Check: WNFWA-000013
Microsoft Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security STIG:
WNFWA-000013
(in versions v2 r2 through v1 r5)
Title
Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security must allow outbound connections, unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection when connected to a private network. (Cat II impact)
Discussion
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Outbound connections are allowed on a private network, unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection. This allows normal outbound communication, which could be restricted as necessary with additional rules.
Check Content
If the firewall's Private Profile is not enabled (see V-17416), this requirement is also a finding. 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\PrivateProfile\ Value Name: DefaultOutboundAction Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0) 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\StandardProfile\ Value Name: DefaultOutboundAction Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0)
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 Defender Firewall with Advanced Security >> Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security >> Windows Defender Firewall Properties (this link will be in the right pane) >> Private Profile tab >> State, "Outbound connections" to "Allow (default)". 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. Microsoft Defender Firewall Properties will be a link in the center pane after opening Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security. The following Netsh commands may also be used to configure this setting: "Netsh advfirewall set privateprofile firewallpolicy blockinbound,allowoutbound". or "Netsh advfirewall set allprofiles firewallpolicy blockinbound,allowoutbound". Both inbound and outbound parameters must be specified to execute this command.
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-241998r922946_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-241998
Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227
Expert Comments
CCIs
Number | Definition |
---|---|
CCI-001094 |
The information system restricts the ability of individuals to launch organization-defined denial of service attacks against other information systems. |
Controls
Number | Title |
---|---|
SC-5 (1) |
Restrict Internal Users |