Access data sources across domains
This security-zone policy controls cross-domain data access through Microsoft XML Parser (MSXML) or ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) for content in the Internet Zone.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Show registry keys (2)
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3\1406HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3\1406
This security-zone policy controls cross-domain data access through Microsoft XML Parser (MSXML) or ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) for content in the Internet Zone. The 3 in the registry path identifies the Internet Zone, while the value name 1406 represents the URLACTION_CROSS_DOMAIN_DATA URL action.
The value uses the REG_DWORD type and the following URL policy values:
0: Allow the action without prompting1: Prompt the user before allowing the action3: Do not allow the action
The setting applies specifically to access evaluated through this URL action for MSXML or ADO. It does not enable or disable every form of cross-origin network access.
Notes
Security
Allowing the action relaxes cross-domain separation for the affected MSXML and ADO operations. Subject to the other technical requirements of the requested resource, Internet Zone content can access data associated with another site. A malicious or compromised page could misuse this capability to disclose or modify data that is otherwise reachable through these components.
The setting does not grant general operating-system privileges or unrestricted access to files, databases, or network resources. Whether an operation succeeds also depends on the target data source, its availability, and its access controls.
A value of 1 leaves the decision to the user. A value of 3 blocks access governed by this URL action.
Possible side effects
Legacy web applications that depend on MSXML or ADO for cross-domain data access can stop working when the value is 3. With a value of 1, their operation depends on user confirmation and may be interrupted by recurring security prompts.
Notes
The HKLM and HKCU paths represent the computer and user scopes of the same ADMX-backed policy.
The setting also affects pages rendered by the legacy MSHTML engine in Microsoft Edge Internet Explorer mode because IE mode evaluates Internet Explorer security-zone settings. Pages rendered normally by the Chromium engine are not governed by this Internet Explorer URL action.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Learn: InternetExplorer Policy CSP – InternetZoneAllowAccessToDataSources
Microsoft Learn: URL Action Flags – URLACTION_CROSS_DOMAIN_DATA
Microsoft Learn: What is Internet Explorer mode?