Check: WNFWA-000003
Microsoft Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security STIG:
WNFWA-000003
(in versions v2 r1 through v1 r5)
Title
The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security must be enabled when connected to a public network. (Cat II impact)
Discussion
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. This setting enables the firewall when connected to a public network.
Check Content
If the following policy-based registry value exists and is not configured as specified, this is a finding. Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\PublicProfile\ Value Name: EnableFirewall Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000001 (1) If the policy-based registry value does not exist, verify the following registry value. If it is not configured as specified, this is a finding. Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\PublicProfile\ Value Name: EnableFirewall Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000001 (1)
Fix Text
The preferred method of configuring the firewall settings is with a policy, particularly in a domain environment. 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 -> State, "Firewall state" to "On (recommended)". In addition to using policies, systems may also be configured using the firewall GUI or Netsh commands. These methods may be more appropriate for standalone systems. The configuration settings in the GUI are the same as those specified in the policy above. Windows Firewall Properties will be a link in the center pane after opening Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. The following Netsh commands may also be used to configure this setting: "Netsh advfirewall set publicprofile state on". Or "Netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on".
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-241991r698214_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-241991
Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227
Expert Comments
CCIs
Number | Definition |
---|---|
CCI-001414 |
The information system enforces approved authorizations for controlling the flow of information between interconnected systems based on organization-defined information flow control policies. |
Controls
Number | Title |
---|---|
AC-4 |
Information Flow Enforcement |