Internet links and Network UNCs created as embedded hyperlinks must be prevented.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17650	DTOO138 - Excel	SV-33436r1_rule	ECSC-1	Medium

Description
When users type a string of characters, Excel recognizes as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or Uniform Naming Convention (UNC) path to a resource on the Internet or a local network, Excel will transform it into a hyperlink. Clicking the hyperlink opens it in the configured default Web browser or the appropriate application. This functionality can enable users to accidentally create links to dangerous or restricted resources, which could create a security risk.

Description

When users type a string of characters, Excel recognizes as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or Uniform Naming Convention (UNC) path to a resource on the Internet or a local network, Excel will transform it into a hyperlink. Clicking the hyperlink opens it in the configured default Web browser or the appropriate application. This functionality can enable users to accidentally create links to dangerous or restricted resources, which could create a security risk.

STIG	Date
Microsoft Excel 2010	2015-04-16

Details

Check Text ( None )
None

Fix Text (F-29608r1_fix)
Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Proofing -> Autocorrect Options “Internet and network paths as hyperlinks” to “Disabled”.