Third-party browser extensions must be disallowed.

From Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of DTBI355 - Third-party browser extensions

Associated with IA controls: ECSC-1

SV-45445r2_rule Third-party browser extensions must be disallowed.

Vulnerability discussion

This policy setting allows you to manage whether Internet Explorer will launch COM add-ons, known as browser helper objects such as toolbars. Browser helper objects may contain flaws such as buffer overruns which impact Internet Explorer's performance or stability. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer automatically launches any browser helper objects that are installed on the user's computer. If you disable this policy setting, browser helper objects do not launch. If you do not configure this policy, Internet Explorer automatically launches any browser helper objects that are installed on the user's computer.

Check content

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Control Panel -> Advanced Page -> "Allow third-party browser extensions" must be "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main Criteria: If the value Enable Browser Extensions is REG_SZ = no, this is not a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Control Panel -> Advanced Page -> "Allow third-party browser extensions" 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.