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SELinux Firewall

SELinux Firewall

SELinux Firewall is a complete security solution built on top of SELinux. It enhances traditional firewall mechanisms by integrating Mandatory Access Control (MAC) policies with network security features. Unlike conventional firewalls that operate primarily at the network layer, SELinux Firewall functions as an application-level firewall, incorporating proxy servers to manage common application protocols securely.

Key Features of SELinux Firewalls

  1. Mandatory Access Control (MAC): Unlike discretionary access control (DAC), which relies on user permissions, SELinux enforces strict policies that cannot be altered by regular users or compromised applications.

  2. Process-Level Firewall Rules: Traditional firewalls operate at the network level, but SELinux extends security by defining which processes can communicate over the network, adding an additional layer of security.

  3. Labeled Networking (IPsec Integration): SELinux integrates with Labeled IPsec, allowing data packets to be assigned security labels that must match enforced policies before transmission, ensuring secure communication between hosts.

  4. Detailed Auditing and Logging: Every denied network request is logged, providing administrators with insight into potential security threats and policy misconfigurations.

A Firewall with Application-Level Protection

SELinux Firewall provides advanced security by functioning as an application-level firewall. It incorporates proxy servers that manage and secure traffic for commonly used application-layer protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and SMTP. By enforcing strict access controls at both the process and application levels, SELinux Firewall minimizes the attack surface and ensures that only authorized services can communicate over the network.

This approach is particularly valuable for high-security environments such as government systems, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure, where robust access control and detailed logging are essential.

For further details, visit the SELinux Firewall page.