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The Windows Firewall local firewall rules must not be merged with Group Policy settings for the Public Profile.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
WN12-FW-000025 WN12-FW-000025 WN12-FW-000025_rule Medium
Description
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Local firewall rules will not be merged with Group Policy settings on a public network to prevent Group Policy settings from being changed.
STIG Date
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Member Server Security Technical Implementation Guide 2013-07-25

Details

Check Text ( C-WN12-FW-000025_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: AllowLocalPolicyMerge

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0

If a third-party firewall is used, verify a comparable setting has been implemented.
Fix Text (F-WN12-FW-000025_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 -> Settings (select Customize) -> Rule merging, "Apply local firewall rules:" to "No".

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