The Windows Firewall must be enabled for the Public Profile.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
WN12-FW-000019	WN12-FW-000019	WN12-FW-000019_rule		Medium

Description
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.

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

Details

Check Text ( C-WN12-FW-000019_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: EnableFirewall Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 If a third-party firewall is used, verify a comparable setting has been implemented.

Fix Text (F-WN12-FW-000019_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, "Firewall state" to "On (recommended)". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.