----- Original Message -----
From: Petty, Robert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Petty, Robert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>;
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 11:54 AM
Subject: Linux firewall/IDS/NAT suggestions



> Which kernel would be best? 2.0.x, 2.2.x, or 2.4.x?

I'd also go with 2.4 because it's the active kernel and I don't think
iptables is supported on anything else.  I'd definitely use iptabes for the
state processing it offers. Just be sure to use up-to-date drivers on all
NIC's.

> Should the NAT and Firewall rules be written and maintained on CD-R media
so
> a malicious attacker cannot hide rule changes?  Should the firewall be
> re-initialized on a schedule to ensure the live rules are those from the
> read-only media?

There's no reason why you can't put the whole system on CDR and write
protected floppy and boot the whole thing into a RAM disk.  If it's ever
comprimised, change the vuneriable/cracked parts and reboot.  The Sentry
firewall project does this.  See
www.sentryfirewall.com  for details.  It's based on the Slackware distro
last time I checked.  Another choice is IPCop
http://ipcop.org/cgi-bin/twiki/view/IPCop/WebHome  I've never played with it
but saw it listed elsewere on the list.

> Last, but not least, what's a good HowTo that can be used as a basis?  I
> would prefer one that starts off a little more strict so I can simplify
> rather than have to bone up on all of the current vulnerabilities.

Sentry has a posted mini-howto.  There's also several HOWTO's on filtering:
Linux 2.4 Packet Filtering
Linux netfilter Hacking
Netfilter Extensions
Linux 2.4 NAT
There's also an iptables tutorial by Oskar Andreasson.

> Thanks for any replies!

No Problem!
David


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