The user is allowed to launch Windows Messenger (MSN Messenger, .NET Messenger).

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-3348	5.017	SV-29238r1_rule	ECIM-1	Medium

Description
This setting prevents the Windows Messenger client from being run. 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	2015-06-03

Details

Check Text ( C-546r1_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: PreventRun 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-546r1_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: PreventRun
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-5827r1_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Messenger “Do Not Allow Windows Messenger to be Run” to “Enabled”.