Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security must allow outbound connections, unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection when connected to a domain.
An XCCDF Rule
Description
<VulnDiscussion>A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Outbound connections are allowed in the domain, unless a rule explicitly blocks the connection. This allows normal outbound communication, which could be restricted as necessary with additional rules.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>
- ID
- SV-241993r922936_rule
- Severity
- Medium
- References
- Updated
Remediation - Manual Procedure
The preferred method of configuring the firewall settings is with a policy, particularly in a domain environment.
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security >> Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security >> Windows Defender Firewall Properties (this link will be in the right pane) >> Domain Profile tab >> State, "Outbound connections" to "Allow (default)".
In addition to using policies, systems may also be configured using the firewall GUI or Netsh commands. These methods may be more appropriate for standalone systems.