Details

Microsoft ActiveX controls and file downloads often have digital signatures attached that certify the file’s integrity and the identity of the signer (creator) of the software. Such signatures help ensure unmodified software is downloaded and the user can positively identify the signer to determine whether you trust them enough to run their software. The validity of unsigned code cannot be ascertained.

Solution

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Control Panel -> Advanced Page -> ‘Allow software to run or install even if the signature is invalid’ to ‘Disabled’.

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(4)
• CAT|II
• Rule-ID|SV-40627r2_rule
• STIG-ID|DTBI350
• Vuln-ID|V-15499

Source

• Tenable.com/audits