The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security must allow outbound connections, unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection when connected to a private network.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17429	WNFWA-000013	SV-54890r1_rule	ECSC-1	Medium

Description
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Outbound connections are allowed on a private network, unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection. This allows normal outbound communication, which could be restricted as necessary with additional rules.

STIG	Date
Windows Firewall with Advanced Security Security Technical Implementation Guide	2014-01-07

Details

Check Text ( C-48658r2_chk )
Verify the registry value below. If this 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\PrivateProfile\ Value Name: DefaultOutboundAction Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0

Fix Text (F-47758r1_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) -> Private Profile Tab -> State, "Outbound connections" to "Allow (default)".