The automatically update links feature must be disabled.

From Microsoft Word 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001170

SV-85711r1_rule The automatically update links feature must be disabled.

Vulnerability discussion

When users open documents Word automatically updates any links to external content, such as graphics, Excel worksheets, and PowerPoint slides. To disable automatic updating, the user can click the Office Button, click Word Options, click Advanced, scroll to the General section, and then clear the Update automatic links at open check box.If Word is configured to automatically update links when documents are open, document content can change without the user's knowledge, which could put important information at risk.

Check content

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Advanced "Update automatic links at Open" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\word\options Criteria: If the value DontUpdateLinks is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Word 2016 -> Word Options -> Advanced "Update automatic links at Open" to "Disabled".

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.