The URL to be displayed for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools must be a blank page.

From Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of DTBI675 - Displaying URL's for update checking

SV-45439r2_rule The URL to be displayed for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools must be a blank page.

Vulnerability discussion

This policy setting allows checking for updates for Internet Explorer from the specified URL, included by default in Internet Explorer. If you enable this policy setting, users will not be able to change the URL to be displayed for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools. The URL must be specified to be displayed for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, users will be able to change the URL to be displayed for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools.

Check content

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Settings -> Component Updates -> Periodic check for updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools -> "Prevent changing the URL for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools" must be "Enabled" with a "blank or empty" selection box. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main Criteria: The Update_Check_Page value must exist. The value must contain no data value. If the value Update_Check_Page is not present, this is a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Settings -> Component Updates -> Periodic check for updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools -> "Prevent changing the URL for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools" to "Enabled" with a "blank or empty" selection 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.