Local firewall rules for the Windows Firewall must not be merged with group policy rules for the Domain Profile.

From Windows 7 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of Windows Firewall Domain - Local Firewall Rules

Associated with IA controls: ECSC-1

SV-25224r2_rule Local firewall rules for the Windows Firewall must not be merged with group policy rules for the Domain Profile.

Vulnerability discussion

A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Merging local firewall rules with group policy firewall rules may weaken intended group policy firewall configurations.

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Fix text

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) -> Domain Profile Tab -> Settings (select Customize) -> Rule merging, "Apply local firewall rules" to "No". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.

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