The Windows Firewall must allow outbound connections, unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection for the Public Profile.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17439	5.474	SV-18495r2_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 public 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 Vista Security Technical Implementation Guide	2013-03-14

Details

Check Text ( C-45399r1_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: DefaultOutboundAction 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-45399r1_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: DefaultOutboundAction

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-41964r2_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, "Outbound connections" to "Allow (default)". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.