File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode.
Severity | Group ID | Group Title | Version | Rule ID | Date | STIG Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium | V-253398 | SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227 | WN11-CC-000225 | SV-253398r991589_rule | 2025-02-25 | 2 |
| Description |
|---|
| The shell protocol will limit the set of folders applications can open when run in protected mode. Restricting files an application can open, to a limited set of folders, increases the security of Windows. |
| ℹ️ Check |
|---|
| The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for file explorer. If it exists and is configured with a value of "1", this is a finding. Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\ Value Name: PreXPSP2ShellProtocolBehavior Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0 (or if the Value Name does not exist) |
| ✔️ Fix |
|---|
| The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for file explorer. To correct this, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> File Explorer >> "Turn off shell protocol protected mode" to "Not Configured" or "Disabled". |