| name | implementing-memory-protection-with-dep-aslr |
| description | Implements memory protection mechanisms including DEP (Data Execution Prevention), ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization), CFG (Control Flow Guard), and other exploit mitigations to prevent memory corruption attacks. Use when hardening endpoints against buffer overflow exploits, ROP chains, and code injection. Activates for requests involving memory protection, exploit mitigation, DEP, ASLR, or CFG configuration.
|
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | endpoint-security |
| tags | ["endpoint","memory-protection","DEP","ASLR","exploit-mitigation","CFG"] |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| author | mahipal |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
Implementing Memory Protection with DEP and ASLR
When to Use
Use this skill when hardening endpoints against memory-based exploits by configuring DEP, ASLR, CFG, and Windows Exploit Protection system-wide and per-application mitigations.
Workflow
Step 1: Configure System-Level Mitigations
# Enable system-wide DEP (Data Execution Prevention)
# Boot configuration: OptIn (default), OptOut (recommended), AlwaysOn
bcdedit /set nx AlwaysOn
# Verify ASLR status (enabled by default on modern Windows)
Get-ProcessMitigation -System
# MandatoryASLR, BottomUpASLR, HighEntropyASLR should be ON
# Enable all system-level mitigations
Set-ProcessMitigation -System -Enable DEP,SEHOP,ForceRelocateImages,BottomUp,HighEntropy
Step 2: Configure Per-Application Mitigations
# Harden high-risk applications (browsers, Office, PDF readers)
Set-ProcessMitigation -Name "WINWORD.EXE" -Enable DEP,SEHOP,ForceRelocateImages,CFG,StrictHandle
Set-ProcessMitigation -Name "EXCEL.EXE" -Enable DEP,SEHOP,ForceRelocateImages,CFG,StrictHandle
Set-ProcessMitigation -Name "AcroRd32.exe" -Enable DEP,SEHOP,ForceRelocateImages,CFG
Set-ProcessMitigation -Name "chrome.exe" -Enable DEP,CFG,ForceRelocateImages
Set-ProcessMitigation -Name "msedge.exe" -Enable DEP,CFG,ForceRelocateImages
# Export configuration for deployment
Get-ProcessMitigation -RegistryConfigFilePath "C:\exploit_protection.xml"
# Deploy via Intune or GPO
Step 3: Deploy via Intune/GPO
Intune: Endpoint Security → Attack Surface Reduction → Exploit Protection
Import exploit_protection.xml template
GPO: Computer Configuration → Admin Templates → Windows Components
→ Windows Defender Exploit Guard → Exploit Protection
→ "Use a common set of exploit protection settings" → Enabled
→ Point to XML file on network share
Key Concepts
| Term | Definition |
|---|
| DEP | Marks memory pages as non-executable to prevent shellcode execution in data regions |
| ASLR | Randomizes memory addresses of loaded modules to defeat hardcoded ROP gadgets |
| CFG | Validates indirect call targets at runtime to prevent control flow hijacking |
| SEHOP | Validates SEH chain integrity to prevent SEH-based exploitation |
Tools & Systems
- Windows Exploit Protection: Built-in per-process mitigation management
- EMET (legacy): Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (predecessor, now deprecated)
