Standard user accounts must only have Read permissions to the Active Setup\Installed Components registry key.

From Windows 8/8.1 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of WINRG-000001 Active Setup\Installed Components Registry Permissions

Associated with: CCI-002235

SV-48295r2_rule Standard user accounts must only have Read permissions to the Active Setup\Installed Components registry key.

Vulnerability discussion

Permissions on the Active Setup\Installed Components registry key must only allow privileged accounts to add or change registry values. If standard user accounts have this capability, there is a potential for programs to run with elevated privileges when a privileged user logs on to the system.

Check content

Run "Regedit". Navigate to the following registry keys and review the permissions: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\ (64-bit systems) If the default permissions listed below have been changed, this is a finding. Users - Read Administrators - Full Control SYSTEM - Full Control CREATOR OWNER - Full Control (Subkeys only) ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES - Read

Fix text

Maintain the default permissions of the following registry keys as noted below: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\ (64-bit systems only) Users - Read Administrators - Full Control SYSTEM - Full Control CREATOR OWNER - Full Control (Subkeys only) ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES - Read

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