Title

Local firewall rules for the Windows Firewall must not be merged with group policy rules for the Domain Profile. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Merging local firewall rules with group policy firewall rules may weaken intended group policy firewall configurations.

Check Content

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Windows Firewall with Advanced Security -> Windows Firewall with Advanced Security -> Windows Firewall Properties (this link will be in the right pane) -> Domain Profile Tab -> Settings (select Customize) -> Rule merging, "Apply local firewall rules" to "No". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-25224r2_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-17422

Group Title: Windows Firewall Domain - Local Firewall Rules

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.