![]() Fortunately, with User Account Control, users of Windows 7 computers no longer need to be local admins on their machines in order to perform work-related tasks. The bottom line is, local admins rule their systems, and they can circumvent any security controls instituted at the domain level. If the computer is domain-joined and Group Policy is applied, the domain-based AppLocker policy and local AppLocker policy are both applied in an additive fashion.įigure 1: AppLocker can also be configured at the local security policy level on each Windows 7 computer. As Figure 1 illustrates, the Local Group Policy Editor on a Windows 7 machine can be used to configure AppLocker rules at the Local Group Policy Object level. AppLocker Can't: Handcuff Local AdminsĪppLocker cannot lock down PCs if the users of those PCs have local administrator privileges on those machines. Third-party Perl script interpreters, however, generally aren’t designed to use AppLocker application programming interfaces, so that’s why an AppLocker rule can’t be created to block. Similarly, Windows batch files (.BAT) run within the context of the Windows Command Host (CMD.EXE), and it’s the responsibility of this Command Host to call in to AppLocker before running a batch file to make sure AppLocker rules are enforced. VBS file to ensure the policy is enforced. VBS scripts, it’s the responsibility of the VBScript interpreter (VBSCRIPT.DLL) to call in to AppLocker before running a. For example, if you create an AppLocker policy to block execution of. It’s the responsibility of the script interpreter to call in to AppLocker before running a script to make sure any AppLocker policies are enforced. PL scripts can’t be blocked is because of how AppLocker works. ![]() Therefore, an AppLocker rule cannot be created to block execution of Perl scripts, but it can be used to block installation or execution of a specific Perl script interpreter, if needed. AppLocker Can't: Control Arbitrary File ExtensionsĪppLocker also can’t lock down arbitrary file extensions such as. It also can’t be used to lock down macros and other Active content embedded within Word documents or Excel spreadsheets. Specifically, it can control the execution of:īut what about Windows Script File (.WSF)? Unfortunately AppLocker rules can’t be used to control. AppLocker Can't: Hold the WSF ScriptsĪppLocker can be used to prevent certain kinds of scripts from running on users’ PCs. If using the 64-bit version of Windows 7, then obviously this isn’t an issue because 16-bit programs can’t run on this platform. But then keep in mind that 16-bit programs won’t be able to run on the system, including those needed to run your organization. However, because 16-bit programs are actually loaded by NTVDM.EXE, AppLocker can be used to block execution of these programs by locking down NTVDM.EXE. If you’re using the 32-bit version of Windows 7, then AppLocker can’t be used to prevent installation of specific 16-bit programs. ![]() While it’s best to migrate functions away from 16-bit programs as soon as possible, cost considerations and an “if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it” attitude can cause organizations to try and get one more mile out of these legacy programs. Some organizations are still relying on legacy 16-bit applications. ![]() The following points briefly explore the limits of AppLocker by describing five things that AppLocker can’t do. But a lot of IT shops still have some confusion about what AppLocker can and can’t do. Organizations that need tips on how to plan and implement AppLocker effectively can consult an earlier BizTech story, which outlines a few best practices. AppLocker can also help organizations ensure compliance with government or industry sector security requirements. AppLocker can be centrally managed by configuring Group Policy and has several benefits, including preventing users from installing unauthorized applications and preventing certain kinds of malware from installing in an environment. Windows AppLocker is a feature of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 that lets administrators control what types of programs are allowed to run on users’ PCs.
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