The Windows Firewall must display notifications when a program is blocked from receiving an inbound connection for the Public Profile.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17440	5.475	SV-25242r3_rule	ECSC-1	Low

Description
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. The display of notifications to the user when a program is blocked from receiving an inbound connection on a public network must be enabled to alert the user of potential issues.

STIG	Date
Windows 7 Security Technical Implementation Guide	2013-10-01

Details

Check Text ( C-45400r1_chk )
If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Subkey: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\PublicProfile\ Value Name: DisableNotifications Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0 If a third-party firewall is used, verify a comparable setting has been implemented. The Remote Endpoint STIG contains additional firewall requirements for systems used remotely.

Check Text ( C-45400r1_chk )

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:

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

Value Name: DisableNotifications

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0

If a third-party firewall is used, verify a comparable setting has been implemented.

The Remote Endpoint STIG contains additional firewall requirements for systems used remotely.

Fix Text (F-41965r3_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) -> Firewall settings, "Display a notification" to "Yes". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.

Fix Text (F-41965r3_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) -> Firewall settings, "Display a notification" to "Yes".

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