User-installed gadgets must be turned off.

From Windows 7 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of Gadgets – User Installed Gadgets

Associated with: CCI-001812

SV-25269r2_rule User-installed gadgets must be turned off.

Vulnerability discussion

Uncontrolled installation of applications can introduce various issues, including system instability, and allow access to sensitive information. Installation of applications must be controlled by the enterprise. This setting prevents user-installed gadgets from running.

Check content

If Desktop Gadgets have been disabled, this is NA. Verify the following registry value to determine if Desktop Gadgets have been disabled: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Windows\Sidebar\ Value Name: TurnOffSidebar Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 If Desktop Gadgets have not been disabled and the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Windows\Sidebar\ Value Name: TurnOffUserInstalledGadgets Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Desktop Gadgets - > "Turn Off user-installed desktop gadgets" to "Enabled". To turn off Desktop Gadgets completely, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Desktop Gadgets -> "Turn off desktop gadgets" to "Enabled".

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