VPN

R76
Administration Guide

27 August 2014

Classification: [Protected]
© 2014 Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
All rights reserved. This product and related documentation are protected by copyright and distributed under
licensing restricting their use, copying, distribution, and decompilation. No part of this product or related
documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written authorization of Check
Point. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Check Point assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. This publication and features described herein are subject to change
without notice.
RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND:
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 and FAR
52.227-19.
TRADEMARKS:
Refer to the Copyright page (http://www.checkpoint.com/copyright.html) for a list of our trademarks.
Refer to the Third Party copyright notices (http://www.checkpoint.com/3rd_party_copyright.html) for a list of
relevant copyrights and third-party licenses.
Important Information
Latest Software
We recommend that you install the most recent software release to stay up-to-date with the latest functional
improvements, stability fixes, security enhancements and protection against new and evolving attacks.

Latest Documentation
The latest version of this document is at:
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22927)
To learn more, visit the Check Point Support Center (http://supportcenter.checkpoint.com).
For more about this release, see the R76 home page
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk91140).

Revision History
Date Description

27 August 2014 Updated Configuring IP Selection by Remote Peer (on page 98)
Updated L2TP configuration section ("Layer Two Tunneling
Protocol (L2TP) Clients" on page 193)
Updated Configuring Link Selection for Remote Access Only (on
page 228)
Updated Configuring Outgoing Route Selection (on page 100)
Updated IPv6 Support and Limitations (on page 15)

11 August 2013 Improved formatting and layout

Updated Tunnel Testing for Permanent Tunnels (on page 79)
Updated Configuring OCSP (on page 39)

20 April 2013 First release of this document

Feedback
Check Point is engaged in a continuous effort to improve its documentation.
Please help us by sending your comments
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=Feedback on VPN R76 Administration Guide).
 Contents

Important Information............................................................................................................ 3
The Check Point VPN Solution ............................................................................................. 9
VPN Components ................................................................................................................ 9
Understanding the Terminology ......................................................................................... 10
Site to Site VPN................................................................................................................. 10
Sample Site to Site VPN Deployment ........................................................................... 11
VPN Communities ........................................................................................................ 11
Sample Combination VPN Community ......................................................................... 12
Routing VPN Traffic ...................................................................................................... 13
Granular Routing Control .............................................................................................. 13
Remote Access VPN ......................................................................................................... 13
Client-Based vs. Clientless ........................................................................................... 13
Using Remote Access VPN .......................................................................................... 14
IPv6 Support and Limitations ............................................................................................. 15
SmartDashboard Toolbar .................................................................................................. 16
IPsec & IKE ........................................................................................................................... 17
Overview ........................................................................................................................... 17
IKE Phase I................................................................................................................... 17
IKE Phase II (Quick mode or IPSec Phase) .................................................................. 19
IKEv1 and IKEv2........................................................................................................... 19
Methods of Encryption and Integrity .............................................................................. 20
Phase I modes .............................................................................................................. 21
Renegotiating IKE & IPsec Lifetimes............................................................................. 21
Perfect Forward Secrecy .............................................................................................. 21
IP Compression ............................................................................................................ 22
Subnets and Security Associations ............................................................................... 22
IKE DoS Protection............................................................................................................ 23
Understanding DoS Attacks .......................................................................................... 23
IKE DoS Attacks ........................................................................................................... 24
Defense Against IKE DoS Attacks ................................................................................ 24
SmartDashboard IKE DoS Attack Protection Settings ................................................... 24
Advanced IKE DoS Attack Protection Settings .............................................................. 24
Configuring Advanced IKE Properties................................................................................ 26
On the VPN Community Network Object....................................................................... 26
On the Gateway Network Object ................................................................................... 27
Public Key Infrastructure .................................................................................................... 28
Need for Integration with Different PKI Solutions ............................................................... 28
Supporting a Wide Variety of PKI Solutions ....................................................................... 28
PKI and Remote Access Users ..................................................................................... 29
PKI Deployments and VPN ........................................................................................... 29
Trusting An External CA ............................................................................................... 31
Enrolling a Managed Entity ........................................................................................... 31
Validation of a Certificate .............................................................................................. 32
Special Considerations for PKI .......................................................................................... 35
Using the Internal CA vs. Deploying a Third Party CA................................................... 35
Distributed Key Management and Storage.................................................................... 35
Configuration of PKI Operations ........................................................................................ 35
Trusting a CA – Step-By-Step ....................................................................................... 35
Certificate Revocation (All CA Types) ........................................................................... 37
Certificate Recovery and Renewal ................................................................................ 37
CA Certificate Rollover.................................................................................................. 37
Adding Matching Criteria to the Validation Process ....................................................... 38
 CRL Cache Usage ........................................................................................................ 39
Modifying the CRL Pre-Fetch Cache............................................................................. 39
Configuring CRL Grace Period ..................................................................................... 39
Configuring OCSP ............................................................................................................. 39
Introduction to VPN ............................................................................................................. 40
The Need for VPN ............................................................................................................. 40
Confidentiality ............................................................................................................... 40
Authentication ............................................................................................................... 40
Integrity ......................................................................................................................... 40
How VPN Works................................................................................................................ 41
VPN Communities ........................................................................................................ 41
Authentication Between Community Members .............................................................. 42
VPN Topologies ............................................................................................................ 43
Access Control and VPN Communities ......................................................................... 48
Routing Traffic within a VPN Community ...................................................................... 49
Excluded Services ........................................................................................................ 49
Special Considerations for Planning a VPN Topology ....................................................... 49
Configuring Site to Site VPNs ............................................................................................ 49
Migrating from Traditional Mode to Simplified Mode ..................................................... 50
Configuring a Meshed Community Between Internally Managed Gateways.................. 50
Configuring a Star VPN Community .............................................................................. 51
Confirming a VPN Tunnel Successfully Opens ............................................................. 51
Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using PKI......................................... 51
Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using Pre-Shared Secret ................. 53
How to Authorize Firewall Control Connections in VPN Communities ............................... 54
Why Turning off Firewall Implied Rules Blocks Control Connections............................. 55
Allowing Firewall Control Connections Inside a VPN..................................................... 55
Discovering Which Services are Used for Control Connections .................................... 55
Working with Site-to-Site VPN ............................................................................................ 56
Domain Based VPN........................................................................................................... 57
Overview of Domain-based VPN .................................................................................. 57
VPN Routing and Access Control ................................................................................. 58
Configuring Domain Based VPN ................................................................................... 58
Route Based VPN ............................................................................................................. 65
Overview of Route-based VPN ..................................................................................... 65
VPN Tunnel Interface (VTI) ........................................................................................... 66
Using Dynamic Routing Protocols ................................................................................. 67
Configuring Numbered VTIs.......................................................................................... 67
VTIs in a Clustered Environment .................................................................................. 69
Configuring VTIs in a Clustered Environment ............................................................... 69
Configuring VTIs in a Gaia Environment ....................................................................... 72
Enabling Dynamic Routing Protocols on VTIs ............................................................... 73
Configuring Anti-Spoofing on VTIs ................................................................................ 75
Configuring a Loopback Interface ................................................................................. 75
Configuring Unnumbered VTIs...................................................................................... 76
Routing Multicast Packets Through VPN Tunnels ......................................................... 76
Tunnel Management.......................................................................................................... 78
Overview of Tunnel Management ................................................................................. 78
Configuring Tunnel Features......................................................................................... 80
Route Injection Mechanism ............................................................................................... 82
Overview of Route Injection .......................................................................................... 82
Automatic RIM .............................................................................................................. 82
Custom Scripts ............................................................................................................. 84
Injecting Peer Security Gateway Interfaces................................................................... 85
Configuring RIM ............................................................................................................ 86
Configuring RIM on Gaia .............................................................................................. 87
Wire Mode ......................................................................................................................... 89
Overview of Wire Mode ................................................................................................. 89
Wire Mode Scenarios.................................................................................................... 89
 Special Considerations for Wire Mode .......................................................................... 92
Configuring Wire Mode ................................................................................................. 92
Directional VPN Enforcement ............................................................................................ 94
Overview of Directional VPN ......................................................................................... 94
Directional Enforcement within a Community ................................................................ 94
Configurable Objects in a Direction ............................................................................... 95
Directional Enforcement between Communities ............................................................ 96
Configuring Directional VPN Within a Community ......................................................... 96
Configuring Directional VPN Between Communities ..................................................... 97
Link Selection .................................................................................................................... 98
Link Selection Overview ................................................................................................ 98
Configuring IP Selection by Remote Peer ..................................................................... 98
Configuring Outgoing Route Selection ........................................................................ 100
When Initiating a Tunnel ............................................................................................. 100
Configuring Source IP Address Settings ..................................................................... 102
Outgoing Link Tracking ............................................................................................... 102
Link Selection Scenarios............................................................................................. 102
Service Based Link Selection...................................................................................... 106
Trusted Links .............................................................................................................. 110
On Demand Links (ODL) ............................................................................................ 113
Link Selection and ISP Redundancy ........................................................................... 114
Link Selection and ISP Redundancy Scenarios .......................................................... 115
Link Selection with non-Check Point Devices ............................................................. 116
Multiple Entry Point VPNs................................................................................................ 117
Overview of MEP ........................................................................................................ 117
Explicit MEP ............................................................................................................... 118
Implicit MEP ................................................................................................................ 123
Routing Return Packets .............................................................................................. 125
Special Considerations ............................................................................................... 126
Configuring MEP ......................................................................................................... 126
Traditional Mode VPNs .................................................................................................... 130
Introduction to Traditional Mode VPNs ........................................................................ 130
VPN Domains and Encryption Rules........................................................................... 131
Defining VPN Properties ............................................................................................. 132
Internally and Externally Managed Security Gateways................................................ 132
Considerations for VPN Creation ................................................................................ 132
Configuring Traditional Mode VPNs ............................................................................ 132
Converting a Traditional Policy to a Community Based Policy ......................................... 137
Introduction to Converting to Simplified VPN Mode ..................................................... 137
How Traditional VPN Mode Differs from a Simplified VPN Mode ................................ 137
How an Encrypt Rule Works in Traditional Mode ........................................................ 138
Principles of the Conversion to Simplified Mode ......................................................... 139
Placing the Security Gateways into the Communities ................................................. 139
Conversion of Encrypt Rule ........................................................................................ 139
Working with Remote Access VPN ................................................................................... 143
Check Point Remote Access Solutions ............................................................................ 144
Providing Secure Remote Access ............................................................................... 144
Types of Solutions ...................................................................................................... 144
Remote Access Solution Comparison ......................................................................... 145
Summary of Remote Access Options ......................................................................... 146
Remote Access VPN Overview ....................................................................................... 150
Overview..................................................................................................................... 150
SecureClient Remote Access Solution ........................................................................ 150
Need for Remote Access VPN .................................................................................... 155
VPN for Remote Access Considerations ......................................................................... 156
Policy Definition for Remote Access ........................................................................... 156
User Certificate Creation Methods when Using the ICA .............................................. 156
Multiple Certificates per User ...................................................................................... 156
Internal User Database vs. External User Database ................................................... 156
 NT Group/RADIUS Class Authentication Feature ....................................................... 157
Granting User Access Using RADIUS Server Groups ................................................. 157
Associating a RADIUS Server with Security Gateway ................................................. 159
Configuring Remote Access VPN .................................................................................... 160
Remote Access VPN Workflow ................................................................................... 161
Creating Remote Access VPN Certificates for Users .................................................. 161
Creating and Configuring the Security Gateway.......................................................... 163
Defining User and Authentication Methods in LDAP ................................................... 163
Enrolling User Certificates - ICA Management Tool .................................................... 163
Configuring Certificates Using Third Party PKI ............................................................ 163
Enabling Hybrid Mode and Methods of Authentication ................................................ 164
Configuring Authentication for NT groups and RADIUS Classes ................................. 164
Using a Pre-Shared Secret ......................................................................................... 165
Defining an LDAP User Group .................................................................................... 165
Defining a User Group ................................................................................................ 165
Defining a VPN Community and its Participants.......................................................... 165
Defining Access Control Rules .................................................................................... 165
Installing the Policy ..................................................................................................... 165
User Certificate Management ..................................................................................... 166
Modifying Encryption Properties for Remote Access VPN .......................................... 166
Working with RSA Hard and Soft Tokens.................................................................... 167
Office Mode ..................................................................................................................... 169
The Need for Remote Clients to be Part of the LAN .................................................... 169
Office Mode ................................................................................................................ 169
Enabling IP Address per User ..................................................................................... 174
Office Mode Considerations ........................................................................................ 176
Configuring Office Mode ............................................................................................. 177
Packaging SecureClient .................................................................................................. 183
Introduction: The Need to Simplify Remote Client Installations ................................... 183
The Check Point Solution - SecureClient Packaging Tool ........................................... 183
Creating a Preconfigured Package ............................................................................. 184
Configuring MSI Packaging......................................................................................... 185
Desktop Security ............................................................................................................. 188
The Need for Desktop Security ................................................................................... 188
Desktop Security Solution ........................................................................................... 188
Desktop Security Considerations ................................................................................ 191
Configuring Desktop Security...................................................................................... 191
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Clients.................................................................. 193
The Need for Supporting L2TP Clients ....................................................................... 193
Solution - Working with L2TP Clients .......................................................................... 193
Considerations for Choosing Microsoft IPsec / L2TP Clients....................................... 196
Configuring Remote Access for Microsoft IPsec / L2TP Clients .................................. 196
Secure Configuration Verification .................................................................................... 200
The Need to Verify Remote Client's Security Status ................................................... 200
The Secure Configuration Verification Solution ........................................................... 200
Considerations regarding SCV .................................................................................... 203
Configuring SCV ......................................................................................................... 203
VPN Routing - Remote Access ........................................................................................ 223
The Need for VPN Routing ......................................................................................... 223
Check Point Solution for Greater Connectivity and Security ........................................ 223
Configuring VPN Routing for Remote Access VPN ..................................................... 226
Link Selection for Remote Access Clients ....................................................................... 228
Overview..................................................................................................................... 228
Configuring Link Selection for Remote Access Only ................................................... 228
Using Directional VPN for Remote Access ...................................................................... 230
Directional VPN in RA Communities ........................................................................... 230
Configuring Directional VPN with Remote Access Communities ................................. 230
Remote Access Advanced Configuration......................................................................... 232
Non-Private Client IP Addresses ................................................................................. 232
 Preventing a Client Inside the Encryption Domain from Encrypting ............................. 233
Authentication Timeout and Password Caching .......................................................... 236
Secure Domain Logon (SDL) ...................................................................................... 236
Back Connections (Server to Client) ........................................................................... 237
Auto Topology Update (Connect Mode only) .............................................................. 237
How to Work with non-Check Point Firewalls .............................................................. 238
Resolving Internal Names with the SecuRemote DNS Server..................................... 238
Multiple Entry Point for Remote Access VPNs ................................................................. 239
The Need for Multiple Entry Point Security Gateways ................................................. 239
The Check Point Solution for Multiple Entry Points ..................................................... 239
Disabling MEP ............................................................................................................ 241
Configuring MEP ......................................................................................................... 241
Configuring Preferred Backup Security Gateway ........................................................ 242
Disabling MEP ............................................................................................................ 242
Userc.C and Product.ini Configuration Files .................................................................... 243
Introduction to Userc.C and Product.ini ....................................................................... 243
Userc.C File Parameters............................................................................................. 244
Product.ini Parameters ............................................................................................... 251
SSL Network Extender .................................................................................................... 254
Introduction to the SSL Network Extender .................................................................. 254
How the SSL Network Extender Works ....................................................................... 255
Commonly Used Concepts ......................................................................................... 255
Special Considerations for the SSL Network Extender................................................ 256
Configuring the SSL Network Extender ....................................................................... 258
SSL Network Extender User Experience..................................................................... 264
Troubleshooting SSL Network Extender ..................................................................... 270
Resolving Connectivity Issues ......................................................................................... 272
The Need for Connectivity Resolution Features .......................................................... 272
Check Point Solution for Connectivity Issues .............................................................. 272
Overcoming NAT Related Issues ................................................................................ 272
Overcoming Restricted Internet Access ...................................................................... 277
Configuring Remote Access Connectivity ................................................................... 279
VPN Command Line Interface ........................................................................................... 284
VPN Commands.............................................................................................................. 284
SecureClient Commands ................................................................................................. 285
Desktop Policy Commands.............................................................................................. 286
VPN Shell............................................................................................................................ 288
Configuring a Virtual Interface Using the VPN Shell ........................................................ 288
Index ................................................................................................................................... 291
Chapter 1
The Check Point VPN Solution
In This Section:
VPN Components ..................................................................................................... 9
Understanding the Terminology .............................................................................. 10
Site to Site VPN ...................................................................................................... 10
Remote Access VPN .............................................................................................. 13
IPv6 Support and Limitations .................................................................................. 15
SmartDashboard Toolbar ........................................................................................ 16

The IPsec VPN Software Blade lets the Security Gateway encrypt and decrypt traffic to and from other
gateways and clients. Use SmartDashboard to easily configure VPN connections between Security
Gateways and remote devices. You can configure Star and Mesh topologies for large-scale VPN networks
that include third-party gateways. The VPN tunnel guarantees:
• Authenticity - Uses standard authentication methods
• Privacy - All VPN data is encrypted
• Integrity - Uses industry-standard integrity assurance methods
IKE and IPsec
The Check Point VPN solution uses these secure VPN protocols to manage encryption keys, and send
encrypted packets. IKE (Internet Key Exchange) is a standard key management protocol that is used to
create the VPN tunnels. IPsec is protocol that supports secure IP communications that are authenticated
and encrypted on private or public networks.

