Information
A common distribution method for adware and spyware is to have the user download an executable file and run it automatically from the Downloaded Program Files folder. This rule is specific to Microsoft Internet Explorer and prevents software installations through the web browser. Internet Explorer runs code from the Downloaded Program Files directory, notably ActiveX controls. Some vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer and viruses place an .exe file into this directory and run it. This rule closes that attack vector.
NOTE: Nessus has not performed this check. Please review the benchmark to ensure target compliance.
Solution
From the ePO server console System Tree, select the Systems tab, select the asset to be checked, select Actions, select Agent, and select Modify Policies on a Single System. From the product pull down list, select VirusScan Enterprise 8.8.0. Select the policy associated with the Access Protection Policies. Under the Access Protection tab, locate the 'Access protection rules:' label. In the 'Categories' box, select 'Common Maximum Protection'. Select the 'Prevent launching of files from the Downloaded Program Files folder' (Report) option. Select Save.