UCF STIG Viewer Logo

The Windows Firewall must allow outbound connections, unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection for the Public Profile.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
WN12-FW-000021 WN12-FW-000021 WN12-FW-000021_rule Medium
Description
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 public network, unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection. This allows normal outbound communication, which could be restricted as necessary with additional rules.
STIG Date
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Domain Controller Security Technical Implementation Guide 2013-07-25

Details

Check Text ( C-WN12-FW-000021_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: DefaultOutboundAction

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0

If a third-party firewall is used, verify a comparable setting has been implemented.
Fix Text (F-WN12-FW-000021_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, "Outbound connections" to "Allow (default)".

Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.