VPN Components
VPN is composed of:
• VPN endpoints, such as Security Gateways, Security Gateway clusters, or remote clients (such as
laptop computers or mobile phones) that communicate using a VPN.
• VPN trust entities, such as a Check Point Internal Certificate Authority (ICA). The ICA is part of the
Check Point suite used for creating SIC trusted connection between Security Gateways, authenticating
administrators and third party servers. The ICA provides certificates for internal Security Gateways and
remote access clients which negotiate the VPN link.
• VPN Management tools. Security Management Server and SmartDashboard. SmartDashboard is the
SmartConsole used to access the Security Management Server. The VPN Manager is part of
SmartDashboard. SmartDashboard enables organizations to define and deploy Intranet, and remote
Access VPNs.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 9

 The Check Point VPN Solution

Understanding the Terminology

A number of terms are used widely in Secure VPN implementation, namely:
• VPN - Virtual Private Network. A secure, encrypted connection between networks and remote clients on
a public infrastructure, to give authenticated remote users and sites secured access to an organization's
network and resources.
• Virtual Tunnel Interface - Virtual Tunnel Interface. A virtual interface that is a member of an existing,
Route Based, VPN tunnel.
• VPN Peer - A gateway that connects to a different gateway using a Virtual Tunnel Interface.
• VPN Domain - A group of computers and networks connected to a VPN tunnel by one VPN gateway
that handles encryption and protects the VPN Domain members.
• VPN Community - A named collection of VPN domains, each protected by a VPN gateway.
• VPN Security Gateway - The gateway that manages encryption and decryption of traffic between
members of a VPN Domain, typically located at one (Remote Access VPN) or both (Site to Site VPN)
ends of a VPN tunnel.
• Site to Site VPN - An encrypted tunnel between two gateways, typically of different geographical sites.
• Remote Access VPN - An encryption tunnel between a Security Gateway and remote access clients,
such as Endpoint Security VPN, and communities.
• Remote Access Community - A group of computers, appliances, and devices that access, with
authentication and encryption, the internal protected network from physically remote sites.
• Star Topology - A "hub and spoke" virtual private network community, with gateways defined as
Satellites (spokes) that create tunnels only with the central gateway ("hub").
• Meshed topology - A VPN community with a VPN Domain that creates a tunnel to other VPN Domains.
• Domain-based VPN - A method to route encrypted traffic with parameters defined by Security
Gateways.
• Route-Based VPN - A routing method for participants in a VPN community, defined by the Virtual
Tunnel Interfaces (VTI).
• IKE (Internet Key Exchange) - An Encryption key management protocol that enhances IPSec by
providing additional features, flexibility, and ease of configuration.
• IPSec - A set of secure VPN protocols that manage encryption keys and encrypted packet traffic, to
create a standard for authentication and encryption services.

Site to Site VPN

The basis of Site to Site VPN is the encrypted VPN tunnel. Two Security Gateways negotiate a link and
create a VPN tunnel and each tunnel can contain more than one VPN connection. One Security Gateway
can maintain more than one VPN tunnel at the same time.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 10

 The Check Point VPN Solution

Sample Site to Site VPN Deployment

Item Description

1 Security Gateway

2 VPN tunnel

3 Internal network in VPN domain

4 Host 1

5 Host 6

In this sample VPN deployment, Host 1 and Host 6 securely send data to each other. The Firewalls do IKE
negotiation and create a VPN tunnel. They use the IPsec protocol to encrypt and decrypt data that is sent
between Host 1 and Host 6.
VPN Workflow

Host 1 sends packet Firewalls A & B create

Firewall A encrypts data
to Host 6 VPN tunnel

Host 6 receives Encrypted data is sent

Firewall B decrypts data
unencrypted data through VPN tunnel

VPN Communities
A VPN Domain is the internal networks that use Security Gateways to send and receive VPN traffic. Define
the resources that are included in the VPN Domain for each Security Gateway. Then join the Security
Gateways into a VPN community. Network resources of the different Security Gateways can securely
communicate with each other through VPN tunnels.
VPN communities are based on Star and Mesh topologies. In a Mesh community, there are VPN
connections between each Security Gateway. In a Star community, satellites have a VPN connection with
the center Security Gateway, but not to each other.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 11

 The Check Point VPN Solution

Mesh Topology Star Topology

Item Description

1 Security Gateway. For Star topology, the central Security Gateway.

2 For Star topology, satellite Security Gateways.

Sample Combination VPN Community

Item Description

1 London Security Gateway

2 New York Security Gateway

3 London - New York Mesh community

4 London company partner (external network)

5 London Star community

6 New York company partner (external network)

7 New York Star community

This deployment is composed of a Mesh community for London and New York Security Gateways that
share internal networks. The Security Gateways for external networks of company partners do not have
access to the London and New York internal networks. The Star VPN communities let the company partners
access the internal networks.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 12

 The Check Point VPN Solution

Routing VPN Traffic

Configure the Security Gateway to route VPN traffic based on VPN domains or based on the routing settings
of the operating system.

Note - For each of the VPN gateways, you must configure an existing gateway as a default gateway.

Domain Based VPN

The VPN traffic is routed according to the VPN domains that are defined in SmartDashboard. Use domain
based routing to let satellite Security Gateways send VPN traffic to each other. The center Security Gateway
creates VPN tunnels to each satellite and the traffic is routed to the correct VPN domain.
Route Based VPN
VPN traffic is routed according to the routing settings (static or dynamic) of the Security Gateway operating
system. The Security Gateway uses a VTI (VPN Tunnel Interface) to send the VPN traffic as if it were a
physical interface. The VTIs of Security Gateways in a VPN community connect and can support dynamic
routing protocols.

Granular Routing Control

The Link Selection feature gives you granular control of the VPN traffic in the network. Use this feature to
enable the Security Gateway to:
• Find the best possible route for VPN traffic
• Select the interfaces that are used for VPN traffic to internal and external networks
• Configure the IP addresses that are used for VPN traffic
• Use route probing to select available VPN tunnels
• Use Load Sharing for Link Selection to equally distribute VPN traffic to VPN tunnels

Remote Access VPN

If employees remotely access sensitive information from different locations and devices, system
administrators must make sure that this access does not become a security vulnerability. Check Point's
Remote Access VPN solutions let you create a VPN tunnel between a remote user and the internal network.
The Mobile Access Software Blade extends the functionality of Remote Access solutions to include many
clients and deployments.

Client-Based vs. Clientless

Check Point remote access solutions use IPsec and SSL encryption protocols to create secure connections.
All Check Point clients can work through NAT devices, hotspots, and proxies in situations with complex
topologies, such as airports or hotels. These are the types of installations for remote access solutions:
• Client-based - Client application installed on endpoint computers and devices. Clients are usually
installed on a managed device, such as a company-owned computer. The client supplies access to most
types of corporate resources according to the access privileges of the user.
• Clientless - Users connect through a web browser and use HTTPS connections. Clientless solutions
usually supply access to web-based corporate resources.
• On demand client - Users connect through a web browser and a client is installed when necessary.
The client supplies access to most types of corporate resources according to the access privileges of
the user.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 13

 The Check Point VPN Solution

Using Remote Access VPN

This section explains how to use a VPN tunnel to connect a client-based remote computer to an internal
network. For more about using Mobile Access to connect remote devices to internal resources, see Remote
Access to the Network.

Note - For each of the VPN gateways, you must configure an existing gateway as a default gateway.

VPN Connectivity Modes

The IPsec VPN Software Blade lets the Firewall overcome connectivity challenges for remote clients. Use
VPN connectivity modes to make sure that remote users can connect to the VPN tunnels. These are some
examples of connectivity challenges:
• The IP addresses of a remote access client might be unknown
• The remote access client can be connected to a hotel LAN with internal IP addresses
• It is necessary for the remote client to use protocols that are not supported
Office Mode
Remote users can be assigned the same or non-routable IP addresses from the local ISP. Office Mode
solves these routing problems and encapsulates the IP packets with an available IP address from the
internal network. Remote users can send traffic as if they are in the office and do not have VPN routing
problems.
Visitor Mode
Remote users can be restricted to use HTTP and HTTPS traffic only. Visitor Mode lets these users tunnel all
protocols with a regular TCP connection on port 443.

Sample Remote Access VPN Workflow

Use SmartDashboard to enable and configure the Security Gateway for remote access VPN connections.
Then add the remote user information to the Security Management Server: create and configure an LDAP
Account Unit or enter the information in the SmartDashboard user database. You can also configure the
Firewall to authenticate the remote users. Define the Firewall access control and encryption rules. Create
the LDAP group or user group object that is used for the Firewall rules. Then create and configure the
encryption settings for the VPN community object. Add the access rules to the Firewall Rule Base to allow
VPN traffic to the internal networks.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 14

 The Check Point VPN Solution

Enable remote access

VPN

LDAP Smart Configure users in

Configure LDAP
Manage Users? Dashboard SmartDashboard
Account Unit
database

Configure user Configure user

authentication authentication

Create LDAP user Create user

Create VPN Community
group object group object

Configure rules for VPN

access in Firewall Rule
Base

Install policy

IPv6 Support and Limitations

This release includes limited IPv6 support for IPsec VPN communities:
• IPv6 is supported for Site to Site VPN only (Main IP to Main IP). The Main IP address for both Security
Gateways must be defined as an IPv6 Address. You can define other IP addresses that are IPv4 or
IPv6.
• IPv6 supports IKEv2 encryption only. IKEv2 is automatically always used for IPv6 traffic. The encryption
method configuration applies to IPv4 traffic only.
• VPN tunneling only supports IPv4 inside an IPv4 tunnel, and IPv6 inside an IPv6 tunnel. IPv4 traffic
inside an IPv6 tunnel is not supported.
These VPN features are not supported for IPv6:
• VSX
• Remote Access VPN
• CRL fetch for the internal Certificate Authority
• Multiple Entry Points (MEP)
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 15
 The Check Point VPN Solution

• Route-based VPN (VTI)

• Wire Mode VPN
• Gateways with a dynamic IP address.
• Route Injection Mechanism (RIM)
• Traditional mode Firewall Policies
• IKE Denial of Service protection
• IKE Aggressive Mode
• Gateways with Dynamic IP addresses
• Traditional Mode VPN
• Migration from Traditional mode to Simplified mode
• Tunnel Management (permanent tunnels)
• Directional VPN Enforcement
• Link Selection
• GRE Tunnels
• Tunnel View in SmartView Monitor
• VPN Overview page
• vpn_route.conf configuration file

SmartDashboard Toolbar
You can use the SmartDashboard toolbar to do these actions:
Icon Description

Open the SmartDashboard menu. When instructed to select menu options, click this
button to show the menu.
For example, if you are instructed to select Manage > Users and Administrators,
click this button to open the Manage menu and then select the Users and
Administrators option.

Save current policy and all system objects.

Open a policy package, which is a collection of Policies saved together with the same
name.

Refresh policy from the Security Management Server.

Open the Database Revision Control window.

Change global properties.

Verify Rule Base consistency.

Install the policy on Security Gateways or VSX Gateways.

Open SmartConsole.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 16

Chapter 2
IPsec & IKE
In This Section:
Overview ................................................................................................................. 17
IKE DoS Protection ................................................................................................. 23
Configuring Advanced IKE Properties .................................................................... 26

Overview
In symmetric cryptographic systems, both communicating parties use the same key for encryption and
decryption. The material used to build these keys must be exchanged in a secure fashion. Information can
be securely exchanged only if the key belongs exclusively to the communicating parties.
The goal of the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) is for both sides to independently produce the same
symmetrical key. This key then encrypts and decrypts the regular IP packets used in the bulk transfer of
data between VPN peers. IKE builds the VPN tunnel by authenticating both sides and reaching an
agreement on methods of encryption and integrity. The outcome of an IKE negotiation is a Security
Association (SA).
This agreement upon keys and methods of encryption must also be performed securely. For this reason,
IKE is composed of two phases. The first phase lays the foundations for the second. Both IKEv1 and IKEv2
are supported in Security Gateways of version R71 and higher.
Diffie-Hellman (DH) is that part of the IKE protocol used for exchanging the material from which the
symmetrical keys are built. The Diffie-Hellman algorithm builds an encryption key known as a "shared
secret" from the private key of one party and the public key of the other. Since the IPsec symmetrical keys
are derived from this DH key shared between the peers, at no point are symmetric keys actually exchanged.

IKE Phase I
During IKE Phase I:
• The peers authenticate, either by certificates or via a pre-shared secret. (More authentication methods
are available when one of the peers is a remote access client.)
• A Diffie-Hellman key is created. The nature of the Diffie-Hellman protocol means that both sides can
independently create the shared secret, a key which is known only to the peers.
• Key material (random bits and other mathematical data) as well as an agreement on methods for IKE
phase II are exchanged between the peers.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 17

 IPsec & IKE

In terms of performance, the generation of the Diffie Hellman Key is slow and heavy. The outcome of this
phase is the IKE SA, an agreement on keys and methods for IKE phase II. Figure 2-1 illustrates the process
that takes place during IKE phase I but does not necessarily reflect the actual order of events.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 18

 IPsec & IKE

IKE Phase II (Quick mode or IPSec Phase)

IKE phase II is encrypted according to the keys and methods agreed upon in IKE phase I. The key material
exchanged during IKE phase II is used for building the IPsec keys. The outcome of phase II is the IPsec
Security Association. The IPsec SA is an agreement on keys and methods for IPsec, thus IPsec takes place
according to the keys and methods agreed upon in IKE phase II.

After the IPsec keys are created, bulk data transfer takes place:

IKEv1 and IKEv2

IKEv2 is supported inside VPN communities working in Simplified mode in versions R71 and higher.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 19

 IPsec & IKE

IKEv2 is configured in the VPN Community Properties window > Encryption. The default setting is IKEv1
only. IKEv2 is automatically always used for IPv6 traffic. The encryption method configuration applies to
IPv4 traffic only.
For Remote users, the IKE settings are configured in Global Properties > Remote Access > VPN
Authentication and Encryption.

Note - IKEv2 is not supported on UTM-1 Edge devices or VSX objects before R75.40VS. If
UTM-1 Edge devices or such VSX objects are included in a VPN Community, the
Encryption setting should be Support IKEv1.

Methods of Encryption and Integrity

Two parameters are decided during the negotiation:
• Encryption algorithm
• Hash algorithm
Parameter IKE Phase 1 (IKE SA) IKE PHASE 2 (IPSec SA)

Encryption • AES-128 • AES-128 (default)

• AES-256(default) • AES-256
• 3DES • 3DES
• DES • DES
• CAST (IKEv1 only) • DES-40CP (IKEv1 only)
• CAST (IKEv1 only)
• CAST-40 (IKEv1 only)
• NULL
• AES-GCM-128
• AES-GCM-256
Integrity • MD5 • MD5
• SHA1 (default) • SHA1 (default)
• SHA -256 • SHA -256
• AES-XCBC • AES-XCBC
• SHA -384 • SHA -384
NULL means perform an integrity check only; packets are not encrypted.

Diffie Hellman Groups

The Diffie-Hellman key computation (also known as exponential key agreement) is based on the Diffie
Hellman (DH) mathematical groups. A Security Gateway supports these DH groups during the two phases
of IKE.
Parameter IKE Phase 1 (IKE SA) IKE Phase 2 (IPSec SA)

Diffie Hellman Groups • Group2 (1024 bits) (default) • Group2 (1024 bits) (default)
• Group1 (768 bits) • Group1 (768 bits)
• Group5 (1536 bits) • Group5 (1536 bits)
• Group14 (2048 bits) • Group14 (2048 bits)
• Group19 (256-bit ECP) • Group19 (256-bit ECP)
• Group20 (384-bit ECP) • Group20 (384-bit ECP)
A group with more bits ensures a key that is harder to break, but carries a heavy cost in terms of
performance, since the computation requires more CPU cycles.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 20

 IPsec & IKE

Phase I modes
Between Security Gateways, there are two modes for IKE phase I. These modes only apply to IKEv1:
• Main Mode
• Aggressive Mode
If aggressive mode is not selected, the Security Gateway defaults to main mode, performing the IKE
negotiation using six packets; aggressive mode performs the IKE negotiation with three packets.
Main mode is preferred because:
• Main mode is partially encrypted, from the point at which the shared DH key is known to both peers.
• Main mode is less susceptible to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. In main mode, the DH computation is
performed after authentication. In aggressive mode, the DH computation is performed parallel to
authentication. A peer that is not yet authenticated can force processor intensive Diffie-Hellman
computations on the other peer.
Note - Use aggressive mode when a Check Point Security Gateway
needs to negotiate with third party VPN solutions that do not support
main mode.

