Windows Defender AV must be configured to prevent user and apps from accessing dangerous websites.

From MS Windows Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001170

SV-92675r1_rule Windows Defender AV must be configured to prevent user and apps from accessing dangerous websites.

Vulnerability discussion

Enable Windows Defender Exploit Guard network protection to prevent employees from using any application to access dangerous domains that may host phishing scams exploit-hosting sites and other malicious content on the Internet.

Check content

This setting is applicable starting with v1709 of Windows 10, it is NA for prior versions. Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Defender Antivirus -> Windows Defender Exploit Guard -> Network Protection -> "Prevent users and apps from accessing dangerous websites" is set to "Enabled” and “Block" selected in the drop down box. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Exploit Guard\Network Protection Criteria: If the value "EnableNetworkProtection" is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Defender Antivirus -> Windows Defender Exploit Guard -> Network Protection -> "Prevent users and apps from accessing dangerous websites" to "Enabled” and select “Block" in the drop down box.

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.