Allow applications to use rawsockets

Note This option is not available on Windows 8 and later. The firewall will treat rawsockets in the same way as ordinary sockets.

Some applications can access a network through rawsockets, which gives them control over all aspects of the data they send over the network.

Malicious applications can exploit rawsockets by faking their IP address or send deliberately corrupt messages.

The firewall sends an alert to the management console, if one is being used, the first time a rawsocket is detected.

To allow applications to access the network through rawsockets:

  1. On the Home page, under Firewall, click Configure firewall.
    For information about the Home page, see About the Home page.
  2. Under Configurations, click Configure next to the location that you want to configure.
  3. Click the Processes tab.
  4. In the lower area, click the Add button.
  5. Locate the application, and then double-click it.
If you are using interactive mode, the firewall can display a learning dialog when a rawsocket is detected.