Local firewall connection rules for the Windows Firewall must not be merged with group policy rules for the Private Profile.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17433	5.468	SV-18489r2_rule	ECSC-1	Medium

Description
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Merging local firewall connection rules with group policy firewall rules may weaken intended group policy firewall configurations.

STIG	Date
Windows Vista Security Technical Implementation Guide	2013-10-01

Details

Check Text ( C-45387r1_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\PrivateProfile\ Value Name: AllowLocalIPsecPolicyMerge 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-41952r2_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 -> Settings (select Customize) -> Rule merging, "Apply local connection security rules" to "No". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.