Windows - Security - Mitigate Browser Information Disclosure Vulnerability

What the browser information disclosure mitigation does

This Automox Worklet™ applies registry-based mitigations for CVE-2017-8529, a vulnerability in Internet Explorer that allows attackers to detect specific files on a user's computer through specially crafted web content.

The Worklet configures two registry keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. Both the native and WOW6432Node paths receive the FEATURE_ENABLE_PRINT_INFO_DISCLOSURE_FIX setting with value 1 for iexplore.exe, covering both 32-bit and 64-bit browser processes.

The script handles architecture detection automatically, using Registry64 or Registry32 views as appropriate. If the required keys do not exist, the Worklet creates them with the correct path structure.

Why mitigate CVE-2017-8529

CVE-2017-8529 allows attackers to gain access to information stored in memory when a user visits malicious web content. In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker hosts a website that exploits this vulnerability to detect the presence of specific files on the user's system.

Vulnerability scanners frequently flag this CVE during compliance assessments. While Internet Explorer usage has declined, many organizations still have the browser installed on endpoints, and legacy applications may require it. Applying this mitigation addresses scanner findings without removing the browser.

This registry-based mitigation follows Microsoft's official guidance and provides protection without requiring application updates or patches.

How browser information disclosure mitigation works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet checks two registry paths for the iexplore.exe value under FEATURE_ENABLE_PRINT_INFO_DISCLOSURE_FIX: the native path (SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\...) and the WOW6432Node path for 32-bit compatibility. It verifies that each value exists, equals 1, and uses DWORD type. Any deviation triggers remediation.

2. Remediation phase: For each non-compliant registry configuration, the Worklet opens the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE base key with appropriate registry view, creates the subkey path if missing, and sets the iexplore.exe value to 1 with DWORD type. Both 64-bit and 32-bit paths receive the configuration.

Browser vulnerability mitigation requirements

• Windows workstations or servers

• PowerShell 3.0 or later

• Administrative privileges to modify HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE registry

• No restart required after remediation

Expected registry configuration state

After successful remediation, both registry paths contain the correct values. You can verify compliance by checking HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ENABLE_PRINT_INFO_DISCLOSURE_FIX and the corresponding WOW6432Node path. The iexplore.exe value should be REG_DWORD with data 0x00000001.

Vulnerability scanners should no longer flag CVE-2017-8529 after applying this mitigation. Subsequent Worklet executions confirm the endpoint maintains compliance without making additional changes.

How to validate mitigate browser information disclosure vulnerability changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot Windows endpoint and review evaluation output for mitigate browser information disclosure vulnerability.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as Write-Host, Write-Output.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as Write-Host, Write-Output, Write-Error, then rerun evaluation for compliance.

For technical validation, compare endpoint state to the Worklet evaluation logic and remediation flow for mitigate browser information disclosure vulnerability. This supports repeatable security workflows, faster change control review, and auditable compliance evidence.

Useful script references for this Worklet include evaluation operations such as Write-Host, Write-Output and remediation operations such as Write-Host, Write-Output, Write-Error. Use these indicators to verify that endpoint changes match intended policy outcomes.