1.2.1.1.1.2.12 Configure 'Windows Firewall: Define inbound program exceptions'

Information

Some applications may need to open and use network ports that are not typically allowed by Windows Firewall. The Windows Firewall: Define inbound program exceptions setting allows you to view and change the program exceptions list that is defined by Group Policy. There is risk that inbound exceptions will be made to programs that have software vulnerabilities, however, if exceptions are not allowed then management programs and other useful applications will fail.

Solution

Configure the following Group Policy setting in a manner that is consistent with the security and operational requirements of your organization-

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\Network Connections\Windows Firewall\Domain Profile\Windows Firewall- Define inbound program exceptions

Impact- If this policy setting is Enabled you can view and change the program exceptions list. If you add a program to this list and set its status to Enabled, that program can receive unsolicited incoming messages on any port that it requests Windows Firewall to open, even if that port is blocked by another setting. If you configure this policy setting to Disabled, the program exceptions list that is defined by Group Policy is deleted. Note If you type an invalid definition string, Windows Firewall adds it to the list without checking for errors. Because the entry is not checked, you can add programs that you have not installed yet. You can also accidentally create multiple exceptions for the same program with Scope or Status values that conflict.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/42

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|SC-7(5), CCE|CCE-16596-9

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 431aeaf7e1295da5966f83b79152ddaf6f9f2f441e643990cfb9d9f97aeefd80