Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of gerryjc
gerryjc

asked on

Port Fowarding Security Issues

OK Gents,

I have only allocated this question as 50 points because to experts this may be a very easy question.
If it proves otherwise I will up the points.

The Scenario:
I am running an number applications on IIS on my server.
I want to access these applications from the internet.
I opened a port on my firewall, eg: 2770 and set my IIS to listen to that port.
When I connect to my server from home using the IP address and port no I can connect no problem.

I have also read a bit about setting up SSL on IIS and am fairly confident I can set it up on my server, using either a genuine cert or dummy/internal cert (Does not need to be trusted as only  staff members will be accessing it)

As well as this the individual applications all have a log on feature and use cookies and sessions for security.

So the plan as it stands is to create a main page in the IIS Home Directory Containing links to each application.

The security I plan to have is:
1. SSL
2. Log In/Cookies
3. IIS Configuration

But I am worried about opening up the port like this, are there any blatant security issues I am not taking into consideration here?
Avatar of IceRaven
IceRaven

Hi gerryjc,

When you open a port on your firewall you are opening up your private network to attack from the internet, there are various forms of attack, DoS or script for example.  You would need to take precautions against all types of attacks that can occur to IIS, no matter what port you open.  There are entire books devoted to the topic of preventing attack to IIS servers.  You made a good start by using a Non-Standard port. I am not an expert an IIS security. But I don't believe there is a difference between a blatant security issue and a security issue.  You must look for and find as many possible attacks as you can and find the solutions.  Use google and have a search, have a read for an hour or so, you will probably pick up tips about urlscan and patching etc.  It is an ongoing process.

Cheers,
IceRaven
From the quick research I did there are no known exploits for port 2770 - http://www.iss.net/security_center/advice/Exploits/Ports/default.htm

If you are using Windows Authentication to access the site and have enabled SSL you should be fine.

As always though, there are new threats added daily and every precaution should be taken to place as many locked doors as needed to deter and evade possible attacks.

Hope this helps.
Avatar of Tim Holman
SSL is better than bog-standard HTTP, so you'll be making a security enhancement by moving to this model.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of ma14dmin
ma14dmin

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
YES!! :-)
SOLUTION
Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
No comment has been added to this question in more than 21 days, so it is now classified as abandoned..
I will leave the following recommendation for this question in the Cleanup topic area:
Split: ma14dmin{http:#10879881} & Droby10{http:#10889390}

Any objections should be posted here in the next 4 days. After that time, the question will be closed.

Tolomir
EE Cleanup Volunteer