When dealing with remote access, IKE has additional modes:

• Hybrid mode. Hybrid mode provides an alternative to IKE phase I, where the Security Gateway is
allowed to authenticate using certificates and the client via some other means, such as SecurID. For
more information on Hybrid mode, see: Introduction to Remote Access VPN.
• Office mode. Office mode is an extension to the IKE protocol. Office Mode is used to resolve routing
issues between remote access clients and the VPN domain. During the IKE negotiation, a special mode
called config mode is inserted between phases I and II. During config mode, the remote access client
requests an IP address from the Security Gateway. After the Security Gateway assigns the IP address,
the client creates a virtual adapter in the Operating System. The virtual adapter uses the assigned IP
address. For further information, see: Office Mode (on page 169).

Renegotiating IKE & IPsec Lifetimes

IKE phase I is more processor intensive than IKE phase II, since the Diffie-Hellman keys have to be
produced and the peers authenticated each time. For this reason, IKE phase I is performed less frequently.
However, the IKE SA is only valid for a certain period, after which the IKE SA must be renegotiated. The
IPsec SA is valid for an even shorter period, meaning many IKE phase II's take place.
The period between each renegotiation is known as the lifetime. Generally, the shorter the lifetime, the
more secure the IPsec tunnel (at the cost of more processor intensive IKE negotiations). With longer
lifetimes, future VPN connections can be set up more quickly. By default, IKE phase I occurs once a day;
IKE phase II occurs every hour but the time-out for each phase is configurable.
The IPsec lifetime can also be configured according to Kilo Bytes by using GuiDBedit to edit the
objects_5_0.c file. The relevant properties are under the community set:
• ike_p2_use_rekey_kbytes. Change from false (default) to true.
• ike_p2_rekey_kbytes. Modify to include the required rekeying value (default 50000).

Perfect Forward Secrecy

The keys created by peers during IKE phase II and used for IPsec are based on a sequence of random
binary digits exchanged between peers, and on the DH key computed during IKE phase I.
The DH key is computed once, then used a number of times during IKE phase II. Since the keys used
during IKE phase II are based on the DH key computed during IKE phase I, there exists a mathematical
relationship between them. For this reason, the use of a single DH key may weaken the strength of
subsequent keys. If one key is compromised, subsequent keys can be compromised with less effort.
In cryptography, Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) refers to the condition in which the compromise of a
current session key or long-term private key does not cause the compromise of earlier or subsequent keys.
Security Gateways meet this requirement with a PFS mode. When PFS is enabled, a fresh DH key is
generated during IKE phase II, and renewed for each key exchange.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 21
 IPsec & IKE

However, because a new DH key is generated during each IKE phase I, no dependency exists between
these keys and those produced in subsequent IKE Phase I negotiations. Enable PFS in IKE phase II only in
situations where extreme security is required.
The DH group used during PFS mode is configurable between groups 1, 2, 5 and 14, with group 2 (1042
bits) being the default.

Note - PFS mode is supported only between gateways, not between

Security Gateways and remote access clients.

IP Compression
IP compression is a process that reduces the size of the data portion of the TCP/IP packet. Such a reduction
can cause significant improvement in performance. IPsec supports the Flate/Deflate IP compression
algorithm. Deflate is a smart algorithm that adapts the way it compresses data to the actual data itself.
Whether to use IP compression is decided during IKE phase II. IP compression is not enabled by default.
IP compression is important for SecuRemote client / SecureClient users with slow links. For Example, dialup
modems do compression as a way of speeding up the link. Security Gateway encryption makes TCP/IP
packets appear "mixed up". This kind of data cannot be compressed and bandwidth is lost as a result. If IP
compression is enabled, packets are compressed before encryption. This has the effect of recovering the
lost bandwidth.

Subnets and Security Associations

By default, a VPN tunnel is created for the complete subnets that host computers reside on, and not just for
the host computers involved in the communication.

A Security Gateway protects a network consisting of two subnets (10.10.10.x, and 10.10.11.x, with netmask
255.255.255.0 for both). A second Security Gateway, the remote peer, protects subnets 10.10.12.x and
10.10.13.x, with netmask 255.255.255.0.
Because a VPN tunnel is created by default for complete subnets, four SA's exist between the Security
Gateway and the peer Security Gateway. When Host A communicates with Host B, an SA is created
between Host A's subnet and Host B's subnet.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 22

 IPsec & IKE

Unique SA Per Pair of Peers

By disabling the Support Key exchange for subnets option on each Security Gateway, it is possible to
create a unique Security Association per pair of peers.

If the Security Gateway is configured to Support key exchange for subnets and the option remains
unsupported on the remote peer, when host A communicates with host C, a Security Association (SA 1) will
be negotiated between host A's subnet and host C's IP address. The same SA is then used between any
host on the 10.10.11.x subnet and Host C.
When host A communicates with host B, a separate Security Association (SA 2) is negotiated between host
A's subnet and host B. As before, the same SA is then used between any host in 10.10.11.x subnet and
Host B.

When Support Key exchange for subnets is not enabled on communicating Security Gateways, then a
security association is negotiated between individual IP addresses; in effect, a unique SA per host.

IKE DoS Protection

Understanding DoS Attacks
Denial of Service (DoS) attacks are intended to reduce performance, block legitimate users from using a
service, or even bring down a service. They are not direct security threats in the sense that no confidential

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 23

 IPsec & IKE

data is exposed, and no user gains unauthorized privileges. However, they consume computer resources
such as memory or CPU.
Generally, there are two kinds of DoS attack. One kind consists of sending malformed (garbage) packets in
the hope of exploiting a bug and causing the service to fail. In the other kind of DoS attack, an attacker
attempts to exploit a vulnerability of the service or protocol by sending well-formed packets. IKE DoS attack
protection deals with the second kind of attack.

IKE DoS Attacks

The IKE protocol requires that the receiving Security Gateway allocates memory for the first IKE Phase 1
request packet that it receives. The Security Gateway replies, and receives another packet, which it then
processes using the information gathered from the first packet.
An attacker can send many IKE first packets, while forging a different source IP address for each. The
receiving Security Gateway is obliged to reply to each, and assign memory for each. This can consume all
CPU resources, thereby preventing connections from legitimate users.
The attacker sending IKE packets can pretend to be a machine that is allowed to initiate IKE negotiations,
such as a Check Point Security Gateway. This is known as an identified source. The attacker can also
pretend to have an IP address that the receiving Security Gateway does not know about, such as a
SecuRemote client / SecureClient, or a Check Point Security Gateway with a dynamic IP address. This is
known as an unidentified source.

Defense Against IKE DoS Attacks

When the number of simultaneous IKE negotiations handled exceeds the accepted threshold, it concludes
that it is either under load or experiencing a Denial of Service attack. In such a case, the Security Gateway
can filter out peers that are the probable source of a potential Denial of Service attack. The following
sections describe different types of defenses against IKE DoS attacks.
IKE DoS protection is not supported for IPv6 addresses.

SmartDashboard IKE DoS Attack Protection Settings

To protect against IKE DoS attacks, configure the SmartDashboard IKE Denial of Service Protection
settings, in the VPN >Advanced page of the Global Properties. IKE DoS protection is not supported for
IPv6 addresses.
• Support IKE DoS protection from identified source — The default setting for identified sources is
Stateless. If the Security Gateway is under load, this setting requires the peer to respond to an IKE
notification in a way that proves that the IP address of the peer is not spoofed. If the peer cannot prove
this, the Security Gateway does not begin the IKE negotiation.
If the source is identified, protecting using Puzzles is over cautious, and may affect performance. A third
possible setting is None, which means no DoS protection.
• Support IKE DoS protection from unidentified source — The default setting for unidentified sources
is Puzzles. If the Security Gateway is under load, this setting requires the peer to solve a mathematical
puzzle. Solving this puzzle consumes peer CPU resources in a way that makes it difficult to initiate
multiple IKE negotiations simultaneously.
For unidentified sources, Stateless protection may not be sufficient because an attacker may well
control all the IP addresses from which the IKE requests appear to be sent. A third possible setting is
None, which means no DoS protection.

Advanced IKE DoS Attack Protection Settings

Advanced IKE DoS attack protection can be configured on the Security Management Server using the
dbedit command line or using GuiDBedit, the Check Point Database Tool. Configure the protection by
means of the following Global Properties. IKE DoS protection is not supported for IPv6.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 24

 IPsec & IKE

ike_dos_threshold
Values: 0-100. Default: 70. Determines the percentage of maximum concurrent ongoing negotiations, above
which the Security Gateway will request DoS protection. If the threshold is set to 0, the Security Gateway
will always request DoS protection.

ike_dos_puzzle_level_identified_initiator
Values: 0-32. Default: 19. Determines the level of the puzzles sent to known peer Security Gateways. This
attribute also determines the maximum puzzle level a Security Gateway is willing to solve.

ike_dos_puzzle_level_unidentified_initiator
Values: 0-32. Default: 19. Determines the level of the puzzles sent to unknown peers (such as SecuRemote
client / SecureClient and DAIP Security Gateways). This attribute also determines the maximum puzzle level
that DAIP Security Gateways and SecuRemote client / SecureClient are willing to solve.

ike_dos_max_puzzle_time_gw
Values: 0-30000. Default: 500. Determines the maximum time in milliseconds a Security Gateway is willing
to spend solving a DoS protection puzzle.

ike_dos_max_puzzle_time_daip
Values: 0-30000. Default: 500. Determines the maximum time in milliseconds a DAIP Security Gateway is
willing to spend solving a DoS protection puzzle.

ike_dos_max_puzzle_time_sr
Values: 0-30000. Default: 5000. Determines the maximum time in milliseconds a SecuRemote client is
willing to spend solving a DoS protection puzzle.

ike_dos_supported_protection_sr
Values: None, Stateless, Puzzles. Default: Puzzles. When downloaded to SecuRemote client /
SecureClient, it controls the level of protection the client is willing to support.
Security Gateways use the ike_dos_protection_unidentified_initiator property (equivalent to the
SmartDashboard Global Property: Support IKE DoS Protection from unidentified Source) to decide what
protection to require from remote clients, but SecuRemote client / SecureClient clients use the
ike_dos_protection. This same client property is called ike_dos_supported_protection_sr on the
Security Gateway.

Protection After Successful Authentication

You can configure fields in GuiDBedit to protect against IKE DoS attacks from peers who may authenticate
successfully and then attack a Security Gateway. These settings are configured in the Global Properties
table and not per Security Gateway. By default these protections are off. Once you enter a value, they will
be activated.
To limit the amount of IKE Security Associations (SA's) that a user can open, configure the following fields:

Type of VPN Field Recommended Value

Site to site number_of_ISAKMP_SAs_kept_per_peer 5

Remote user number_of_ISAKMP_SAs_kept_per_user 5

To limit the amount of tunnels that a user can open per IKE, configure the following fields:

Type of VPN Field Recommended Value

Site to site number_of_ipsec_SAs_per_IKE_SA 30

Remote user number_of_ipsec_SAs_per_user_IKE_SA 5

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 25

 IPsec & IKE

Client Properties
Some Security Gateway properties change name when they are downloaded to SecuRemote client /
SecureClient. The modified name appears in the Userc.C file, as follows:
Property Names
Property Name on Gateway User.C Property name on Client

ike_dos_protection_unidentified_initiator ike_dos_protection or
(Equivalent to the SmartDashboard Global Property: ike_support_dos_protection
Support IKE DoS Protection from unidentified
Source)

ike_dos_supported_protection_sr ike_dos_protection

ike_dos_puzzle_level_unidentified_initiator ike_dos_acceptable_puzzle_level

ike_dos_max_puzzle_time_sr ike_dos_max_puzzle_time

Configuring Advanced IKE Properties

IKE is configured in two places:
• On the VPN community network object (for IKE properties).
• On the Security Gateway network object (for subnet key exchange).

On the VPN Community Network Object

IPv6 automatically works with IKE v2 encryption only. The option that you select here, applies to IPv4 traffic.
1. From the VPN Community Properties > Encryption page, select:
• Encryption Method - For IKE phase I and II.
 IKEv2 only - Only support encryption using IKEv2. Security Gateways in this community
cannot access peer gateways that support IKEv1 only.
 Prefer IKEv2, support IKEv1 - If a peer supports IKEv2, the Security Gateway will use
IKEv2. If not, it will use IKEv1 encryption. This is recommended if you have a community of
older and new Check Point Security Gateways.
 IKEv1 only - IKEv2 is not supported.
• Encryption Suite - The methods negotiated in IKE phase 2 and used in IPSec connections. Select
the option for best interoperability with other vendors in your environment.
 VPN-A or VPN B - See RFC 4308 for more information.
 Suite-B GCM-128 or 256 - See RFC 6379 for more information.
 If you require algorithms other than those specified in the other options, select Custom and
click Advanced to select properties for IKE Phase 1 and 2.
Note - Suite-B GCM-128 and 256 encryption suites are supported on R71.50 gateways and from
R75.40 gateways.
2. From the VPN Community Properties > Advanced Settings > Advanced VPN Properties page,
select:
• Which Diffie-Hellman group to use.
• When to renegotiate the IKE Security Associations.
• Whether to use aggressive mode (Main mode is the default).
• Whether to use Perfect Forward Secrecy, and with which Diffie-Hellman group.
• When to renegotiate the IPsec security associations.
• Whether to use Support IP compression.
• Whether to disable NAT inside the VPN community.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 26

 IPsec & IKE

On the Gateway Network Object

1. On the IPsec VPN > VPN Advanced page, select one of the options in the VPN Tunnel Sharing
section. There are several settings that control the number of VPN tunnels between peer gateways:
Note - Wire Mode is not supported for IPv6 connections.
• Use the community settings - Create the number of VPN tunnels as defined on the community
Tunnel Management page.
• Custom settings:
 One VPN tunnel per each pair of hosts - A VPN tunnel is created for every session
initiated between every pair of hosts.
 One VPN tunnel per subnet pair - Once a VPN tunnel has been opened between two
subnets, subsequent sessions between the same subnets will share the same VPN tunnel.
This is the default setting and is compliant with the IPsec industry standard.
 One VPN tunnel per Gateway pair - One VPN tunnel is created between peer gateways
and shared by all hosts behind each peer gateway.
2. On the Capacity Optimization page, you can maximize VPN throughput by limiting the following
connection parameters:
• Maximum concurrent IKE negotiations
• Maximum concurrent runnels
If you have many employees working remotely, you may want to raise the default values.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 27

Chapter 3
Public Key Infrastructure
In This Section:
Need for Integration with Different PKI Solutions ................................................... 28
Supporting a Wide Variety of PKI Solutions ........................................................... 28
Special Considerations for PKI ............................................................................... 35
Configuration of PKI Operations ............................................................................. 35
Configuring OCSP .................................................................................................. 39

Need for Integration with Different PKI Solutions

X.509-based PKI solutions provide the infrastructure that enables entities to establish trust relationships
between each other based on their mutual trust of the Certificate Authority (CA). The trusted CA issues a
certificate for an entity, which includes the entity's public key. Peer entities that trust the CA can trust the
certificate — because they can verify the CA's signature — and rely on the information in the certificate, the
most important of which is the association of the entity with the public key.
IKE standards recommend the use of PKI in VPN environments, where strong authentication is required.
A Security Gateway taking part in VPN tunnel establishment must have an RSA key pair and a certificate
issued by a trusted CA. The certificate contains details about the module's identity, its public key, CRL
retrieval details, and is signed by the CA.
When two entities try to establish a VPN tunnel, each side supplies its peer with random information signed
by its private key and with the certificate that contains the public key. The certificate enables the
establishment of a trust relationship between the Security Gateways; each gateway uses the peer Security
Gateway public key to verify the source of the signed information and the CA's public key to validate the
certificate's authenticity. In other words, the validated certificate is used to authenticate the peer.
Every deployment of Check Point Security Management Server includes an Internal Certificate Authority
(ICA) that issues VPN certificates for the VPN modules it manages. These VPN certificates simplify the
definition of VPNs between these modules.
Situations can arise when integration with other PKI solutions is required, for example:
• A VPN must be established with a Security Gateway managed by an external Security Management
Server. For example, the peer Security Gateway belongs to another organization which utilizes Check
Point products, and its certificate is signed by its own Security Management Server ICA.
• A VPN must be established with a non-Check Point VPN entity. In this case, the peer's certificate is
signed by a third-party CA.
• An organization may decide, for whatever reason, to use a third party CA to generate certificates for its
Security Gateways.

Supporting a Wide Variety of PKI Solutions

Check Point Security Gateways support many different scenarios for integrating PKI in VPN environments.
• Multiple CA Support for Single VPN Tunnel – Two Security Gateways present a certificate signed by
different ICAs.
• Support for non-ICA CAs – In addition to ICA, Security Gateways support the following Certificate
Authorities:
• External ICA - The ICA of another Security Management Server
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 28
 Public Key Infrastructure

• Other OPSEC certified PKI solutions

• CA Hierarchy – CAs are typically arranged in a hierarchical structure where multiple CAs are
subordinate to a root authority CA. A subordinate CA is a Certificate Authority certified by another
Certificate Authority. Subordinate CA's can issue certificates to other, more subordinate CAs, forming a
certification chain or hierarchy.

