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File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-253398 WN11-CC-000225 SV-253398r829278_rule Medium
Description
The shell protocol will limit the set of folders applications can open when run in protected mode. Restricting files an application can open, to a limited set of folders, increases the security of Windows.
STIG Date
Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2022-08-31

Details

Check Text ( C-56851r829276_chk )
The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for file explorer.

If it exists and is configured with a value of "1", this is a finding.

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\

Value Name: PreXPSP2ShellProtocolBehavior

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0 (or if the Value Name does not exist)
Fix Text (F-56801r829277_fix)
The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for file explorer.

To correct this, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> File Explorer >> "Turn off shell protocol protected mode" to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".