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Default message format must be set to use Plain Text.

An XCCDF Rule

Description

<VulnDiscussion>Outlook uses HTML as the default email format. HTML format poses a security risk by embedding information into the email itself, which could allow for release of sensitive information. If a user attempted to insert an HTML link into an email message, the link itself may direct to a malicious website. By sending in that format, the recipient would be subject to becoming infected by the malicious website.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility>System Administrator</Responsibility><Responsibility>Information Assurance Officer</Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>

ID
SV-54062r1_rule
Severity
Medium
References
Updated



Remediation - Manual Procedure

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Outlook 2013 -> Outlook Options -> Mail Format -> Internet Formatting -> Message Format "Set message format" to "Enabled: Plain Text".