PKI and Remote Access Users

The Check Point Suite supports certificates not only for Security Gateways but for users as well. For more
information, see Introduction to Remote Access VPN for information about user certificates.

PKI Deployments and VPN

Following are some sample CA deployments:
• Simple Deployment - internal CA
• CA of an external Security Management Server
• CA services provided over the Internet
• CA on the LAN

Simple Deployment – Internal CA

When the VPN tunnel is established between Security Gateways managed by the same Security
Management Server, each peer has a certificate issued by the Security Management Server's ICA.

CA of An External Security Management Server

If a Check Point Security Gateway is managed by an external Security Management Server (for example,
when establishing a VPN tunnel with another organization's VPN modules), each peer has a certificate
signed by its own Security Management Server's ICA.

Security Management Server A issues certificates for Security Management Server B that issues certificates
for Security Gateway B.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 29

 Public Key Infrastructure

CA Services Over the Internet

If the certificate of a Security Gateway is issued by a third party CA accessible over the Internet, CA
operations such as registration or revocation are usually performed through HTTP forms. CRLs are retrieved
from an HTTP server functioning as a CRL repository.

Security Gateways A and B receive their certificates from a PKI service provider accessible via the web.
Certificates issued by external CA's may be used by Security Gateways managed by the same Security
Management Server to verification.

CA Located on the LAN

If the peer VPN Security Gateway certificate is issued by a third party CA on the LAN, the CRL is usually
retrieved from an internal LDAP server, as shown:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 30

 Public Key Infrastructure

Trusting An External CA
A trust relationship is a crucial prerequisite for establishing a VPN tunnel. However, a trust relationship is
possible only if the CA that signs the peer's certificate is "trusted." Trusting a CA means obtaining and
validating the CA's own certificate. Once the CA's Certificate has been validated, the details on the CA's
certificate and its public key can be used to both obtain and validate other certificates issued by the CA.
The Internal CA (ICA) is automatically trusted by all modules managed by the Security Management Server
that employs it. External CAs (even the ICA of another Check Point Security Management Server) are not
automatically trusted, so a module must first obtain and validate an external CA's certificate. The external
CA must provide a way for its certificate to be imported into the Security Management Server.
If the external CA is:
• The ICA of an external Security Management Server, see the R76 Security Management Server
Administration Guide (http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22920) for
further information
• An OPSEC Certified CA, use the CA options on the Servers and OSPEC Applications tab to define
the CA and obtain its certificate

Subordinate Certificate Authorities

A subordinate CA is a Certificate Authority certified by another Certificate Authority. Subordinate CAs can
issue certificates to other, more subordinate CAs, in this way forming a certification chain or hierarchy. The
CA at the top of the hierarchy is the root authority or root CA. Child Certificate Authorities of the root CA are
referred to as Subordinate Certificate Authorities.
With the CA options on the Servers and OSPEC Applications tab, you can define either a Certificate
Authority as either Trusted or Subordinate. Subordinate CAs are of the type OPSEC, and not trusted.

Enrolling a Managed Entity

Enrollment means obtaining a certificate from a CA, that is, requesting that the CA issue a certificate for an
entity.
The process of enrollment begins with the generation of a key pair. A certificate request is then created out
of the public key and additional information about the module. The type of the certificate request and the rest
of the enrollment process depends on the CA type.
The case of an internally managed Security Gateway is the simplest, because the ICA is located on the
Security Management Server machine. The enrollment process is completed automatically.
To obtain a certificate from an OPSEC Certified CA, Security Management Server takes the module details
and the public key and encodes a PKCS#10 request. The request (which can include SubjectAltName for
OPSEC certificates and Extended Key Usage extensions) is delivered to the CA manually by the
administrator. Once the CA issues the certificate the administrator can complete the process by importing
the certificate to the Security Management Server.
A certificate can also be obtained for the Security Gateway using Automatic Enrollment. With Automatic
Enrollment, you can automatically issue a request for a certificate from a trusted CA for any Security
Gateway in the community. Automatic Enrollment supports the following protocols:
• SCEP
• CMPV1
• CMPV2
Note - During SCEP enrollment, some HTTP requests may be larger than 2K, and may
be dropped by the HTTP protocol inspection mechanism if enabled (Web Intelligence >
HTTP Protocol Inspection > HTTP Format Sizes). A change of the default value will
be required to enable these HTTP requests. If enrollment still fails, enrollment must be
done manually. For more information, see the R76 IPS Administration Guide
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22915).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 31

 Public Key Infrastructure

Validation of a Certificate
When an entity receives a certificate from another entity, it must:
1. Verify the certificate signature, i.e. verify that the certificate was signed by a trusted CA. If the certificate
is not signed directly by a trusted CA, but rather by a subsidiary of a trusted CA, the path of CA
certificates is verified up to the trusted CA.
2. Verify that the certificate chain has not expired.
3. Verify that the certificate chain is not revoked. A CRL is retrieved to confirm that the serial number of the
validated certificate is not included among the revoked certificates.
In addition, VPN verifies the validity of the certificate's use in the given situation, confirming that:
• The certificate is authorized to perform the required action. For example, if the private key is needed to
sign data (e.g., for authentication) the KeyUsage extension on the certificate – if present – is checked to
see if this action is permitted.
• The peer used the correct certificate in the negotiation. When creating a VPN tunnel with an externally
managed module, the administrator may decide that only a certificate signed by a specific CA from
among the trusted CAs can be accepted. (Acceptance of certificates with specific details such as a
Distinguished Name is possible as well).

Revocation Checking
There are two available methods useful in determining the status of a certificate:
1. CRL
2. Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP)

Enrolling with a Certificate Authority

A certificate is automatically issued by the ICA for all internally managed entities that are VPN capable. That
is, after the administrator has checked the VPN option in the Check Point Products area of a network
objects General Properties tab.
The process for obtaining a certificate from an OPSEC PKI or External Check Point CA is identical.

Manual Enrollment with OPSEC Certified PKI

To create a PKCS#10 Certificate Request:
1. Create the CA object, as described in Trusting an OPSEC Certified CA (on page 36).
2. Open the VPN tab of the relevant Network Object.
3. In the Certificate List field click Add...
The Certificate Properties window is displayed.
4. Enter the Certificate Nickname
The nickname is only an identifier and has no bearing on the content of the certificate.
5. From the CA to enroll from drop-down box, select the direct OPSEC CA/External Check Point CA that
will issue the certificate.
Note - The list displays only those subordinate CA's that lead directly to a trusted CA and the trusted
CAs themselves. If the CA that issues the certificate is a subordinate CA that does not lead directly to a
trusted CA, the subordinate CA will not appear in the list.
6. Choose the appropriate method for Key Pair creation and storage. See Distributed Key Management
and Storage for more information (see "Distributed Key Management and Storage" on page 35).
7. Click Generate...
The Generate Certificate Properties window is displayed.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 32

 Public Key Infrastructure

8. Enter the appropriate DN.

The final DN that appears in the certificate is decided by the CA administrator.
If a Subject Alternate Name extension is required in the certificate, check the Define Alternate Name
check box.
Adding the object IP as Alternate name extension can be configured as a default setting by selecting in
Global Properties > SmartDashboard Customization > Configure > Certificates and PKI
properties, the options:
add_ip_alt_name_for_opsec_certs
add_ip_alt_name_for_ICA_certs
The configuration in this step is also applicable for Internal CA's.
9. Click OK.
The public key and the DN are then used to DER-encode a PKCS#10 Certificate Request.
10. Once the Certificate Request is ready, click View...
The Certificate Request View window appears with the encoding.
11. Copy the whole text in the window and deliver it to the CA.
The CA administrator must now complete the task of issuing the certificate. Different CAs provide
different ways of doing this, such as an advanced enrollment form (as opposed to the regular form for
users). The issued certificate may be delivered in various ways, for example email. Once the certificate
has arrived, it needs to be stored:
a) Go to the Servers and OPSEC Applications tab of the network object, select the appropriate CA
object.
b) Open the OPEC PKI tab, click Get... and browse to the location in which the certificate was saved.
c) Select the appropriate file and verify the certificate details.
d) Close object and save.

Automatic Enrollment with the Certificate Authority

On the OPSEC PKI tab of the CA object, make sure Automatically enroll certificate is selected and SCEP
or CMP are chosen as the connecting protocol. Then:
1. On the relevant network object, open the VPN tab.
2. In the Certificates List section, click Add...
The Certificate Properties window opens.
3. Enter a Certificate Nickname (any string used as an identifier)
4. From the drop-down menu, select the CA that issues the certificate.
Note - The menu shows only trusted CAs and subordinate CAs that lead directly to a trusted CA. If the
CA that issues the certificate is a subordinate CA that does not lead directly to a trusted CA, it is not in
the menu.
5. Select a method for key pair generation and storage.
6. Click Generate, and select Automatic enrollment.
The Generate Keys and Get Automatic Enrollment Certificate window opens.
• Supply the Key Identifier and your secret authorization code.
• Click OK.
7. When the certificate appears in the Certificates List on the network objects VPN page, click View and
either Copy to Clipboard or Save to File the text in the Certificate Request View window.
8. Send the request to CA administrator.
Different Certificate Authorities provide different means for doing this, for example an advanced
enrollment form on their website. The issued certificate can be delivered in various ways, such as email.
Once you have received the certificate, save it to disk.
9. On the VPN tab of the network object, select the appropriate certificate in the Certificates List, and click
Complete...
10. Browse to the folder where you stored the issued certificate, select the certificate and verify the
certificate details.
11. Close the network object and Save.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 33

 Public Key Infrastructure

Enrolling through a Subordinate CA

When enrolling through a subordinate CA:
• Supply the password of the subordinate CA which issues the certificate, not the CA at the top of the
hierarchy
• The subordinate CA must lead directly to a trusted CA

CRL
VPN can retrieve the CRL from either an HTTP server or an LDAP server. If the CRL repository is an HTTP
server, the module uses the URL published in the CRL Distribution Point extension on the certificate and
opens an HTTP connection to the CRL repository to retrieve the CRL.
If the CRL repository is an LDAP server, VPN attempts to locate the CRL in one of the defined LDAP
account units. In this scenario, an LDAP account unit must be defined. If the CRL Distribution Point
extension exists, it publishes the DN of the CRL, namely, the entry in the Directory under which the CRL is
published or the LDAP URI. If the extension does not exist, VPN attempts to locate the CRL in the entry of
the CA itself in the LDAP server.

OCSP
Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) enables applications to identify the state of a certificate. OCSP
may be used for more timely revocation information than is possible with CRLs and may also be used to
obtain additional status information. When OCSP client issues a status request to an OCSP server,
acceptance of the certificate in question is suspended until the server provides a response.
In order to use OCSP, the root CA must be configured to use this method instead of CRL. This setting is
inherited by the subordinate CA's.

CRL Prefetch-Cache
Since the retrieval of CRL can take a long time (in comparison to the entire IKE negotiation process), VPN
stores the CRLs in a CRL cache so that later IKE negotiations do not require repeated CRL retrievals.
The cache is pre-fetched:
• every two hours
• on policy installation
• when the cache expires
If the pre-fetch fails, the previous cache is not erased.

Note - The ICA requires the use of a CRL cache.

An administrator can shorten the lifetime of a CRL in the cache or even to cancel the use of the cache. If the
CRL Cache operation is canceled, the CRL must be retrieved for each subsequent IKE negotiation, thus
considerably slowing the establishment of the VPN tunnel. Because of these performance implications, we
recommend that you only disable CRL caching when the level of security demands continuous CRL
retrieval.

Special Considerations for the CRL Pre-fetch Mechanism

The CRL pre-fetch mechanism makes a "best effort" to obtain the most up to date list of revoked certificates.
However, after the cpstop, cpstart commands have been executed, the cache is no longer updated. The
Security Gateway continues to use the old CRL for as long as the old CRL remains valid (even if there is an
updated CRL available on the CA). The pre-fetch cache mechanism returns to normal functioning only after
the old CRL expires and a new CRL is retrieved from the CA.
In case there is a requirement that after cpstop, cpstart the CRL's will be updated immediately, proceed as
follows:
• After executing cprestart, run crl_zap to empty the cache, or:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 34

 Public Key Infrastructure

• In Global Properties > SmartDashboard > Configure > Check Point CA properties > select:
flush_crl_cache_file_on_install.
When a new policy is installed, the cache is flushed and a new CRL will be retrieved on demand.

CRL Grace Period

Temporary loss of connection with the CRL repository or slight differences between clocks on the different
machines may cause valid of CRLs to be considered invalid—and thus the certificates to be invalid as well.
VPN overcomes this problem by supplying a CRL Grace Period. During this period, a CRL is considered
valid even if it is not valid according to the CLR validity time.

Special Considerations for PKI

Using the Internal CA vs. Deploying a Third Party CA
The Internal CA makes it easy to use PKI for Check Point applications such as site-to-site and remote
access VPNs. However, an administrator may prefer to continue using a CA that is already functioning
within the organization, for example a CA used to provide secure email, and disk encryption.

Distributed Key Management and Storage

Distributed Key Management (DKM) provides an additional layer of security during the key generation
phase. Instead of the Security Management Server generating both public and private keys and
downloading them to the module during a policy installation, the management server instructs the module to
create its own public and private keys and send (to the management server) only its public key. The private
key is created and stored on the module in either a hardware storage device, or via software that emulates
hardware storage. Security Management Server then performs certificate enrollment. During a policy
installation, the certificate is downloaded to the module. The private key never leaves the module.
Local key storage is supported for all CA types.
DKM is supported for all enrollment methods, and can be configured as a default setting by selecting in
Global Properties > SmartDashboard Customization > Configure > Certificates and PKI properties,
the option: use_dkm_cert_by_default

Note - Generating certificates for Edge devices does not support DKM
and will be generated locally on the management even if
use_dkm_cert_by_default is configured.

Configuration of PKI Operations

Trusting a CA – Step-By-Step
This section describes the procedures for obtaining a CA's own certificate, which is a prerequisite for
trusting certificates issued by a CA.
In order to trust a CA, a CA server object has to be defined. The following sections deal with the various
configuration steps required in different scenarios.

Trusting an ICA
A VPN module automatically trusts the ICA of the Security Management Server that manages it. No further
configuration is required.

Trusting an Externally Managed CA

An externally managed CA refers to the ICA of another Security Management Server. The CA certificate has
to be supplied and saved to disk in advance. To establish trust:
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 35
 Public Key Infrastructure

1. Open Manage > Servers and OPSEC Applications

The Servers and OPSEC Application window opens.
2. Choose New > CA
Select Trusted...
The Certificate Authority Properties window opens.
3. Enter a Name for the CA object and in the Certificate Authority Type drop-down box select the
External Check Point CA.
4. Go to the External Check Point CA tab and click Get...
5. Browse to where you saved the peer CA certificate and select it.
VPN reads the certificate and displays its details. Verify the certificate's details. Display and validate the
SHA-1 and MD5 fingerprints of the CA certificate.
6. Click OK.

Trusting an OPSEC Certified CA

The CA certificate has to be supplied and saved to the disk in advance.

Note - In case of SCEP automatic enrollment, you can skip this stage
and fetch the CA certificate automatically after configuring the SCEP
parameters.

The CA's Certificate must be retrieved either by downloading it using the CA options on the Servers and
OSPEC Applications tab, or by obtaining the CA's certificate from the peer administrator in advance.
Then define the CA object according to the following steps:
1. Open Manage > Servers and OPSEC Applications.
The Servers and OPSEC Application window opens.
2. Choose New > CA.
Select Trusted or Subordinate.
The Certificate Authority Properties window opens.
3. Enter a Name for the CA object, in the Certificate Authority Type drop-down box select the OPSEC
PKI.
4. On the OPSEC PKI tab:
• For automatic enrollment, select automatically enroll certificate.
• From the Connect to CA with protocol, select the protocol used to connect with the certificate
authority, either SCEP, CMPV1 or CMPV2.
Note - For entrust 5.0 and later, use CMPV1
5. Click Properties.
• If you chose SCEP as the protocol, in the Properties for SCEP protocol window, enter the CA
identifier (such as example.com) and the Certification Authority/Registration Authority URL.
• If you chose cmpV1 as the protocol, in the Properties for CMP protocol - V1 window, enter the
appropriate IP address and port number. (The default port is 829).
• If you chose cmpV2 as the protocol, in the Properties for CMP protocol -V2 window, decide
whether to use direct TCP or HTTP as the transport layer.
Note - If Automatic enrollment is not selected, then enrollment will have to be performed manually.
6. Choose a method for retrieving CRLs from this CA.
If the CA publishes CRLs on HTTP server choose HTTP Server(s). Certificates issued by the CA must
contain the CRL location in an URL in the CRL Distribution Point extension.
If the CA publishes CRL on LDAP server, choose LDAP Server(s). In this case, you must define an
LDAP Account Unit as well. See the Security Management Server Administration Guide for more details
about defining an LDAP object.
Make sure that CRL retrieval is checked in the General tab of the LDAP Account Unit Properties
window.
Certificates issued by the CA must contain the LDAP DN on which the CRL resides in the CRL
distribution point extension.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 36

 Public Key Infrastructure

7. Click Get.
8. If SCEP is configured, it will try to connect to the CA and retrieve the certificate. If not, browse to where
you saved the peer CA certificate and select it.
VPN reads the certificate and displays its details. Verify the certificate's details. Display and validate the
SHA-1 and MD5 fingerprints of the CA certificate.
9. Click OK.
10. Install the policy on the Security Gateway.

