File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-220839 | WN10-CC-000225 | SV-220839r991589_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 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2024-11-25 |
Details
| Check Text (C-22554r555002_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: 0 (or if the Value Name does not exist) |
| Fix Text (F-22543r555003_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". |