← Back to Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-253426

CAT II (Medium)

Windows 11 Kernel (Direct Memory Access) DMA Protection must be enabled.

Rule ID

SV-253426r991580_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R7

CCIs

CCI-000172

Discussion

Kernel DMA Protection to protect PCs against drive-by Direct Memory Access (DMA) attacks using PCI hot plug devices connected to Thunderbolt 3 ports. Drive-by DMA attacks can lead to disclosure of sensitive information residing on a PC, or even injection of malware that allows attackers to bypass the lock screen or control PCs remotely.

Check Content

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Kernel DMA Protection

Value Name: DeviceEnumerationPolicy
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> Kernel DMA Protection >> "Enumeration policy for external devices incompatible with Kernel DMA Protection" to "Enabled" with "Enumeration Policy" set to "Block All".