Certificate Revocation (All CA Types)

A certificate issued by the Internal Certificate Authority it is revoked when the certificate object is removed.
Otherwise, certificate revocation is controlled by the CA administrator using the options on the Advanced
tab of the CA object. In addition, the certificate must be removed from the module.
To remove the certificate:
1. Open the VPN tab of the relevant Network Object.
2. In the Certificate List field select the appropriate certificate and click Remove.
A certificate cannot be removed if Smart Center server infers from other settings that the certificate is in
use, for example, that the module belongs to one or more VPN communities and this is the module's
only certificate.

Certificate Recovery and Renewal

When a certificate is revoked or becomes expired, it is necessary to create another one or to refresh the
existing one.

Recovery and Renewal with Internal CA

Removal of a compromised or expired certificate automatically triggers creation of a new certificate, with no
intervention required by the administrator. To manually renew a certificate use the Renew... button on the
VPN page of the Security Gateway object.

Note - A Security Gateway can have only one certificate signed by one CA. When the new
certificate is issued, you will be asked to replace the existing certificate signed by the same
CA.

CA Certificate Rollover
CA Certificate Rollover is a VPN-1 feature that enables rolling over the CA certificates used to sign client
and Security Gateway certificates for VPN traffic, without risk of losing functionality at transition.
To achieve a gradual CA certificate rollover, CA Certificate Rollover enables VPN-1 support for multiple CA
certificates generated by third-party OPSEC-compliant CAs, such as Microsoft Windows CA. By using
multiple CA certificates, you can gradually rollover client and Security Gateway certificates during a
transitional period when client and Security Gateway certificates signed by both CA certificates are
recognized.
When a certificate is added to a CA that already has a certificate, the new certificate is defined as Additional
and receives an index number higher by one than the highest existing certificate index number. The original
certificate is defined as Main.
Only additional certificates can be removed. CA Certificate Rollover provides tools for adding and removing
certificates, and for changing the status of a certificate from additional to main and from main to additional.
CA Certificate Rollover is for rolling over CA certificates with different keys. To add a CA certificate using the
same key as the existing CA certificate (for example, to extend its expiration date), just Get the certificate
from the OPSEC PKI tab of the CA properties, and do not use CA Certificate Rollover.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 37

 Public Key Infrastructure

Managing a CA Certificate Rollover

By using multiple CA certificates, you can gradually rollover client and Security Gateway certificates during a
transitional period when client and Security Gateway certificates signed by both CA certificates are
recognized.
This section describes a recommended workflow for the most common scenario. For full details of the CLI
commands, see CA Certificate Rollover CLI (on page 38).
Before you begin:
In SmartDashboard, define a third-party OPSEC-compliant CA, such as Microsoft Windows CA, that is
capable of generating multiple CA certificates. Generate the main CA certificate and define it in
SmartDashboard.
To roll over with a new CA certificate:
1. Generate from the third-party CA a second CA certificate in DER format (PEM is not supported), with
different keys than the previous CA certificate. Copy the certificate to the Security Management Server.
2. Log into the Security Management Server, and stop Check Point processes:
cpstop
3. Back up the Security Management Server database:
vpn mcc backup
4. Add the new CA certificate to the Security Management Server database’s definitions for the third-party
CA:
vpn mcc add <CA> <CertificateFile>
5. <CA> is the name of the CA as defined in the Security Management Server database. <CertificateFile>
is the certificate filename or path.
6. The new CA certificate should now be defined as additional #1. Make sure with "vpn mcc lca” or “vpn
mcc show” ("CA Certificate Rollover CLI" on page 38).
7. Start Check Point processes:
cpstart
8. Install policy on all Security Gateways.
Use the new additional CA certificate to sign client certificates.
For performance reasons, as long as most clients are still using certificates signed by the old CA certificate,
you should leave the new CA certificate as the additional one and the old certificate as the main one. As
long as the new CA certificate is not the main CA certificate, do not use it to sign any Security Gateway
certificates.

CA Certificate Rollover CLI

CA Certificate Rollover uses the VPN Multi-Certificate CA command set, as detailed in this section. VPN
Multi-Certificate CA configuration commands should not be run when SmartDashboard or Database Tool
are logged in to the Security Management Server, or when Check Point processes are running.
To see usage instructions in the CLI, run the following without arguments:
vpn mcc

Adding Matching Criteria to the Validation Process

While certificates of an externally managed VPN entity are not handled by the local Security Management
Server, you can still configure a peer to present a particular certificate when creating a VPN tunnel:
1. Open the VPN page of the externally managed VPN entity.
2. Click Matching Criteria...

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 38

 Public Key Infrastructure

3. Choose the desired characteristics of the certificate the peer is expected to present, including:
• The CA that issued it
• The exact DN of the certificate
• The IP address that appears in the Subject Alternate Name extension of the certificate. (This IP
address is compared to the IP address of the VPN peer itself as it appears to the VPN module
during the IKE negotiation.)
• The e-mail address appearing in the Subject Alternate Name extension of the certificate

CRL Cache Usage

To cancel or modify the behavior of the CRL Cache:
1. Open the Advanced Tab of the Certificate Authority object.
2. To enable the CRL cache, check Cache CRL on the module.
The cache should not be disabled for the ICA. In general, it is recommended that the cache be enabled
for all CA types. The cache should be disabled (for non-ICAs) only if stringent security requirements
mandate continual retrieval of the CRL.
Note - The ICA requires the use of a CRL cache, and should never be disabled.
3. If CRL Cache is enabled, choose whether a CRL is deleted from the cache when it expires or after a
fixed period of time (unless it expires first). The second option encourages retrieval of a CRL more often
as CRLs may be issued more frequently than the expiry time. By default a CRL is deleted from the
cache after 24 hours.
See: CRL Prefetch-Cache (on page 34) for information about CRL caching.

Modifying the CRL Pre-Fetch Cache

The behavior of the Pre-fetch catch can be altered via the Global properties:
1. Global Properties > SmartDashboard Customization > Configure... button
The Advanced Configuration window opens.
2. Select Check Point CA Properties:

Configuring CRL Grace Period

Set the CRL Grace Period values by selecting Policy > Global Properties > VPN > Advanced. The Grace
Period can be defined for both the periods before and after the specified CRL validity period.

Configuring OCSP
To use OCSP, the CA object must be configured to the OCSP revocation checking method instead of
CRL's.
Using dbedit or GuiDBedit, modify the field ocsp_validation to true. Set to true, this CA will check the
validation of the certificate using OCSP. This is configured on the root CA and is inherited by the
subordinate CA's.
To configure a trusted OCSP server using dbedit for objectc.c:
1. Create a new server object of the type ocsp_server.
2. Configure the OCSP servers URL and the certificate.
3. In the CA object, configure ocsp_server. Add a reference to the OCSP server object created and install
policy.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 39

Chapter 4
Introduction to VPN
In This Section:
The Need for VPN ................................................................................................... 40
How VPN Works ..................................................................................................... 41
Special Considerations for Planning a VPN Topology............................................ 49
Configuring Site to Site VPNs ................................................................................. 49
Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using PKI ............................ 51
Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using Pre-Shared Secret .... 53
How to Authorize Firewall Control Connections in VPN Communities ................... 54

The Need for VPN

Communicating parties need a connectivity platform that is not only fast, scalable, and resilient but also
provides:
• Confidentiality
• Integrity
• Authentication

Confidentiality
Only the communicating parties must be able to read the private information exchanged between them.

Authentication
The communicating parties must be sure they are connecting with the intended party.

Integrity
The sensitive data passed between the communicating parties is unchanged, and this can be proved with
an integrity check.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 40

 Introduction to VPN

How VPN Works

In the Figure, host 1 and host 6 need to communicate. The connection passes in the clear between host 1
and the local Security Gateway. From the source and destination addresses of the packet, the Security
Gateway determines that this should be an encrypted connection. If this is the first time the connection is
made, the local Security Gateway initiates an IKE negotiation with the peer Security Gateway in front of host
6. During the negotiation, both Security Gateways authenticate each other, and agree on encryption
methods and keys. After a successful IKE negotiation, a VPN tunnel is created. From now on, every packet
that passes between the Security Gateways is encrypted according to the IPsec protocol. IKE supplies
authenticity (Security Gateways are sure they are communicating with each other) and creates the
foundation for IPsec. Once the tunnel is created, IPsec provides privacy (through encryption) and integrity
(via one-way hash functions).

After a VPN tunnel has been established:

• A packet leaves the source host and reaches the Security Gateway.
• The Security Gateway encrypts the packet.
• The packet goes down the VPN tunnel to the second Security Gateway. In actual fact, the packets are
standard IP packets passing through the Internet. However, because the packets are encrypted, they
can be considered as passing through a private "virtual" tunnel.
• The second Security Gateway decrypts the packet.
• The packet is delivered in the clear to the destination host. From the hosts' perspectives, they are
connecting directly.
For more information regarding the IKE negotiation, see: IPsec & IKE (on page 17).

VPN Communities
Creating VPN tunnels between Security Gateways is made easier through the configuration of VPN
communities. A VPN community is a collection of VPN enabled gateways capable of communicating via
VPN tunnels.
To understand VPN Communities, a number of terms need to be defined:
• VPN Community member. Refers to the Security Gateway that resides at one end of a VPN tunnel.
• VPN domain. Refers to the hosts behind the Security Gateway. The VPN domain can be the whole
network that lies behind the Security Gateway or just a section of that network. For example a Security

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 41

 Introduction to VPN

Gateway might protect the corporate LAN and the DMZ. Only the corporate LAN needs to be defined as
the VPN domain.
• VPN Site. Community member plus VPN domain. A typical VPN site would be the branch office of a
bank.
• VPN Community. The collection of VPN tunnels/links and their attributes.
• Domain Based VPN. Routing VPN traffic based on the encryption domain behind each Security
Gateway in the community. In a star community, satellite Security Gateways can communicate with
each other through center Security Gateways.
• Route Based VPN. Traffic is routed within the VPN community based on the routing information, static or
dynamic, configured on the Operating Systems of the Security Gateways.

The methods used for encryption and ensuring data integrity determine the type of tunnel created between
the Security Gateways, which in turn is considered a characteristic of that particular VPN community.
A Security Management Server can manage multiple VPN communities, which means communities can be
created and organized according to specific needs.

Remote Access Community

A Remote Access Community is a type of VPN community created specifically for users that usually work
from remote locations, outside of the corporate LAN. This type of community ensures secure communication
between users and the corporate LAN. For more information, see: Introduction to Remote Access VPN.

Authentication Between Community Members

Before Security Gateways can exchange encryption keys and build VPN tunnels, they first need to
authenticate to each other. Security Gateways authenticate to each other by presenting one of two types of
"credentials":
• Certificates. Each Security Gateway presents a certificate which contains identifying information of the
Security Gateway itself, and the Security Gateway public key, both of which are signed by the trusted
CA. For convenience, the Check Point product suite installs its own Internal CA that automatically issues
certificates for all internally managed Security Gateways, requiring no configuration by the user. In
addition, the Check Point Product Suite supports other PKI solutions. For more information, see: Public
Key Infrastructure (on page 28).
• Pre-shared secret. A pre-shared is defined for a pair of Security Gateways. Each Security Gateway
proves that it knows the agreed upon pre-shared secret. The pre-shared secret can be a mixture of
letters and numbers, a password of some kind.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 42

 Introduction to VPN

Considered more secure, certificates are the preferred means. In addition, since the Internal CA on the
Security Management Server automatically provides a certificate to each Check Point Security Gateway it
manages, it is more convenient to use this type of authentication.
However, if a VPN tunnel needs to be created with an externally managed Security Gateway (a gateway
managed by a different Security Management Server) the externally managed Security Gateway:
• Might support certificates, but certificates issued by an external CA, in which case both Security
Gateways need to trust the other's CA. (For more information, see: Configuring a VPN with External
Security Gateways Using PKI (on page 51).)
• May not support certificates; in which case, VPN supports the use of a "pre-shared secret." For more
information, see: Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using a Pre-Shared Secret (see
"Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using Pre-Shared Secret" on page 53).
A "secret" is defined per external Security Gateway. If there are five internal Security Gateways and two
externally managed Security Gateways, then there are two pre-shared secrets. The two pre-shared
secrets are used by the five internally managed Security Gateways. In other words, all the internally
managed Security Gateways use the same pre-shared secret when communicating with a particular
externally managed Security Gateway.

VPN Topologies
The most basic topology consists of two Security Gateways capable of creating a VPN tunnel between
them. Security Management Server's support of more complex topologies enables VPN communities to be
created according to the particular needs of an organization. Security Management Server supports two
main VPN topologies:
• Meshed
• Star

Meshed VPN Community

A Mesh is a VPN community in which a VPN site can create a VPN tunnel with any other VPN site in the
community:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 43

 Introduction to VPN

Star VPN Community

A star is a VPN community consisting of central Security Gateways (or "hubs") and satellite Security
Gateways (or "spokes"). In this type of community, a satellite can create a tunnel only with other sites whose
Security Gateways are defined as central.

A satellite Security Gateway cannot create a VPN tunnel with a Security Gateway that is also defined as a
satellite Security Gateway.
Central Security Gateways can create VPN tunnels with other Central Security Gateways only if the Mesh
center Security Gateways option has been selected on the Central Security Gateways page of the Star
Community Properties window.

Dynamically Assigned IP Security Gateways

A Dynamically Assigned IP (DAIP) Security Gateway is a Security Gateway where the external interface's IP
address is assigned dynamically by the ISP. Creating VPN tunnels with DAIP Security Gateways are only
supported by using certificate authentication. Peer Security Gateways identify internally managed DAIP
Security Gateways using the DN of the certificate. Peer Security Gateways identify externally managed
DAIP Security Gateways and 3rd party DAIP Security Gateways using the Matching Criteria configuration
DAIP Security Gateways may initiate a VPN tunnel with non-DAIP Security Gateways. However, since a
DAIP Security Gateway's external IP address is always changing, peer Security Gateways cannot know in
advance which IP address to use to connect to the DAIP Security Gateway. As a result, a peer Security
Gateway cannot initiate a VPN tunnel with a DAIP Security Gateway unless DNS Resolving is configured on
the DAIP Security Gateway. For more information, see Link Selection (on page 98).
If the IP on the DAIP Security Gateway changes during a session, it will renegotiate IKE using the newly
assigned IP address.
In a star community when VPN routing is configured, DAIP Security Gateways cannot initiate connections
from their external IP through the center Security Gateway(s) to other DAIP Security Gateways or through
the center to the Internet. In this configuration, connections from the encryption domain of the DAIP are
supported.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 44

 Introduction to VPN

Choosing a Topology
Which topology to choose for a VPN community depends on the overall policy of the organization. For
example, a meshed community is usually appropriate for an Intranet in which only Security Gateways which
are part of the internally managed network are allowed to participate; Security Gateways belonging to
company partners are not.
A Star VPN community is usually appropriate when an organization needs to exchange information with
networks belonging to external partners. These partners need to communicate with the organization but not
with each other. The organization's Security Gateway is defined as a "central" Security Gateway; the partner
Security Gateways are defined as "satellites."
For more complex scenarios, consider a company with headquarters in two countries, London and New
York. Each headquarters has a number of branch offices. The branch offices only need to communicate with
the HQ in their country, not with each other; only the HQ's in New York and London need to communicate
directly. To comply with this policy, define two star communities, London and New York. Configure the
London and New York Security Gateways as "central" Security Gateways. Configure the Security Gateways
of New York and London branch offices as "satellites." This allows the branch offices to communicate with
the HQ in their country. Now create a third VPN community, a VPN mesh consisting of the London and New
York Security Gateways.

