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	2023-09-29

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".