Prevent the execution of unauthorized or malicious code on systems by implementing application control, script blocking, and other execution prevention mechanisms. This ensures that only trusted and authorized code is executed, reducing the risk of malware and unauthorized actions.

• Use Case: Use tools like AppLocker or Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) to create whitelists of authorized applications and block unauthorized ones. On Linux, use tools like SELinux or AppArmor to define mandatory access control policies for application execution.
• Implementation: Allow only digitally signed or pre-approved applications to execute on servers and endpoints. (e.g., `New-AppLockerPolicy -PolicyType Enforced -FilePath "C:\Policies\AppLocker.

• Use Case: Use script control mechanisms to block unauthorized execution of scripts, such as PowerShell or JavaScript. Web Browsers: Use browser extensions or settings to block JavaScript execution from untrusted sources.
• Implementation: Configure PowerShell to enforce Constrained Language Mode for non-administrator users. (e.g.

• Use Case: Prevent execution of binaries from suspicious locations, such as %TEMP% or %APPDATA% directories.
• Implementation: Block execution of .exe, .bat, or .ps1 files from user-writable directories.

• Use Case: Use behavior-based execution prevention tools to identify and block malicious activity in real time.
• Implemenation: Employ EDR solutions that analyze runtime behavior and block suspicious code execution.

Disable or remove unnecessary and potentially vulnerable software, features, or services to reduce the attack surface and prevent abuse by adversaries. This involves identifying software or features that are no longer needed or that could be exploited and ensuring they are either removed or properly disabled.

• Use Case: Disable or remove older versions of software that no longer receive updates or security patches (e.g., legacy Java, Adobe Flash).
• Implementation: A company removes Flash Player from all employee systems after it has reached its end-of-life date.

• Use Case: Turn off unnecessary operating system features like SMBv1, Telnet, or RDP if they are not required.
• Implementation: Disable SMBv1 in a Windows environment to mitigate vulnerabilities like EternalBlue.

• Use Case: Prevent users from installing unauthorized software via group policies or other management tools.
• Implementation: Block user installations of unauthorized file-sharing applications (e.g., BitTorrent clients) in an enterprise environment.

• Use Case: Identify and disable unnecessary default services running on endpoints, servers, or network devices.
• Implementation: Disable unused administrative shares (e.g., C$, ADMIN$) on workstations.

• Use Case: Remove or disable browser plugins and add-ons that are not needed for business purposes.
• Implementation: Disable Java and ActiveX plugins in web browsers to prevent drive-by attacks.

Deploy capabilities that detect, block, and mitigate conditions indicative of software exploits. These capabilities aim to prevent exploitation by addressing vulnerabilities, monitoring anomalous behaviors, and applying exploit-mitigation techniques to harden systems and software.

• Use Case: Enable built-in exploit protection features provided by modern operating systems, such as Microsoft's Exploit Protection, which includes techniques like Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Control Flow Guard (CFG).
• Implementation: Enforce DEP for all programs and enable ASLR to randomize memory addresses used by system and application processes. Windows: Configure Exploit Protection through the Windows Security app or deploy settings via Group Policy. ExploitProtectionExportSettings.exe -path "exploit_settings.xml" Linux: Use Kernel-level hardening features like SELinux, AppArmor, or GRSEC to enforce memory protections and prevent exploits.

• Use Case: Use endpoint protection tools with built-in exploit protection, such as enhanced memory protection, behavior monitoring, and real-time exploit detection.
• Implementation: Deploy tools to detect and block exploitation attempts targeting unpatched software.

• Use Case: Use tools to implement virtual patches that mitigate vulnerabilities in applications or operating systems until official patches are applied.
• Implementation: Use Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to block exploitation attempts on known vulnerabilities in outdated applications.

• Use Case: Disable risky application features that can be exploited, such as macros in Microsoft Office or JScript in Internet Explorer.
• Implementation: Configure Microsoft Office Group Policies to disable execution of macros in downloaded files.