Windows Firewall Public Profile - Apply Local Connection Rules

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17443	5.478	SV-18499r1_rule	ECSC-1	Medium

Description
This check ensures that local connection rules will not be merged with Group Policy settings on a public network.

STIG	Date
Windows Vista Security Technical Implementation Guide	2012-07-02

Details

Check Text ( C-18182r1_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: AllowLocalIPsecPolicyMerge 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-18182r1_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: AllowLocalIPsecPolicyMerge

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-17357r1_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) -> Rule merging, “Apply local connection security rules” to “No”.