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Simple Firewall Rule, can't seem to do it.

Updated: 22 May 2010 | 9 comments
Scott V's picture
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This issue has been solved. See solution.

I'm using the current version of Symantec Endpoint protection with a custom firewall policy.  For the most part the firewall definitions are striaght forward and work as expected.  I am running into a problem, however.  We have a number of notebook computer users who's IP might change from 10.x.x.x to 192.168.x.x to anything in the public internet range depending on what hotel they stay at.  I'd like to build a simple rule that allows the clients to send packets out from whatever IP they have to any other IP address, but NOT allow traffic to come back to the PC unless it is a reply or it comes from a specific range of IP addresses or domain.  Is there a variable (such as "Client PC IP Address") or something i can use to accomplish this?  I could key in every single notebook's MAC address, but considering this is a pretty standard function of a firewall, I'd go back to using windows firewall before doing that.  The Windows Firewall supports reply-only return traffic...

Any ideas?

Thanks,

-Scott

Comments

Paul Mapacpac's picture
07
Apr
2009
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Hi

I think this would be hard because of the changing IP's what if you connect the remote clients via vpn? or if you are concern with their liveupdate, create a separate policy for them to manage/automatically download updates on symantec's liveupdate server.

Tuomas's picture
08
Apr
2009
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TCP/UDP outgoing

Hi.

To allow outgoing traffic and replies only you need to do the following:

Create 2 new services:

TCP, Remote Ports 0-65535, Direction outgoing
UDP, Remote Ports 0-65535, Direction outgoing, Statefull UDP

In your firewall rule you can then allow all hosts, all applications etc. In the services field, use your newly created services.

Remember, if you want to allow ICMP traffic and such, you'll need specific rules for that since it's not tcp or udp based traffic.

BR,
Tuomas

Paul Mapacpac's picture
08
Apr
2009
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Hi Tuomas,

What if the IP of the client is always changing?

Tuomas's picture
08
Apr
2009
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Client IP

Hi Paul.

If the firewall rule is created to allow any host the IP of the client doesn't matter. The host field applies for both local and remote addresses.

BR,
Tuomas

Paul Mapacpac's picture
08
Apr
2009
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Hi,

Are you sure it will meet? For example SEPM on a corporate server and the client is on a hotel outside?

Tuomas's picture
08
Apr
2009
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Not sure I understand your

Not sure I understand your question correctly.

This firewall rule is for allowing outgoing traffic, it has nothing to do with communication to SEPM.

Tuomas's picture
08
Apr
2009
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Edited

Edited my first post.

Forgot to specify remote ports.

Scott V's picture
08
Apr
2009
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Tuomas, You are correct

Just FYI, after playing with this last night for about 45 more minutes I tried almost exactly what Tuomas suggested.   I added a service that allowed all IP outgoing and that seemed to work.  I like the idea of tightening it down a bit more though, so I might take your suggestion of stateful UDP and TCP. 

Thanks,

-Scott

Paul Mapacpac's picture
13
Apr
2009
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Hi,

I see, this is outgoing only. thanks for the info.