UCF STIG Viewer Logo
Changes are coming to https://stigviewer.com. Take our survey to help us understand your usage and how we can better serve you in the future.
Take Survey

File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-73565 WN16-CC-000360 SV-88229r1_rule Medium
Description
The shell protocol will limit the set of folders that 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
Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2019-12-12

Details

Check Text ( C-73647r1_chk )
The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.

If the registry value name below does not exist, this is not a finding.

If it exists and is configured with a value of "0", this is not a finding.

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: 0x00000000 (0) (or if the Value Name does not exist)
Fix Text (F-80015r1_fix)
The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.

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