Details

ActiveX controls can contain potentially malicious code and must only be allowed to be downloaded from trusted sites. Signed code is better than unsigned code in that it may be easier to determine its author, but it is still potentially harmful, especially when coming from an untrusted zone.

Solution

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Control Panel -> Security Page -> Restricted Sites Zone -> ‘Download signed ActiveX controls’ to ‘Enabled’ and select ‘Disable’ from the drop-down box.

Supportive Information

The following resource is also helpful.

• https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/stigs/zip/U_Microsoft_IE9_V1R15_STIG.zip

This security hardening control applies to the following category of controls within NIST 800-53: System and Communications Protection.This control applies to the following type of system Windows.

References

• 800-53|SC-18(3)
• CAT|II
• Rule-ID|SV-40586r1_rule
• STIG-ID|DTBI112
• Vuln-ID|V-6289

Source

• Tenable.com/audits