STIGQter STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 9 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

Microsoft Defender AV must be configured to not allow override of monitoring for incoming and outgoing file activity.

DISA Rule

SV-213438r960921_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-213438

Group Title

SRG-APP-000112

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000014

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Real-time Protection >> "Configure local setting override for monitoring for incoming and outgoing file activity" to "Disabled" or "Not Configured".

Check Contents

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Real-time Protection >> "Configure local setting override for monitoring for incoming and outgoing file activity" is set to "Disabled" or "Not Configured".

Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection

Criteria: If the value "LocalSettingOverrideRealtimeScanDirection" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

If the value does not exist, this is not a finding.

If the value is 1, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-213438

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000014

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Real-time Protection >> "Configure local setting override for monitoring for incoming and outgoing file activity" is set to "Disabled" or "Not Configured".

Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection

Criteria: If the value "LocalSettingOverrideRealtimeScanDirection" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

If the value does not exist, this is not a finding.

If the value is 1, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

3985