9.1.3 Ensure 'Windows Firewall: Domain: Outbound connections' is set to 'Allow'

Information

This setting determines the behavior for outbound connections that do not match an outbound firewall rule.

The recommended state for this setting is: Allow.

Rationale:

Some people believe that it is prudent to block all outbound connections except those specifically approved by the user or administrator. Microsoft disagrees with this opinion, blocking outbound connections by default will force users to deal with a large number of dialog boxes prompting them to authorize or block applications such as their web browser or instant messaging software. Additionally, blocking outbound traffic has little value because if an attacker has compromised the system they can reconfigure the firewall anyway.

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration, set the following Device Configuration Policy to Allow:

To access the Device Configuration Policy from the Intune Home page:

Click Devices

Click Configuration profiles

Click Create profile

Select the platform (Windows 10 and later)

Select the profile (Endpoint protection)

Click Create

Enter a Name

Click Next

Configure the following Setting

Path: Endpoint protection/Microsoft Defender Firewall/Domain (workplace) network
Setting Name: Default action for outbound connections
Configuration: Allow

Select OK

Continue through the Wizard to complete the creation of the profile (profile assignments, applicability etc.)

Note: More than one configuration setting from each of the Configuration profiles (ex: Administrative Templates, Custom etc.) can be added to each Device Configuration Policy.

Default Value:

Allow (default). (The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security will allow all outbound connections in this profile unless there is a firewall rule explicitly blocking it.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/14355

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|SC-7, 800-53|SC-7(5), CSCv7|9.4, CSCv7|11.2

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 975bc35864ede72ab7d4e7dece1e136ee5d829777dbe2a9eb56f7eaa4c7f1c55