Topology and Encryption Issues

Issues involving topology and encryption can arise as a result of an organization's policy on security, for
example the country in which a branch of the organization resides may have a national policy regarding
encryption strength. For example, policy says the Washington Security Gateways should communicate
using 3DES for encryption. Policy also states the London Security Gateways must communicate uses DES
as the encryption algorithm.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 45

 Introduction to VPN

In addition, the Washington and London Security Gateways need to communicate with each other using the
weaker DES. Consider the solution:

In this solution, Security Gateways in the Washington mesh are also defined as satellites in the London star.
In the London star, the central Security Gateways are meshed. Security Gateways in Washington build VPN
tunnels with the London Security Gateways using DES. Internally, the Washington Security Gateways build
VPN tunnels using 3DES.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 46

 Introduction to VPN

Special Condition for VPN Security Gateways

Individually, Security Gateways can appear in many VPN communities; however, two Security Gateways
that can create a VPN link between them in one community cannot appear in another VPN community in
which they can also create a link. For example:

The London and New York Security Gateways belong to the London-NY Mesh VPN community. To create
an additional VPN community which includes London, New York, and Paris is not allowed. The London and
New York Security Gateways cannot appear "together" in more than one VPN community.
Two Security Gateways that can create a VPN link between them in one community can appear in another
VPN community provided that they are incapable of creating a link between them in the second community.
For example:

London and New York Security Gateways appear in the London-NY mesh. These two Security Gateways
also appear as Satellite Security Gateways in the Paris Star VPN community. In the Paris Star, satellite
Security Gateways (London and NY) can only communicate with the central Paris Security Gateway. Since

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 47

 Introduction to VPN

the London and New York satellite Security Gateways cannot open a VPN link between them, this is a valid
configuration.

Access Control and VPN Communities

Configuring Security Gateways into a VPN community does not create a de facto access control policy
between the Security Gateways. The fact that two Security Gateways belong to the same VPN community
does not mean the Security Gateways have access to each other.
The configuration of the Security Gateways into a VPN community means that if these Security Gateways
are allowed to communicate via an access control policy, then that communication is encrypted. Access
control is configured in the Security Policy Rule Base.
Using the VPN column of the Security Policy Rule Base, it is possible to create access control rules that
apply only to members of a VPN community, for example:

Source Destination VPN Service Action

Any Any Community_A HTTP Accept

The connection is matched only if all the conditions of the rule are true, that is - it must be an HTTP
connection between a source and destination IP address within VPN Community A. If any one of these
conditions is not true, the rule is not matched. If all conditions of the rule are met, the rule is matched and
the connection allowed.
It is also possible for a rule in the Security Policy Rule Base to be relevant for both VPN communities and
host machines not in the community. For example:

The rule in the Security Policy Rule Base allows an HTTP connection between any internal IP with any IP:

Source Destination VPN Service Action

Any_internal_machine Any Any HTTP Accept

An HTTP connection between host 1 and the Internal web server behind Security Gateway 2 matches this
rule. A connection between the host 1 and the web server on the Internet also matches this rule; however,
the connection between host 1 and the internal web server is a connection between members of a VPN
community and passes encrypted; the connection between host 1 and the Internet web server passes in the
clear.
In both cases, the connection is simply matched to the Security Policy Rule; whether or not the connection is
encrypted is dealt with on the VPN level. VPN is another level of security separate from the access control
level.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 48

 Introduction to VPN

Accepting all Encrypted Traffic

If you select Accept all encrypted traffic on the General page of the VPN community Properties window,
a new rule is added to the Security Policy Rule Base. This rule is neither a regular rule or an implied rule,
but an automatic community rule, and can be distinguished by its "beige" colored background.

Routing Traffic within a VPN Community

VPN routing provides a way of controlling how VPN traffic is directed. There are two methods for VPN
routing:
• Domain Based VPN
• Route Based VPN

Domain Based VPN

This method routes VPN traffic based on the encryption domain behind each Security Gateway in the
community. In a star community, this allows satellite Security Gateways to communicate with each other
through center Security Gateways. Configuration for Domain Based VPN is performed directly through
SmartDashboard. For more information, see Domain Based VPN (on page 57).

Route Based VPN

Traffic is routed within the VPN community based on the routing information, static or dynamic, configured
on the Operating Systems of the Security Gateways. For more information, see Route Based VPN (on page
65).

Note - If both Domain Based VPN and Route Based VPN are
configured, then Domain Based VPN will take precedence.

Excluded Services
In the VPN Communities Properties window Excluded Services page, you can select services that are
not to be encrypted, for example Firewall control connections. Services in the clear means "do not make a
VPN tunnel for this connection". For further information regarding control connections, see: How to
Authorize Firewall Control Connections in VPN Communities (on page 54). Note that Excluded Services is
not supported when using Route Based VPN.

Special Considerations for Planning a VPN Topology

When planning a VPN topology it is important to ask a number of questions:
1. Who needs secure/private access?
2. From a VPN point of view, what will be the structure of the organization?
3. Internally managed Security Gateways authenticate each other using certificates, but how will externally
managed Security Gateways authenticate?
• Do these externally managed Security Gateways support PKI?
• Which CA should be trusted?

Configuring Site to Site VPNs

VPN communities can be configured in either traditional or simplified mode. In Traditional mode, one of the
actions available in the Security Policy Rule Base is Encrypt. When encrypt is selected, all traffic between
the Security Gateways is encrypted. Check Point Security Gateways are more easily configured through the
use of VPN communities — otherwise known as working in Simplified Mode. For more information regarding
traditional mode, see: Traditional Mode VPNs (on page 130).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 49

 Introduction to VPN

Migrating from Traditional Mode to Simplified Mode

To switch from Traditional mode to Simplified mode (For more information, see Converting a Traditional
Policy to a Community Based Policy (on page 137)):
Select Policy> Convert to > Simplified VPN.
or
1. On the Global Properties > VPN page, select either Simplified mode to all new Security Policies, or
Traditional or Simplified per new Security Policy. File > Save. If you do not save, you are prompted
to do so. Click OK.
2. File > New... The New Policy Package window opens.
3. Create a name for the new security policy package and select Firewall and Address Translation.
In the Security Policy Rule Base, a new column marked VPN appears and the Encrypt option is no longer
available in the Action column. You are now working in Simplified Mode.

Configuring a Meshed Community Between Internally

Managed Gateways
To configure an internally managed VPN meshed community:
1. Install and configure the necessary Security Gateways as described in the R76 Installation & Upgrade
Guide (http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22901).
2. In SmartDashboard, double click on the Security Gateway object.
3. In the General Properties pane:
a) Enter the gateway name.
b) Enter the IPv4 and IPv6 addresses as necessary.
c) Select VPN and establish SIC communication.
a) On the Topology page, click Add to add interfaces. Once an interface appears in the table, clicking
Edit... opens the Interface Properties window.
b) In the Interface Properties window, define the general properties of the interface and the topology
of the network behind it.
c) On the Topology page, VPN Domain section, define the VPN domain as all the machines behind
the Security Gateway based on the topology information or manually defined:
 As an address range.
 As a network.
 As a group that can be a combination of address ranges, networks, and even other groups.
(There are instances where the VPN domain is a group which contains only the Security Gateway itself,
for example where the Security Gateway is acting as a backup to a primary Security Gateway in an MEP
environment.)
The network Security Gateway objects are now configured, and need to be added to a VPN community.
Note - There is nothing to configure on the VPN page, regarding certificates, since internally managed
Security Gateways automatically receive a certificate from the internal CA.
4. On the Network objects tree, select the VPN Communities tab.
a) Right-click Site to Site.
b) From the short-cut menu, select New Site To Site... > Meshed. The Meshed Communities
Properties window opens.
c) On the General page, select Accept all encrypted traffic if you need all traffic between the
Security Gateways to be encrypted. If not, then create appropriate rules in the Security Policy Rule
Base that allows encrypted traffic between community members.
d) On the Participating Security Gateways page, add the Security Gateways created in step 1.
A VPN tunnel is now configured. For more information on other options, such as VPN Properties,
Advanced Properties, and Shared Secret, see: IPsec & IKE (on page 17)

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 50

 Introduction to VPN

5. If you did not select Accept all encrypted traffic in the community, build an access control policy, for
example:
Source Destination VPN Service Action

Any Any Meshed community Any Accept

Where "Meshed community" is the VPN community you have just defined.

Configuring a Star VPN Community

A star VPN community is configured in much the same way as a meshed community, the difference being
the options presented on the Star Community Properties window:
• On the General > Advanced Settings > VPN Routing page, select To center only.
• On the Central Security Gateways page, Add... the central Security Gateways.
• On the Central Security Gateways page, select Mesh central Security Gateways if you want the
central Security Gateways to communicate.
• On the Satellite Security Gateways page, click Add... to add the satellite Security Gateways.

Confirming a VPN Tunnel Successfully Opens

To make sure that a VPN tunnel has successfully opened:
1. Edit the VPN rule and Select log as the tracking option.
2. Open the applicable connection.
3. Open SmartView Tracker and examine the logs. A successful connection appears as encrypted.

Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using

PKI
Configuring a VPN with external Security Gateways (those managed by a different Security Management
Server) is more involved than configuring a VPN with internal Security Gateways (managed by the same
Security Management Server). This is because:
• Configuration is performed separately in two distinct systems.
• All details must be agreed and coordinated between the administrators. Details such as the IP address
or the VPN domain topology cannot be detected automatically but have to be supplied manually by the
administrator of the peer VPN Security Gateways.
• The gateways are likely to be using different Certificate Authorities (CAs). Even if the peer VPN Security
Gateways use the Internal CA (ICA), it is still a different CA.
There are various scenarios when dealing with externally managed Security Gateways. The following
description tries to address typical cases and assumes that the peers work with certificates. If this is not the
case refer to Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using a Pre-Shared Secret (see
"Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using Pre-Shared Secret" on page 53).

Note - Configuring a VPN using PKI and certificates is more secure than using pre-shared
secrets.

Although an administrator may choose which community type to use, the Star Community is more natural for
a VPN with externally managed Security Gateways. The Internal Security Gateways will be defined as the
central Security Gateways while the external ones will be defined as the satellites. The decision whether to
mesh the central, internal Security Gateways or not depends on the requirements of the organization. The
diagram below shows this typical topology.
Note that this is the Topology from the point of view of the administrator of Security Gateways A1 and A2.
The Administrator of Security Gateways B1 and B2 may well also define a Star Topology, but with B1 and
B2 as his central Security Gateways, and A1 and A2 as satellites.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 51

 Introduction to VPN

The configuration instructions require an understanding of how to build a VPN. The details can be found in:
Introduction to Site to Site VPN (see "Introduction to VPN" on page 40).
You also need to understand how to configure PKI. See Public Key Infrastructure (on page 28).
To configure VPN using certificates, with the external Security Gateways as satellites in a
star VPN Community:
1. Obtain the certificate of the CA that issued the certificate for the peer VPN Security Gateways, from the
peer administrator. If the peer Security Gateway is using the ICA, you can obtain the CA certificate using
a web browser from:
http://<IP address of peer Security Gateway or Management Server>:18264
2. In SmartDashboard, define the CA object for the CA that issued the certificate for the peer. See
Enrolling with a Certificate Authority (on page 32).
3. Define the CA that will issue certificates for your side if the Certificate issued by ICA is not appropriate
for the required VPN tunnel.
You may have to export the CA certificate and supply it to the peer administrator.
4. Define the Network Object(s) of the Security Gateway(s) that are internally managed. In particular, be
sure to do the following:
• In the General Properties page of the Security Gateway object, select VPN.
• In the Topology page, define the Topology, and the VPN Domain. If the VPN Domain does not
contain all the IP addresses behind the Security Gateway, define the VPN domain manually by
defining a group or network of machines and setting them as the VPN Domain.
5. If the ICA certificate is not appropriate for this VPN tunnel, then in the VPN page, generate a certificate
from the relevant CA (see Enrolling with a Certificate Authority (on page 32).)
6. Define the Network Object(s) of the externally managed Security Gateway(s).
• If it is not a Check Point Security Gateway, define an Interoperable Device object from: Manage >
Network Objects... > New... > Interoperable Device...
• If it is a Check Point Security Gateway, In the Network Objects tree, right click and select New >
Check Point > Externally Managed Security Gateway....
7. Set the various attributes of the peer Security Gateway. In particular, be sure to do the following:
• In the General Properties page of the Security Gateway object, select VPN (for an Externally
Managed Check Point Security Gateway object only).
• In the Topology page, define the Topology and the VPN Domain using the VPN Domain
information obtained from the peer administrator. If the VPN Domain does not contain all the IP
addresses behind the Security Gateway, define the VPN domain manually by defining a group or
network of machines and setting them as the VPN Domain.
• In the VPN page, define the Matching Criteria. Specify that the peer must present a certificate
signed by its own CA. If feasible, enforce details that appear in the certificate as well.
8. Define the Community. The following details assume that a Star Community was chosen, but a Meshed
Community is an option as well. If working with a Meshed community, ignore the difference between the
Central Security Gateways and the Satellite Security Gateways.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 52

 Introduction to VPN

• Agree with the peer administrator about the various IKE properties and set them in the VPN
Properties page and the Advanced Properties page of the community object.
• Define the Central Security Gateways. These will usually be the internally managed ones. If there is
no another Community defined for them, decide whether or not to mesh the central Security
Gateways. If they are already in a Community, do not mesh the central Security Gateways.
• Define the Satellite Security Gateways. These will usually be the external ones.
9. Define the relevant access rules in the Security Policy. Add the Community in the VPN column, the
services in the Service column, the desired Action, and the appropriate Track option.
10. Install the Security Policy.

Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using

Pre-Shared Secret
Configuring VPN with external Security Gateways (those managed by a different Security Management
Server is more involved than configuring VPN with internal Security Gateways (managed by the same
Security Management Server) because:
• Configuration is done separately in two distinct systems.
• All details must be agreed and coordinated between the administrators. Details such as the IP address
or the VPN domain topology cannot be detected automatically but have to be supplied manually by the
administrator of the peer VPN Security Gateways.
There are various scenarios when dealing with externally managed Security Gateways. The following
description tries to address typical cases but assumes that the peers work with pre-shared secrets. If this is
not the case refer to Configuring a VPN with External Security Gateways Using PKI (on page 51).

Note - Configuring a VPN using PKI and certificates is considered

more secure than using pre-shared secrets.

Although an administrator may choose which community type to use, the Star Community is more natural for
a VPN with externally managed Security Gateways. The Internal Security Gateways will be defined as the
central Security Gateways while the external ones will be defined as the satellites. The decision whether to
mesh the central, internal Security Gateways or not depends on the requirements of the organization. The
diagram below shows this typical topology.
Note that this is the Topology from the point of view of the administrator of Security Gateways A1 and A2.
The administrator of Security Gateways B1 and B2 may well also define a Star Topology, but with B1 and
B2 as his central Security Gateways, and A1 and A2 as satellites.

The configuration instructions require an understanding of how to build a VPN. The details can be found in:
Introduction to Site to Site VPN (see "Introduction to VPN" on page 40).
To configure a VPN using pre-shared secrets, with the external Security Gateways as satellites in a star
VPN Community, proceed as follows:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 53

 Introduction to VPN

1. Define the Network Object(s) of the Security Gateways that are internally managed. In particular, be
sure to do the following:
• In the General Properties page of the Security Gateway object, select VPN.
• In the Topology page, define the Topology, and the VPN Domain. If the VPN Domain does not
contain all the IP addresses behind the Security Gateway, define the VPN domain manually by
defining a group or network of machines and setting them as the VPN Domain.
2. Define the Network Object(s) of the externally managed Security Gateway(s).
• If it is not a Check Point Security Gateway, define an Interoperable Device object from: Manage >
Network Objects... > New... > Interoperable Device...
• If it is a Check Point Security Gateway, In the Network Objects tree, right click and select New >
Check Point > Externally Managed Security Gateway....
3. Set the various attributes of the peer Security Gateway. In particular, be sure to do the following:
• In the General Properties page of the Security Gateway object, select VPN (for an Externally
Managed Check Point Security Gateway object only).
• In the Topology page, define the Topology and the VPN Domain using the VPN Domain
information obtained from the peer administrator. If the VPN Domain does not contain all the IP
addresses behind the Security Gateway, define the VPN domain manually by defining a group or
network of machines and setting them as the VPN Domain.
4. Define the Community. The following details assume that a Star Community was chosen, but a Meshed
Community is an option as well. If working with a Mesh community, ignore the difference between the
Central Security Gateways and the Satellite Security Gateways.
• Agree with the peer administrator about the various IKE properties and set them in the VPN
Properties page and the Advanced Properties page of the community object.
• Define the Central Security Gateways. These will usually be the internally managed ones. If there is
no another Community defined for them, decide whether or not to mesh the central Security
Gateways. If they are already in a Community, do not mesh the central Security Gateways.
• Define the Satellite Security Gateways. These will usually be the external ones.
5. Agree on a pre-shared secret with the administrator of the external Community members. Then, in the
Shared Secret page of the community, select Use Only Shared Secret for all External Members. For
each external peer, enter the pre-shared secret.
6. Define the relevant access rules in the Security Policy. Add the Community in the VPN column, the
services in the Service column, the desired Action, and the appropriate Track option.
7. Install the Security Policy.

