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The system must be configured to use Safe DLL Search Mode.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-3479 WN08-SO-000045 SV-48117r1_rule Medium
Description
The default search behavior, when an application calls a function in a Dynamic Link Library (DLL), is to search the current directory, followed by the directories contained in the system's path environment variable. An unauthorized DLL, inserted into an application's working directory, could allow malicious code to be run on the system. Setting this policy value forces the system to search the %Systemroot% for the DLL before searching the current directory or the rest of the path.
STIG Date
Windows 8/8.1 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2018-02-12

Details

Check Text ( C-44843r1_chk )
Analyze the system using the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in. (See "Performing Analysis with the Security Configuration and Analysis Snap-in" in the STIG Overview document.)
Expand the Security Configuration and Analysis tree view.
Navigate to Local Policies -> Security Options.

(See "Updating the Windows Security Options File" in the STIG Overview document if MSS settings are not visible in the system's policy tools.)

If the value for "MSS: (SafeDllSearchMode) Enable Safe DLL search mode (recommended)" is not set to "Enabled", this is a finding.

The policy referenced configures the following registry value:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\

Value Name: SafeDllSearchMode

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1
Fix Text (F-41254r1_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> "MSS: (SafeDllSearchMode) Enable Safe DLL search mode (recommended)" to "Enabled".