The Windows Firewall log file name and location must be configured for the Public Profile.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17444	5.479	SV-18500r2_rule	ECSC-1	Low

Description
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. The location and file name of the firewall log for a public network connection will be defined to ensure the logs are maintained.

STIG	Date
Windows Vista Security Technical Implementation Guide	2013-07-03

Details

Check Text ( C-45410r1_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\Logging\ Value Name: LogFilePath Type: REG_SZ Value: %windir%\system32\logfiles\firewall\publicfirewall.log Automated tools may search for the file name specified in the check. If the site uses a different name for the log file, the finding will need to be closed manually. 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-45410r1_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\Logging\

Value Name: LogFilePath

Type: REG_SZ
Value: %windir%\system32\logfiles\firewall\publicfirewall.log

Automated tools may search for the file name specified in the check. If the site uses a different name for the log file, the finding will need to be closed manually.

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-41974r2_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 -> Logging (select Customize), "Name" to "%windir%\system32\logfiles\firewall\publicfirewall.log". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.

Fix Text (F-41974r2_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 -> Logging (select Customize), "Name" to "%windir%\system32\logfiles\firewall\publicfirewall.log".

Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.