The Windows Installer Always install with elevated privileges option must be disabled.

From Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 Member Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of Always Install with Elevated Privileges Disabled

Associated with: CCI-001812

SV-52954r1_rule The Windows Installer Always install with elevated privileges option must be disabled.

Vulnerability discussion

Standard user accounts must not be granted elevated privileges. Enabling Windows Installer to elevate privileges when installing applications can allow malicious persons and applications to gain full control of a system.

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 Registry Path: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer\ Value Name: AlwaysInstallElevated Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Installer -> "Always install with elevated privileges" to "Disabled".

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