The Internet File Association service must be turned off.

From Windows 8/8.1 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of Internet File Association Service

Associated with: CCI-000381

SV-48225r1_rule The Internet File Association service must be turned off.

Vulnerability discussion

Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system. This setting prevents unhandled file associations from using the Microsoft Web service to find an application.

Check content

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Subkey: \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\ Value Name: NoInternetOpenWith Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Internet Communication Management -> Internet Communication settings -> "Turn off Internet File Association service" to "Enabled".

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