18.5.4.1 Set 'NetBIOS node type' to 'P-node' (Ensure NetBT Parameter 'NodeType' is set to '0x2 (2)')

Information

You can use this procedure to controls user's ability to install and configure a Network Bridge.

The recommended state for this setting is: 'Enabled'.

Rationale:
The Network Bridge setting, if enabled, allows users to create a Layer 2 Media Access Control (MAC) bridge, enabling them to connect two or more physical network segments together.

A Network Bridge thus allows a computer that has connections to two different networks to share data between those networks.

In an enterprise managed environment, where there is a need to control network traffic to only authorized paths, allowing users to create a Network Bridge increases the risk and attack surface from the bridged network.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to 'Enabled':


Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Network\Network Connections\Prohibit installation and configuration of Network Bridge on your DNS domain network


Note: This Group Policy path is provided by the Group Policy template 'NetworkConnections.admx/adml' that is included with all versions of the Microsoft Windows Administrative Templates.

Impact:
Users cannot create or configure a Network Bridge.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/1929

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-6

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 5f88fa1bc1df89dccb72af47313b937308d8f09d474efca1b085d0fafa44e64d