Title

The Windows Firewall must block unicast response to multicast or broadcast messages for the Public Profile. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Unicast responses to multicast or broadcast messages for a public network will be blocked. This helps minimize the risk of an attacker using broadcast or multicast traffic to deliver malicious payloads.

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) -> Public Profile Tab -> Settings (select Customize) -> Unicast response, "Allow unicast response" to "No". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-25243r2_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-17441

Group Title: Windows Firewall Public - Unicast Response

Expert Comments

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