Configuration for file validation must be enforced.

From Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 STIG

Part of DTOO119 - Turn off file validation

SV-53471r1_rule Configuration for file validation must be enforced.

Vulnerability discussion

Office File Validation helps detect and prevent a kind of exploit known as a file format attack or file fuzzing attack. File format attacks exploit the integrity of a file. They occur when someone modifies the structure of a file with the intent of adding malicious code. Usually the malicious code is run remotely and is used to elevate the privilege of restricted accounts on the computer. As a result, an attacker could gain access to a computer that they did not previously have access to. This could enable an attacker to read sensitive information from the computer's hard disk drive or install malware, such as a worm or a key logging program. The Office File Validation feature helps prevent file format attacks by scanning and validating files before they are opened. To validate files, Office File Validation compares a file's structure to a predefined file schema, which is a set of rules that determine what a readable file looks like. If Office File Validation detects that a file's structure does not follow all rules that are described in the schema, the file does not pass validation.

Check content

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Turn off file validation" set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\15.0\PowerPoint\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value EnableOnLoad is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Turn off file validation" to "Disabled".

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