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

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17438	WN08-FW-000020	SV-48354r1_rule	ECSC-1	High

Description
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Unsolicited inbound connections may be malicious attempts to gain access to a system. 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	2013-07-03

Details

Check Text ( C-45026r2_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 NA. A comparable setting must still be implemented. The Secure Remote Computing STIGs may contain additional requirements for systems used remotely.

Fix Text (F-41486r1_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)".