Files in unsafe locations must be opened in Protected View.

From Microsoft Excel 2013 STIG

Part of DTOO288 - Files in unsafe locations

Associated with: CCI-001170

SV-53831r1_rule Files in unsafe locations must be opened in Protected View.

Vulnerability discussion

This policy setting determines whether files located in unsafe locations will open in Protected View. If unsafe locations have not been specified, only the "Downloaded Program Files" and "Temporary Internet Files" folders are considered unsafe locations. If enabling this policy setting, files located in unsafe locations do not open in Protected View. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, files located in unsafe locations open in Protected View.

Check content

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2013 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\15.0\excel\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableUnsafeLocationsInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2013 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View" to "Disabled".

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