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Internet Explorer Processes for MIME sniffing must be enforced (iexplore).

Overview

Finding IDVersionRule IDIA ControlsSeverity
V-223106DTBI597-IE11SV-223106r879627_ruleCCI-001166medium
Description
MIME sniffing is the process of examining the content of a MIME file to determine its context - whether it is a data file, an executable file, or some other type of file. This policy setting determines whether Internet Explorer MIME sniffing will prevent promotion of a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. When set to "Enabled", MIME sniffing will never promote a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. Disabling MIME sniffing configures Internet Explorer processes to allow a MIME sniff that promotes a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. For example, promoting a text file to an executable file is a dangerous promotion because any code in the supposed text file would be executed. MIME file-type spoofing is a potential threat to an organization. Ensuring these files are consistently handled helps prevent malicious file downloads from infecting the network. This guide recommends configuring this policy as "Enabled" for all environments specified in this guide. Note: This setting works in conjunction with, but does not replace, the Consistent MIME Handling settings.
STIGDate
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide2023-12-01

Related Frameworks

1 mapping across 4 frameworks
SCF0 mappings

No source states a mapping between these directly.

Also reachable in 3 hops (3) derived by us, not asserted by any source

Each of these is a route we composed by chaining published mappings. No publisher states a relationship between the two endpoints.

END-10Mobile Code
0.50
VPM-02Vulnerability Remediation Process
0.50
VPM-04Continuous Vulnerability Remediation Activities
0.50
NIST 800-530 mappings

No source states a mapping between these directly.

Also reachable in 2 hops (19) derived by us, not asserted by any source

Each of these is a route we composed by chaining published mappings. No publisher states a relationship between the two endpoints.

AC-17(2)Protection of Confidentiality and Integrity Using Encryption
1.00
AC-3Access Enforcement
1.00
AC-6(10)Prohibit Non-privileged Users from Executing Privileged Functions
1.00
AC-6(8)Privilege Levels for Code Execution
1.00
CM-5(6)Limit Library Privileges
1.00
CM-7(2)Prevent Program Execution
1.00
IA-5(1)Password-based Authentication
1.00
IA-7Cryptographic Module Authentication
1.00
SC-12(3)Asymmetric Keys
1.00
SC-13Cryptographic Protection
1.00

+9 more (top 10 by confidence shown)

CCI1 mapping
CCI-001166
1.00
NIST CSF 2.00 mappings

No source states a mapping between these directly.

Also reachable in 4 hops (2) derived by us, not asserted by any source

Each of these is a route we composed by chaining published mappings. No publisher states a relationship between the two endpoints.

ID.RA-08
0.50
PR.PS-02
0.50

Details

Check Text (C-223106r879627_chk)

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Security Features -> Mime Sniffing Safety Feature -> 'Internet Explorer Processes' must be 'Enabled'. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_MIME_SNIFFING Criteria: If the value "iexplore.exe" is REG_SZ = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix Text (F-24767r428869_fix)

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Security Features -> Mime Sniffing Safety Feature -> 'Internet Explorer Processes' to 'Enabled'.