry Editor, navigate to the following: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\2015\AVGeneral

Value Name: bFIPSMode
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1

If the value for bFIPSMode is not set to “1” and Type configured to REG_DWORD does not exist, then this is a finding.

Admin Template path: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Adobe Reader DC Classic > Preferences > 'Enable FIPS' must be set to 'Enabled'.

This policy setting requires the installation of the AcrobatDCClassic custom templates included with the STIG package. "AcrobatDCClassic.admx" and "AcrobatDCClassic.adml" must be copied to the \Windows\PolicyDefinitions and \Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US directories respectively.
Fix Text (F-71883r2_fix)
Configure the following registry value:

Note: The Key Names "bFIPSMode" is not created by default in the Adobe Reader DC install and must be created.

Registry Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Registry Path: \Software\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\2015\AVGeneral

Value Name: bFIPSMode
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1

Configure the policy value for User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Adobe Reader DC Classic > Preferences > 'Enable FIPS' to 'Enabled'.

This policy setting requires the installation of the AcrobatDCClassic custom templates included with the STIG package. "AcrobatDCClassic.admx" and "AcrobatDCClassic.adml" must be copied to the \Windows\PolicyDefinitions and \Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US directories respectively.