Question 397 of 241
Which Attack Surface Reduction Rule Blocks Executables from %TEMP%?
A security administrator needs to block executable files from running from the %TEMP% folder on Windows devices to prevent common malware execution. Which attack surface reduction (ASR) rule should be enabled?
Quick Answer
The answer is the ASR rule 'Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criteria' (GUID: 01443614-cd74-433a-b99e-2ecdc07bfc25). This rule is specifically designed to block executable files from the %TEMP% folder because malware commonly drops payloads into temporary directories to bypass standard application controls. Instead of a blanket block, it uses cloud-delivered reputation data to allow only binaries that are widespread, have been seen for a sufficient time, or are on a trusted list, effectively stopping unknown or suspicious executables while reducing false positives. On the MS-102 exam, this question tests your understanding of how ASR rules map to specific attack vectors, often appearing alongside rules like 'Block Office apps from creating child processes' or 'Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem'. A common trap is confusing this rule with the broader 'Block all Office applications from creating child processes'—remember that the %TEMP% rule is the only one that explicitly checks prevalence and age. Memory tip: think "TEMP requires a reputation check" to recall that this rule uses cloud intelligence rather than a simple block.
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse ASR rules focused on script-based attacks (Option D) or credential theft (Option B) with the specific rule designed to block executables in low-reputation locations like %TEMP%, leading them to choose a rule that addresses a different attack vector.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criteria
The ASR rule 'Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criteria' (GUID: 01443614-cd74-433a-b99e-2ecdc07bfc25) specifically targets executables launched from locations commonly used by malware, such as the %TEMP% folder. This rule uses cloud-delivered reputation data to allow only executables that are prevalent, have sufficient age, or are on a trusted list, effectively blocking unknown or suspicious binaries from running in temporary directories.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criteria
Why this is correct
Correct. This ASR rule specifically blocks executables in writable directories unless they have been around long enough or are commonly seen.
- ✗
Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This rule prevents credential theft (e.g., from LSASS), not executable execution.
- ✗
Block all Office applications from creating child processes
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This rule prevents Office apps from spawning other executables, but does not target %TEMP% specifically.
- ✗
Block JavaScript or VBScript from launching downloaded executable content
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This rule blocks scripts from launching executables, not directly blocking executables in %TEMP%.
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Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on MS-102
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A security administrator needs to block executable files (e.g., .exe, .ps1) from running from the %TEMP% folder on Windows devices to prevent common malware execution. Which attack surface reduction (ASR) rule should be enabled?
hard- ✓ A.Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criterion
- B.Block executable content from email client and webmail
- C.Block Office applications from creating child processes
- D.Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe)
Why A: ASR rule 'Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criterion' (GUID: 01443614-cd74-433a-b99e-2ecdc07bfc25) is designed specifically to block executables (including .exe, .ps1, .scr, .dll) from launching from locations like %TEMP%, %APPDATA%, and the Windows folder, which are common malware staging areas. This rule uses cloud-delivered reputation (prevalence and age) and a Microsoft-managed trusted list to allow legitimate files while blocking unknown or suspicious ones, directly addressing the requirement to prevent malware execution from %TEMP%.
Variation 2. A security administrator wants to block executable files from running from writable system directories such as %TEMP% and %APPDATA% on Windows devices. Which attack surface reduction (ASR) rule should be enabled?
hard- ✓ A.Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criterion.
- B.Block Office communication application from creating child processes.
- C.Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe).
- D.Block executable content from email client and webmail.
Why A: The ASR rule 'Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criterion' (GUID: 01443614-cd74-433a-b99e-2ecdc07bfc25) is designed specifically to block executables (e.g., .exe, .dll, .scr) from running from writable locations like %TEMP% and %APPDATA% unless they have sufficient global prevalence, are older than a certain age, or are on a trusted list. This directly addresses the administrator's requirement to prevent untrusted executables from executing from these directories.
Variation 3. A security administrator needs to block users from running portable executable files (e.g., .exe, .scr) that were downloaded from the internet on Windows devices. Which Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rule should the administrator enable to meet this requirement?
hard- ✓ A.Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criterion
- B.Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe)
- C.Block Adobe Reader from creating child processes
- D.Block persistence through WMI event subscription
Why A: The ASR rule 'Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criterion' (GUID: 01443614-cd74-433a-b99e-2ecdc07bfc25) specifically targets executable files (e.g., .exe, .scr) that have been downloaded from the internet by checking their Mark-of-the-Web (MoTW) attribute. When enabled, this rule prevents execution of such files unless they meet criteria like high prevalence, sufficient age, or inclusion in a trusted list, directly addressing the requirement to block internet-downloaded portable executables.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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