Microsoft IIS 10.0 • Release: 6 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026

CAT II V-218809 IIST-SV-000139

The IIS 10.0 web server Indexing must only index web content.

Documentable No
Rule ID SV-218809r961167_rule
CCI References
CCI-001312

The indexing service can be used to facilitate a search function for websites. Enabling indexing may facilitate a directory traversal exploit and reveal unwanted information to a malicious user. Indexing must be limited to web document directories only.

Check Procedure

Access the IIS 10.0 Web Server.

Access an administrator command prompt and type "regedit <enter>" to access the server's registry.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\ContentIndex\Catalogs\.

If this key exists, then indexing is enabled. 

If the key does not exist, this check is Not Applicable.

Review the Catalog keys to determine if directories other than web document directories are being indexed.

If so, this is a finding.

Fix Action

Run MMC.

Add the Indexing Service snap-in.

Edit the indexed directories to only include web document directories.