Windows Firewall Public Profile - Allow outbound connections.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17439	5.474	SV-25241r1_rule	ECSC-1	Medium

Description
Outbound connections are allowed on a public network unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection.

STIG	Date
Windows 7 Security Technical Implementation Guide	2012-08-22

Details

Check Text ( C-18174r1_chk )
If the following registry value doesn’t exist or is not configured as specified, then this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Subkey: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\PublicProfile\ Value Name: DefaultOutboundAction Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0 Note: If a third-party firewall is used, document this with the IAO and mark the Windows firewall settings as Not Applicable. The Desktop/Secure Remote Computing STIGs contain additional requirements for systems used remotely.

Check Text ( C-18174r1_chk )

If the following registry value doesn’t exist or is not configured as specified, then this is a finding:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Subkey: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\PublicProfile\

Value Name: DefaultOutboundAction

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0

Note: If a third-party firewall is used, document this with the IAO and mark the Windows firewall settings as Not Applicable. The Desktop/Secure Remote Computing STIGs contain additional requirements for systems used remotely.

Fix Text (F-17353r1_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)”.