Information
This policy setting controls the ability to use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) in Word.
The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled
In an email attack scenario, an attacker could leverage the DDE protocol by sending a specially crafted file to the user and then convincing the user to open the file, typically by way of an enticement in an email. The attacker would have to convince the user to disable Protected Mode and click through one or more additional prompts. Email attachments are a primary method an attacker could use to spread malware.
For more information, see Microsoft Security Advisory 4053440 link in the references of this recommendation.
Solution
To establish the recommended state via configuration profiles, set the following Settings Catalog path to Disabled
Microsoft Word 2016\Word Options\Security\Trust Center\Dynamic Data Exchange
Impact:
None - DDE is disabled by default in Word. Enforcing this policy ensures users cannot enter an unsecure state.