The Windows Firewall must block unsolicited inbound connections for the Public Profile.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
WN08-FW-000020	WN08-FW-000020	WN08-FW-000020_rule		High

Description
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Unsolicited inbound connections for which there is no rule allowing the connection will be blocked on a public network.

STIG	Date
Windows 8 Security Technical Implementation Guide	2012-11-21

Details

Check Text ( C-WN08-FW-000020_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: DefaultInboundAction Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 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-WN08-FW-000020_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: DefaultInboundAction

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1

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-WN08-FW-000020_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, "Inbound connections" to "Block (default)".