STIGQter STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 2 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

Windows Server 2025 File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode.

DISA Rule

SV-278111r1182065_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-278111

Group Title

SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Rule Version

WN25-CC-000330

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

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".

Check Contents

The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.

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

If it exists and is configured with a value of "0", this is not a finding.

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: 0x00000000 (0) (or if the Value Name does not exist)

Vulnerability Number

V-278111

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WN25-CC-000330

Severity Override Guidance

The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.

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

If it exists and is configured with a value of "0", this is not a finding.

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: 0x00000000 (0) (or if the Value Name does not exist)

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5719