Windows Messenger (MSN Messenger, .NET messenger) is run at system startup.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-3349	5.018	SV-29243r1_rule	ECIM-1	Medium

Description
This setting prevents the automatic launch of Windows Messenger at user logon. Instant Messaging clients must be in compliance of with the Instant Messaging STIG. Windows Messenger should not be active on Windows unless the instant messaging system is a Managed Enterprise Service for unclassified data for which the DAA has approved.

STIG	Date
Windows Vista Security Technical Implementation Guide	2012-08-22

Details

Check Text ( C-547r1_chk )
If the following registry value doesn’t exist or its value is not set to 1, then this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Subkey: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client\ Value Name: PreventAutoRun Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 Documentable Explanation: If the site has a requirement for Windows Messaging and meets the conditions of the Instant Messaging STIG this needs to be documented with the IAO.

Check Text ( C-547r1_chk )

If the following registry value doesn’t exist or its value is not set to 1, then this is a finding:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Subkey: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client\
Value Name: PreventAutoRun
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1

Documentable Explanation: If the site has a requirement for Windows Messaging and meets the conditions of the Instant Messaging STIG this needs to be documented with the IAO.

Fix Text (F-5828r1_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Messenger “Do Not Automatically Start Windows Messenger Initially” to “Enabled”.