How to Authorize Firewall Control Connections in VPN

Communities
Check Point Nodes communicate with other Check Point Nodes by means of control connections. For
example, a control connection is used when the Security Policy is installed from the Security Management
Server to a Security Gateway. Also, logs are sent from Security Gateways to the Security Management
Server across control connections. Control connections use Secure Internal Communication (SIC).
Control connections are allowed using Implied Rules in the Security Rule Base. Implied Rules are added to
or removed from the Security Rule Base, by selecting or clearing options in the Firewall Implied Rules
page of the SmartDashboard Global Properties.
Some administrators prefer not to rely on implied rules, and instead prefer to define explicit rules in the
Security Rule Base.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 54

 Introduction to VPN

Why Turning off Firewall Implied Rules Blocks Control

Connections
If you turn off implicit rules, you may not be able to install a Policy on a remote Security Gateway. Even if
you define explicit rules in place of the implied rules, you may still not be able to install the policy:

The administrator wishes to configure a VPN between Security Gateways A and B by configuring
SmartDashboard. To do this, the administrator must install a Policy from the Security Management Server to
the Security Gateways.
1. The Security Management Server successfully installs the Policy on Security Gateway A. As far as
gateway A is concerned, Security Gateways A and B now belong to the same VPN Community.
However, B does not yet have this Policy.
2. The Security Management Server tries to open a connection to Security Gateway B in order to install the
Policy.
3. Security Gateway A allows the connection because of the explicit rules allowing the control connections,
and starts IKE negotiation with Security Gateway B to build a VPN tunnel for the control connection.
4. Security Gateway B does not know how to negotiate with A because it does not yet have the Policy.
Therefore Policy installation on Security Gateway B fails.
The solution for this is to make sure that control connections do not have to pass through a VPN tunnel.

Allowing Firewall Control Connections Inside a VPN

If you turn off implied rules, you must make sure that control connections are not changed by the Security
Gateways. To do this, add the services that are used for control connections to the Excluded Services
page of the Community object.

Note - Although control connections between the Security Management Server and the
Security Gateway are not encrypted by the community, they are nevertheless encrypted
and authenticated using Secure Internal Communication (SIC).

Discovering Which Services are Used for Control Connections

1. In the main menu, select View > Implied Rules.
2. In the Global Properties Firewall page, verify that 'control connections' are accepted.
3. Examine the Security Rule Base to see what Implied Rules are visible. Note the services used in the
Implied Rules.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 55

Chapter 5
Working with Site-to-Site VPN
In This Section:
Domain Based VPN ................................................................................................ 57
Route Based VPN ................................................................................................... 65
Tunnel Management ............................................................................................... 78
Route Injection Mechanism ..................................................................................... 82
Wire Mode ............................................................................................................... 89
Directional VPN Enforcement ................................................................................. 94
Link Selection .......................................................................................................... 98
Multiple Entry Point VPNs ..................................................................................... 117
Traditional Mode VPNs ......................................................................................... 130
Converting a Traditional Policy to a Community Based Policy ............................. 137

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 56

Chapter 6
Domain Based VPN
In This Section:
Overview of Domain-based VPN ............................................................................ 57
VPN Routing and Access Control ........................................................................... 58
Configuring Domain Based VPN............................................................................. 58

Overview of Domain-based VPN

Domain Based VPN controls how VPN traffic is routed between Security Gateways and remote access
clients within a community. To route traffic to a host behind a Security Gateway, you must first define an
encryption domain for that Security Gateway. Configuration for VPN routing is done with SmartDashboard or
by editing the VPN routing configuration files on the Security Gateways.
In this figure, one of the host machines behind Security Gateway A tries to connect to a host computer
behind Security Gateway B. For technical or policy reasons, Security Gateway A cannot establish a VPN
tunnel with Security Gateway B. With VPN Routing, Security Gateways A and B can establish VPN tunnels
through Security Gateway C.

Item

A Security Gateway A

B Security Gateway B

C Security Gateway C

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 57

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

VPN Routing and Access Control

VPN routing connections are subject to the same access control rules as any other connection. If VPN
routing is correctly configured but a Security Policy rule exists that does not allow the connection, the
connection is dropped. For example: a Security Gateway has a rule which forbids all FTP traffic from inside
the internal network to anywhere outside. When a peer Security Gateway opens an FTP connection with this
Security Gateway, the connection is dropped.
For VPN routing to succeed, a single rule in the Security Policy Rule Base must cover traffic in both
directions, inbound and outbound, and on the central Security Gateway. To configure this rule, see
Configuring the 'Accept VPN Traffic Rule (see "Configuring the 'Accept VPN Traffic Rule'" on page 59).

Configuring Domain Based VPN

Common VPN routing scenarios can be configured through a VPN star community, but not all VPN routing
configuration is handled through SmartDashboard. VPN routing between Security Gateways (star or mesh)
can be also be configured by editing the configuration file $FWDIR/conf/vpn_route.conf.
VPN routing cannot be configured between Security Gateways that do not belong to a VPN community.

Configuring VPN Routing for Security Gateways through

SmartDashboard
For simple hubs and spokes (or if there is only one Hub), the easiest way is to configure a VPN star
community in SmartDashboard:
1. On the Star Community properties window, Central Security Gateways page, select the Security
Gateway that functions as the "Hub".
2. On the Satellite Security Gateways page, select Security Gateways as the "spokes", or satellites.
3. On the VPN Routing page, Enable VPN routing for satellites section, select one of these options:
• To center and to other Satellites through center. This allows connectivity between the Security
Gateways, for example if the spoke Security Gateways are DAIP Security Gateways, and the Hub is
a Security Gateway with a static IP address.
• To center, or through the center to other satellites, to internet and other VPN targets. This
allows connectivity between the Security Gateways as well as the ability to inspect all
communication passing through the Hub to the Internet.
4. Create an appropriate access control rule in the Security Policy Rule Base. Remember: one rule must
cover traffic in both directions.
5. NAT the satellite Security Gateways on the Hub if the Hub is used to route connections from Satellites to
the Internet.
The two DAIP Security Gateways can securely route communication through the Security Gateway with the
static IP address.
To configure the VPN routing for SmartLSM Security Gateways:
1. Create a network object that contains the VPN domains of all the Security Gateways managed by
SmartProvisioning.
2. Edit the vpn_route.conf file, so that this network object appears in the destination column (the center
Security Gateway of the star community).
3. Install this vpn_route.conf file on all LSM profiles that participate in the VPN community.

Configuration via Editing the VPN Configuration File

For more granular control over VPN routing, edit the vpn_route.conf file in the conf directory of the
Security Management Server.
The configuration file, vpn_route.conf, is a text file that contains the name of network objects. The format
is: Destination, Next hop, Install on Security Gateway (with tabbed spaces separating the elements).
Consider a simple VPN routing scenario consisting of Hub and two Spokes (Figure 5-3). All machines are
controlled from the same Security Management Server, and all the Security Gateways are members of the

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 58

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

same VPN community. Only Telnet and FTP services are to be encrypted between the Spokes and routed
through the Hub:

Although this could be done easily by configuring a VPN star community, the same goal can be achieved by
editing vpn_route.conf:

Destination Next hop router interface Install on

Spoke_B_VPN_Dom Hub_C Spoke_A

Spoke_A_VPN_Dom Hub_C Spoke_B

In this instance, Spoke_B_VPN_Dom is the name of the network object group that contains spoke B's VPN
domain. Hub C is the name of the Security Gateway enabled for VPN routing. Spoke_A_VPN_Dom is the
name of the network object that represents Spoke A's encryption domain. For an example of how the file
appears:

Configuring the 'Accept VPN Traffic Rule'

In SmartDashboard:
1. Double click on a Star or Meshed community.
2. On the General properties page, select the Accept all encrypted traffic checkbox.
3. In a Star community, click Advanced to choose between accepting encrypted traffic on Both center
and satellite Security Gateways or Satellite Security Gateways only.
4. Click OK.
A rule will appear in the Rule Base that will accept VPN traffic between the selected Security Gateways.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 59

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Configuring Multiple Hubs

Consider two Hubs, A and B. Hub A has two spokes, spoke_A1, and spoke_A2. Hub B has a single spoke,
spoke_B. In addition, Hub A is managed from Security Management Server A, while Hub B is managed via
Security Management Server B:

For the two VPN star communities, based around Hubs A and B:
• Spokes A1 and A2 need to route all traffic going outside of the VPN community through Hub A
• Spokes A1 and A2 also need to route all traffic to one another through Hub A, the center of their star
community
• Spoke B needs to route all traffic outside of its star community through Hub B
A_community is the VPN community of A plus the spokes belonging to A. B_community is the VPN
community. Hubs_community is the VPN community of Hub_A and Hub_B.

Configuring VPN Routing and Access Control on Security Management Server A

The vpn_route.conf file on Security Management Server 1 looks like this:

Destination Next hop router interface Install on

Spoke_B_VPN_Dom Hub_A A_Spokes

Spoke_A1_VPN_Dom Hub_A Spoke_A2

Spoke_A2_VPN_Dom Hub_A Spoke _A1

Spoke_B_VPN_Dom Hub_B Hub_A

Spokes A1 and A2 are combined into the network group object "A_spokes". The appropriate rule in the
Security Policy Rule Base looks like this:
Source Destination VPN Service Action

Any Any A_Community Any Accept

B_Community
Hubs_Community

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 60

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Configuring VPN Routing and Access Control on Security Management Server B

The vpn_route.conf file on Security Management Server 2 looks like this:

Destination Next hop router interface Install On

Spoke_A1_VPN_Dom Hub_B Spoke_B

Spoke_A2_VPN_Dom Hub_B Spoke_B

Spoke_A1_VPN_Dom Hub_A Hub_B

Spoke_A2_VPN_Dom Hub_A Hub_B

The appropriate rule in the Security Policy Rule Base looks like this:
Source Destination VPN Service Action

Any Any B_Community Any Accept

A_Community
Hubs_Community

For both vpn_route.conf files:

• "A_Community" is a star VPN community comprised of Hub_A, Spoke_A1, and Spoke_A2
• "B_Community" is a star VPN community comprised of Hub_B and Spoke_B
• "Hubs-Community" is a meshed VPN community comprised of Hub_A and Hub_B (it could also be a
star community with the central Security Gateways meshed).

VPN for a SmartLSM Profile

If branch office Security Gateways are managed by SmartProvisioning as SmartLSM Security Gateways,
enable VPN routing for a hub and spoke configuration by editing the vpn_route.conf file on the Security
Management Server.
To configure VPN For a single SmartLSM Profile with multiple gateways:
1. In SmartDashboard, create a Group that contains the encryption domains of all the satellite SmartLSM
Security Gateways and call it Robo_domain
2. Create a Group that contains all the Center Security Gateways and call it Center_gws
3. In vpn_route.conf, add the rule:
Destination Router Install on

Robo_Domain Center_gws Robo_profile

If access to the SmartLSM Security Gateway through the VPN tunnel is required, the Security Gateway's
external IP address should be included in the ROBO_domain.
Multiple router Security Gateways are now supported on condition that:
• The Security Gateways are listed under "install on" in vpn_route.conf or
• The satellites Security Gateways are selected in SmartDashboard

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 61

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

VPN with One or More LSM Profiles

You can configure a VPN star community between two SmartLSM Profiles. The procedures below show a
SmartLSM Profile Gateway and Cluster. You can also configure the community with two SmartLSM Profile
Clusters or two SmartLSM Profile Gateway. All included SmartLSM Profile Gateways and Clusters must
have the IPsec VPN blade enabled.
The procedure requires configuration in:
• SmartDashboard
• Security Management Server CLI
• SmartConsole
• Center Gateway CLI
Using SmartDashboard
In SmartDashboard create network objects that represent the VPN community members and their networks.
You must create a star community with To center and to other satellites through center as the selected
option for VPN Routing (Star Community Properties > Advanced Settings > VPN Routing).
To configure a VPN star community between two SmartLSM Profiles in SmartDashboard:
1. Create and configure a SmartLSM Profile Cluster.
When you configure the topology, make sure that the interface name exactly matches the name of the
physical interface.
2. Create and configure a SmartLSM Profile Gateway.
3. Create a regular Security Gateway to be the Center Gateway.
Note - Security Gateway 80 gateways cannot be the Center Gateway.
4. Create a VPN Star Community, select IPsec VPN > New > Star Community.
a) Select Center Gateways from the tree.
b) Click Add and select the Security Gateway that you created to be the Center Gateway.
c) Select Satellite Gateways from the tree.
d) Click Add and select the SmartLSM Profile Cluster and SmartLSM Profile Gateway (or second
cluster).
e) Select Advanced Settings > VPN Routing from the tree.
f) Select To center and to other satellites through center.
5. Create a Network object that represents the internal network of each satellite in the VPN community.
a) From the Network Objects tree, right-click Networks and select Network.
b) In the Network Address field, enter the IP address that represents the internal IP address of the
satellite. If the satellite is a cluster, enter the internal Virtual IP.
6. Create a Node object that represents the external IP address of each satellite in the VPN community.
a) From the Network Objects tree, right-click Nodes and select Node > Gateway.
b) In the IP Address field, enter the IP address that represents the external IP address of the satellite.
If the satellite is a cluster, enter the external Virtual IP.
7. Create a Group object that represents the networks for each satellite object:
a) From the Network Objects tree, right-click and select New > Groups > Simple Group.
b) Enter a Name for the group that is unique for one satellite.
c) Select the Network object that you created for that satellite's internal network and click Add.
d) Select the Node object that you created for that satellite's external IP address and click Add.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 62

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

8. Create a Group object that represents the Center Gateway.

a) From the Network Objects tree, right-click and select New > Groups > Simple Group.
b) Enter a Name for the group that is unique for the Center Gateway.
c) Select the Gateway object and click Add.

Using the CLI

Edit the routing table of the Domain Management Server or Security Management Server to enable two
SmartLSM Profile Gateways or Clusters to communicate with each other through the Center Gateway. Do
this in the vpn_route.conf file in the CLI.
To edit the vpn_route.conf file:
Open the vpn_route.conf file.
• In a Multi-Domain Security Management environment, on a Domain Management Server:
 If satellites are 80 series Gateways or Clusters:
/var/opt/CPmds-<version>/customers/<Domain Management
Server_name>/CPSG80CMP-<version>/conf/vpn_route.conf
 If satellites are on a different SecurePlatform appliance or open server:
/opt/CPmds-<version>/customers/<Domain Management
Server_name>/CPsuite-<version>/fw1/conf/vpn_route.conf
• In a Security Management Server environment:
 If satellites are 80 series Gateways or Clusters:
/opt/CPSG80CMP-<version>/conf/vpn_route.conf
 If satellites are on a different SecurePlatform appliance or open server:
/opt/CPsuite-<version>/fw1/conf/vpn_route.conf
If two SmartLSM Gateways on different LSM Gateway profiles will communicate with each other through the
Center gateway, edit the file:

# destination router [install on]

<Simple Group Name of internal <Center <Name of second LSM Profile>
network of SmartLSM Gateway> Gateway>
<Simple Group Name of internal <Center <Name of LSM Profile>
network of second SmartLSM Gateway>
Gateway>

If more than one SmartLSM Gateway in the same LSM Profile will communicate with each other through the
Center gateway, edit the file:

# destination router [install on]

<Simple Group Name of internal <Center <Name of LSM Profile>
network of SmartLSM Gateway> Gateway>

Install policy on the SmartLSM Profiles and on the Center Gateway.

Completing the Configuration

Complete the configuration in the SmartProvisioning and the CLI of the Center Gateway.
To complete the VPN configuration:
1. Open the SmartProvisioning Console.
2. Create a new SmartLSM Cluster or Gateway based on the type of device you have. Select File > New >
select an option.
3. Generate a VPN certificate for each Gateway or Cluster member:
a) Open the cluster or gateway object > VPN tab.
b) Select Use Certificate Authority Certificate.
c) Click Generate.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 63

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

d) Do these steps again for each cluster member.

Note - If topology information, including date and time, changes after you generate the
certificate, you must generate a new certificate in the VPN tab and update the gateway
(Actions > Update Gateway).

