The system is configured to allow installation of printers using kernel-mode drivers.

From Windows XP Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of Printers - Disallow Installation of Drivers

Associated with IA controls: DCSL-1

SV-3478r1_rule The system is configured to allow installation of printers using kernel-mode drivers.

Vulnerability discussion

Kernel-mode drivers are drivers that operate in kernel mode. Kernel mode allows virtually unlimited access to hardware and memory. A poorly written kernel driver may cause system instability and data corruption. Malicious code inserted in a kernel-mode driver has almost no limit on what it may do. Most modern printers do not require kernel-mode drivers.

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Configure the system to prevent it from allowing the installation of kernel-mode drivers by setting the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Printers “Disallow Installation of Printers Using Kernel-mode Drivers” to “Enabled”.

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