The Windows Firewall must block unsolicited inbound connections for the Public Profile.

Changes are coming to https://stigviewer.com. Take our survey to help us understand your usage and how we can better serve you in the future.
Take Survey

The Windows Firewall must block unsolicited inbound connections for the Public Profile.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
WN12-FW-000020	WN12-FW-000020	WN12-FW-000020_rule		High

Description
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Unsolicited inbound connections may be malicious attempts to gain access to a system. Unsolicited inbound connections for which there is no rule allowing the connection will be blocked on a public network.

STIG	Date
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Domain Controller Security Technical Implementation Guide	2013-07-25

Details

Check Text ( C-WN12-FW-000020_chk )
If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\PublicProfile\ Value Name: DefaultInboundAction Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 If a third-party firewall is used, verify a comparable setting has been implemented.

Fix Text (F-WN12-FW-000020_fix)
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, "Inbound connections" to "Block (default)". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.