3.6.4 Ensure outbound and established connections are configured (Not Scored)
Profile Applicability
Level 1 - Server Level 1 - Workstation
Description
Configure the firewall rules for new outbound, and established connections.
Rationale
If rules are not in place for new outbound, and established connections all packets will be dropped by the default policy preventing network usage.
Audit
Run the following command and verify all rules for new outbound, and established connections match site policy:
# iptables -L -v -n
Remediation
Configure iptables in accordance with site policy. The following commands will implement a policy to allow all outbound connections and all established connections:
# iptables -A OUTPUT -p tcp -m state --state NEW,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT # iptables -A OUTPUT -p udp -m state --state NEW,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT # iptables -A OUTPUT -p icmp -m state --state NEW,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT # iptables -A INPUT -p tcp -m state --state ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT # iptables -A INPUT -p udp -m state --state ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT # iptables -A INPUT -p icmp -m state --state ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT
Notes
Changing firewall settings while connected over network can result in being locked out of the system.
Remediation will only affect the active system firewall, be sure to configure the default policy in your firewall management to apply on boot as well.