The Windows Firewall must block unsolicited inbound connections for the Public Profile.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17438	5.473	SV-18494r2_rule	ECSC-1	High

Description
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Unsolicited inbound connections may be malicious attempts to gain access to a system. Unsolicited inbound connections for which there is no rule allowing the connection will be blocked on a public network.

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

Details

Check Text ( C-45397r1_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: DefaultInboundAction Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 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-45397r1_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: DefaultInboundAction

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1

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-41962r2_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, "Inbound connections" to "Block (default)". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.