File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-253398 | WN11-CC-000225 | SV-253398r991589_rule | CCI-000366 | medium |
| 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. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-05-15 | |||
Related Frameworks
4 paths across 3 frameworks
Related Frameworks
NIST 800-531 mapping
CM-6
1.00
- DISA · 2 · disa_xccdf · related
- DISA · 2025-01-23 · disa_cci_list · equivalent
NIST 800-1712 mappings
3.4.1
1.00
- DISA · 2 · disa_xccdf · related
- DISA · 2025-01-23 · disa_cci_list · equivalent
- NIST · Rev 2 (Feb 2020, errata Jan 2021) · nist_800_171_app_d · equivalent
3.4.2
1.00
- DISA · 2 · disa_xccdf · related
- DISA · 2025-01-23 · disa_cci_list · equivalent
- NIST · Rev 2 (Feb 2020, errata Jan 2021) · nist_800_171_app_d · equivalent
CCI1 mapping
CCI-000366
1.00
- DISA · 2 · disa_xccdf · related
Details
Check Text (C-253398r991589_chk)
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 Text (F-56801r829277_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".