Updating of links in Excel must be prompted and not automatic.
An XCCDF Rule
Description
<VulnDiscussion>This policy setting controls whether Excel prompts users to update automatic links, or whether the updates occur in the background with no prompt. If you enable or do not configure this policy setting, Excel will prompt users to update automatic links. In addition, the "Ask to update automatic links" user interface option under File tab >> Advanced >> General is selected. If you disable this policy setting, Excel updates automatic links without prompting or informing users, which could compromise the integrity of some of the information in the workbook.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>
- ID
- SV-223328r879630_rule
- Severity
- Medium
- References
- Updated
Remediation - Manual Procedure
Set the policy value for User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Excel 2016 >> Excel Options >> Advanced >> Ask to update automatic links to "Enabled".