The ability to run programs from a PowerPoint presentation must be disallowed.

From Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 STIG

Part of DTOO289 - Running programs in PowerPoint

SV-53519r1_rule The ability to run programs from a PowerPoint presentation must be disallowed.

Vulnerability discussion

Action buttons can be used to launch external programs from PowerPoint presentations. If a malicious person adds an action button to a presentation that launches a dangerous program, it could significantly affect the security of a user's computer and data.

Check content

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Run Programs" must be "Enabled (disable - (don't run any programs))". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\15.0\PowerPoint\security Criteria: If the value RunPrograms is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Run Programs" to "Enabled (disable - (don't run any programs))".

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