DTOO138 - Internet links and Network UNCs created as embedded hyperlinks must be prevented.

Information

When users type a string of characters, Excel recognizes as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or Uniform Naming Convention (UNC) path to a resource on the Internet or a local network, Excel will transform it into a hyperlink. Clicking the hyperlink opens it in the configured default web browser or the appropriate application. This functionality can enable users to accidentally create links to dangerous or restricted resources, which could create a security risk.

Solution

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2013 -> Excel Options -> Proofing -> Autocorrect Options 'Internet and network paths as hyperlinks' to 'Disabled'.

See Also

https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/stigs/zip/U_MS_Excel_2013_V1R8_STIG.zip

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|SC-18(4), CAT|II, CCI|CCI-001170, Rule-ID|SV-242356r961092_rule, STIG-ID|DTOO138, STIG-Legacy|SV-53725, STIG-Legacy|V-17650, Vuln-ID|V-242356

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: edb3d2a1e6152111b0456cdc024ebae26bef72393ee7f8e2a75939f6c00d5fc2