4. In the CLI of the Center Gateway, run: LSMenabler on

5. In the SmartProvisioning GUI Console, right-click the Center Gateway and select Actions > Update
Corporate Office Gateway.
6. In the Topology tab of each object, make sure that the topology of provisioned objects is correct for
each device:
• Make sure that the interfaces have the same IP addresses as the actual gateways.
• Make sure that the external and internal interfaces are recognized and configure correctly as
"External" and "Internal".
• If the interfaces show without IP addresses, click: Get Actual Settings.
7. In the Topology tab, configure the VPN domain:
• For SmartLSM Profile Gateways choose an option.
• For SmartLSM Profile Clusters, select Manually defined and manually add the encryption domains
that you want to include.
8. Push Policy.
All traffic between the satellites and Center Gateway is encrypted.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 64

Chapter 7
Route Based VPN
In This Section:
Overview of Route-based VPN ............................................................................... 65
VPN Tunnel Interface (VTI)..................................................................................... 66
Using Dynamic Routing Protocols .......................................................................... 67
Configuring Numbered VTIs ................................................................................... 67
VTIs in a Clustered Environment ............................................................................ 69
Configuring VTIs in a Clustered Environment......................................................... 69
Configuring VTIs in a Gaia Environment ................................................................ 72
Enabling Dynamic Routing Protocols on VTIs ........................................................ 73
Configuring Anti-Spoofing on VTIs.......................................................................... 75
Configuring a Loopback Interface ........................................................................... 75
Configuring Unnumbered VTIs ............................................................................... 76
Routing Multicast Packets Through VPN Tunnels .................................................. 76

Overview of Route-based VPN

The use of VPN Tunnel Interfaces (VTI) introduces a new method of configuring VPNs called Route Based
VPN. This method is based on the notion that setting up a VTI between peer Security Gateways is much like
connecting them directly.
A VTI is an operating system level virtual interface that can be used as a Security Gateway to the encryption
domain of the peer Security Gateway. Each VTI is associated with a single tunnel to a Security Gateway.
The tunnel itself with all its properties is defined, as before, by a VPN Community linking the two Security
Gateways. The peer Security Gateway should also be configured with a corresponding VTI. The native IP
routing mechanism on each Security Gateway can then direct traffic into the tunnel just as it would for any
other type of interface.
All traffic destined to the encryption domain of a peer Security Gateway, will be routed through the
"associated" VTI. This infrastructure allows dynamic routing protocols to use VTIs. A dynamic routing
protocol daemon running on the Security Gateway can exchange routing information with a neighboring
routing daemon running on the other end of an IPsec tunnel, which appears to be a single hop away.
Route Based VPN is supported on SecurePlatform and Gaia platforms only and can only be implemented
between two Security Gateways within the same community.
Route Based VPN is not supported with IKEv2.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 65

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

VPN Tunnel Interface (VTI)

A VPN Tunnel Interface is a virtual interface on a Security Gateway that is related to a VPN tunnel and
connects to a remote peer. You create a VTI on each Security Gateway that connects to the VTI on a
remote peer. Traffic routed from the local Security Gateway via the VTI is transferred encrypted to the
associated peer Security Gateway.

In this scenario:
• There is a VTI connecting Cluster GWA and GWb
• There is a VTI connecting Cluster GWA and GWc
• There is a VTI connecting GWb and GWc
A virtual interface behaves like a point-to-point interface directly connected to the remote peer. Traffic
between network hosts is routed into the VPN tunnel using the IP routing mechanism of the Operating
System. Security Gateway objects are still required, as well as VPN communities (and access control
policies) to define which tunnels are available. However, VPN encryption domains for each peer Security
Gateway are no longer necessary. The decision whether or not to encrypt depends on whether the traffic is
routed through a virtual interface. The routing changes dynamically if a dynamic routing protocol
(OSPF/BGP) is available on the network.

Note - For NGX (R60) and above, the dynamic routing suite has been incorporated
into SecurePlatform Pro. The administrator runs a daemon on the Security Gateway to
publish the changed routes to the network.

When a connection that originates on GWb is routed through a VTI to GWc (or servers behind GWc) and is
accepted by the implied rules, the connection leaves GWb in the clear with the local IP address of the VTI
as the source IP address. If this IP address is not routable, return packets will be lost.
The solution for this issue is:
• Configure a static route on GWb that redirects packets destined to GWc from being routed through the
VTI
• Not including it in any published route
• Adding route maps that filter out GWc's IP addresses
Having excluded those IP addresses from route-based VPN, it is still possible to have other connections
encrypted to those addresses (i.e. when not passing on implied rules) by using domain based VPN
definitions.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 66

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

The VTI can be configured in two ways:

• Numbered
• Unnumbered

Numbered VTI
You configure a local and remote IP address for each numbered VPN Tunnel Interface (VTI). For each
Security Gateway, you configure a local IP address, a remote address, and the local IP address source for
outbound connections to the tunnel. The remote IP address must be the local IP address on the remote peer
Security Gateway. More than one VTI can use the same IP Address, but they cannot use an existing
physical interface IP address.
Numbered interfaces are supported for SecurePlatform and Gaia operating systems.

Unnumbered VTI
For unnumbered VTIs, you define a proxy interface for each Security Gateway. Each Security Gateway uses
the proxy interface IP address as the source for outbound traffic. Unnumbered interfaces let you assign and
manage one IP address for each interface. Proxy interfaces can be physical or loopback interfaces.
Unnumbered interfaces are supported for Gaia and IPSO (3.4 and higher) platforms.

Using Dynamic Routing Protocols

VTIs allow the ability to use Dynamic Routing Protocols to exchange routing information between Security
Gateways. The Dynamic Routing Protocols supported are:
1. BGP4
2. OSPF
3. RIPv1 (SecurePlatform Pro only)
4. RIPv2 (SecurePlatform Pro only)

Configuring Numbered VTIs

Route Based VPN is supported using SecurePlatform and IPSO 3.9 platforms only and can only be
implemented between two Security Gateways within the same community.

Enabling Route Based VPN

If you configure a Security Gateway for Domain Based VPN and Route Based VPN, Domain Based VPN
takes precedence by default. To force Route Based VPN to take priority, you must create a dummy (empty)
group and assign it to the VPN domain.
To force Route-Based VPN to take priority:
1. In SmartDashboard, select Manage > Network Objects.
2. Select a Check Point Security Gateway and right-click Edit.
3. In the Properties list, click Topology.
4. In the VPN Domain section, select Manually define.
5. Click New > Group > Simple Group.
6. Enter a name in the Name field and click OK.

Configuring Numbered VTIs

Using the new VPN Command Line Interface (VPN Shell), the administrator creates a VPN Tunnel Interface
on the enforcement module for each peer Security Gateway, and "associates" the interface with a peer
Security Gateway. The VPN Tunnel Interface may be numbered or unnumbered. For more information on
the VPN Shell, see VPN Shell (on page 288).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 67

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Every numbered VTI is assigned a local IP Address and a remote IP Address. Prior to configuration, a range
of IP Addresses must be configured to assign to the VTIs.

A VTI connects:
• Cluster GWA and GWb
• Cluster GWA and GWc
• GWb and GWc
The devices in this scenario are:
ClusterXL:
• Cluster GWA
• member_GWA1
• member_GWA2
VPN Modules:
• GWb
• GWc
IP Configurations:
• Cluster GWA
• member_GWA1
• External Unique IP eth0: 170.170.1.1/24
• External VIP eth0: 170.170.1.10/24
• Sync Interface eth1: 5.5.5.1/24
• IP of VTI vt-GWb: Local: 10.0.1.11, Remote: 10.0.0.2
• VIP of VTI vt-GWb: 10.0.1.10
• IP of VTI vt-GWc: Local: 10.0.1.21, Remote: 10.0.0.3
• VIP of VTI vt-GWc: 10.0.1.20
• member_GWA2
• External Unique IP eth0: 170.170.1.2/24
• External VIP eth0: 170.170.1.10/24
• Sync Interface eth1: 5.5.5.1/24
• IP of VTI vt-GWb: Local: 10.0.1.12, Remote: 10.0.0.2
• VIP of VTI vt-GWb: 10.0.1.10
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 68
 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

• IP of VTI vt-GWc: Local: 10.0.1.22, Remote: 10.0.0.3

• VIP of VTI vt-GWc: 10.0.1.20
• GWb
• External Unique IP eth0: 180.180.1.1/24
• IP of VTI vt-ClusterGWa: Local: 10.0.0.2, Remote: 10.0.1.10
• IP of VTI vt-GWc: Local: 10.0.0.2, Remote: 10.0.0.3
• GWc
• External Unique IP eth0: 190.190.1.1/24
• IP of VTI vt-ClusterGWa: Local: 10.0.0.3, Remote: 10.0.1.20
• IP of VTI vt-GWb: Local: 10.0.0.3, Remote: 10.0.0.2

VTIs in a Clustered Environment

When configuring numbered VTIs in a clustered environment, a number of issues need to be considered:
• Each member must have a unique source IP address.
• Every interface on each member requires a unique IP address.
• All VTIs going to the same remote peer must have the same name.
• Cluster IP addresses are required.

Configuring VTIs in a Clustered Environment

The following sample configurations use the same Security Gateway names and IP addresses used referred
to in: Numbered VTIs (see "Configuring Numbered VTIs" on page 67)
Configuring member_GWA1
--------- Access the VPN shell Command Line Interface
[member_GWa2]# vpn shell
? - This help
.. - Go up one level
quit - Quit
[interface ] - Manipulate tunnel interfaces
[show ] - Show internal data
[tunnels ] - Manipulate tunnel data
--------- Add vt-GWb
VPN shell:[/] > /interface/add/numbered 10.0.1.12 10.0.0.2 GWb
Interface 'vt-GWb' was added successfully to the system
--------- Add vt-GWc
VPN shell:[/] > /interface/add/numbered 10.0.1.22 10.0.0.3 GWc
Interface 'vt-GWc' was added successfully to the system
---------- Verify configuration
VPN shell:[/] > /show/interface/detailed all
vt-GWb Type:numbered MTU:1500
inet addr:10.0.1.12 P-t-P:10.0.0.2 Mask:255.255.255.255
Peer:GWb Peer ID:180.180.1.1 Status:attached

vt-GWc Type:numbered MTU:1500

inet addr:10.0.1.22 P-t-P:10.0.0.3 Mask:255.255.255.255
Peer:GWc Peer ID:190.190.1.1 Status:attached

VPN shell:[/] > /quit

[member_GWa2]# ifconfig vt-GWb
vt-GWb Link encap:IPIP Tunnel HWaddr
inet addr:10.0.1.12 P-t-P:10.0.0.2 Mask:255.255.255.255
UP POINTOPOINT RUNNING NOARP MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 69

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:0 (0.0 b) TX bytes:36 (36.0 b)

[member_GWa2]# ifconfig vt-GWc

vt-GWc Link encap:IPIP Tunnel HWaddr
inet addr:10.0.1.22 P-t-P:10.0.0.3 Mask:255.255.255.255
UP POINTOPOINT RUNNING NOARP MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:0 (0.0 b) TX bytes:36 (36.0 b)
Configuring member_GWA2
--------- Access the VPN shell Command Line Interface
[member_GWa2]# vpn shell
? - This help
.. - Go up one level
quit - Quit .
[interface ] - Manipulate tunnel interfaces
[show ] - Show internal data
[tunnels ] - Manipulate tunnel data
--------- Add vt-GWb
VPN shell:[/] > /interface/add/numbered 10.0.1.12 10.0.0.2 GWb
Interface 'vt-GWb' was added successfully to the system
--------- Add vt-GWc
VPN shell:[/] > /interface/add/numbered 10.0.1.22 10.0.0.3 GWc
Interface 'vt-GWc' was added successfully to the system
---------- Verify configuration
VPN shell:[/] > /show/interface/detailed all
vt-GWb Type:numbered MTU:1500
inet addr:10.0.1.12 P-t-P:10.0.0.2 Mask:255.255.255.255
Peer:GWb Peer ID:180.180.1.1 Status:attached

vt-GWc Type:numbered MTU:1500

inet addr:10.0.1.22 P-t-P:10.0.0.3 Mask:255.255.255.255
Peer:GWc Peer ID:190.190.1.1 Status:attached

VPN shell:[/] > /quit

[member_GWa2]# ifconfig vt-GWb
vt-GWb Link encap:IPIP Tunnel HWaddr
inet addr:10.0.1.12 P-t-P:10.0.0.2 Mask:255.255.255.255
UP POINTOPOINT RUNNING NOARP MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:0 (0.0 b) TX bytes:36 (36.0 b)

[member_GWa2]# ifconfig vt-GWc

vt-GWc Link encap:IPIP Tunnel HWaddr
inet addr:10.0.1.22 P-t-P:10.0.0.3 Mask:255.255.255.255
UP POINTOPOINT RUNNING NOARP MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:0 (0.0 b) TX bytes:36 (36.0 b)
When configuring a VTI in a clustered environment and an interface name is not specified, a name is
provided. The default name for a VTI is "vt-[peer Security Gateway name]". For example, if the peer Security
Gateway's name is Server_2, the default name of the VTI is 'vt-Server_2'. For peer Security Gateways that
have names that are longer than 12 characters, the default interface name is the last five characters plus a 7
byte hash of the peer name calculated to the give the interface a unique name.
After configuring the VTIs on the cluster members, it is required to configure in the SmartConsole the VIP of
these VTIs.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 70

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

In SmartDashboard:
1. Select Manage > Network Objects.
2. Select the Check Point Cluster and right click Edit.
3. In Topology window, click Edit Topology.
4. Click Get all members' topology.
The VTIs are shown in the topology.
Note that the Edit Topology window lists the members of a VTI on the same line if the following criteria
match:
• Remote peer name
• Remote IP address
• Interface name
5. Configure the VTI VIP in the Topology tab.
6. Click OK and install policy.
Configuring GWb
--------- Access the VPN shell Command Line Interface
[GWb]# vpn shell
? - This help
.. - Go up one level
quit - Quit
[interface ] - Manipulate tunnel interfaces
[show ] - Show internal data
[tunnels ] - Manipulate tunnel data
--------- Add vt-GWa
VPN shell:[/] > /interface/add/numbered 10.0.0.2 10.0.1.10 GWa
Interface 'vt-GWa' was added successfully to the system
--------- Add vt-GWc
VPN shell:[/] > /interface/add/numbered 10.0.0.2 10.0.0.3 GWc
Interface 'vt-GWc' was added successfully to the system
---------- Verify configuration
VPN shell:[/] > /show/interface/detailed all
vt-GWa Type:numbered MTU:1500
inet addr:10.0.0.2 P-t-P:10.0.1.10 Mask:255.255.255.255
Peer:GWa Peer ID:170.170.1.10 Status:attached

vt-GWc Type:numbered MTU:1500

inet addr:10.0.0.2 P-t-P:10.0.0.3 Mask:255.255.255.255
Peer:GWc Peer ID:190.190.1.1 Status:attached

VPN shell:[/] > /quit

[GWb]# ifconfig vt-GWa
vt-GWa Link encap:IPIP Tunnel HWaddr
inet addr:10.0.0.2 P-t-P:10.0.1.10 Mask:255.255.255.255
UP POINTOPOINT RUNNING NOARP MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:0 (0.0 b) TX bytes:36 (36.0 b)

[GWb]# ifconfig vt-GWc

vt-GWc Link encap:IPIP Tunnel HWaddr
inet addr:10.0.0.2 P-t-P:10.0.0.3 Mask:255.255.255.255
UP POINTOPOINT RUNNING NOARP MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:0 (0.0 b) TX bytes:36 (36.0 b)

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 71

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Configuring GWc
--------- Access the VPN shell Command Line Interface
[GWc]# vpn shell
? - This help
.. - Go up one level
quit - Quit
[interface ] - Manipulate tunnel interfaces
[show ] - Show internal data
[tunnels ] - Manipulate tunnel data
--------- Add vt-GWa
VPN shell:[/] > /interface/add/numbered 10.0.0.3 10.0.1.20 GWa
Interface 'vt-GWa' was added successfully to the system
--------- Add vt-GWb
VPN shell:[/] > /interface/add/numbered 10.0.0.3 10.0.0.2 GWb
Interface 'vt-GWb' was added successfully to the system
---------- Verify configuration
VPN shell:[/] > /show/interface/detailed all
vt-GWa Type:numbered MTU:1500
inet addr:10.0.0.3 P-t-P:10.0.1.20 Mask:255.255.255.255
Peer:GWa Peer ID:170.170.1.10 Status:attached

vt-GWb Type:numbered MTU:1500

inet addr:10.0.0.3 P-t-P:10.0.0.2 Mask:255.255.255.255
Peer:GWb Peer ID:180.180.1.1 Status:attached

VPN shell:[/] > /quit

[GWc]# ifconfig vt-GWa
vt-GWa Link encap:IPIP Tunnel HWaddr
inet addr:10.0.0.3 P-t-P:10.0.1.20 Mask:255.255.255.255
UP POINTOPOINT RUNNING NOARP MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:0 (0.0 b) TX bytes:36 (36.0 b)

[GWc]# ifconfig vt-GWb

vt-GWb Link encap:IPIP Tunnel HWaddr
inet addr:10.0.0.3 P-t-P:10.0.0.2 Mask:255.255.255.255
UP POINTOPOINT RUNNING NOARP MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:0 (0.0 b) TX bytes:36 (36.0 b)

Configuring VTIs in a Gaia Environment

To learn how to configure VTIs in Gaia environments, see VPN Tunnel Interfaces in the R76 Gaia
Administration Guide (http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22928).

Note - For VTIs between Gaia gateways and SPLAT, IPSO, or Cisco GRE gateways, you must
manually configure hello/dead packet intervals at 10/40 on the Gaia gateway or at 30/120 on the
peer gateway. OSPF will not get into Full state otherwise.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 72

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Enabling Dynamic Routing Protocols on VTIs

Using the example:

The following tables illustrate how the OSPF dynamic routing protocol is enabled on VTIs both for single
members and for cluster members using SecurePlatform. Note that the network commands for single
members and cluster members are not the same.
For more information on advanced routing commands and syntaxes, see the Check Point Advanced Routing
Suite - Command Line Interface book.
To learn about enabling dynamic routing protocols on VTIs in Gaia environments, see VPN Tunnel
Interfaces in the R76 Gaia Administration Guide
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22928).
When peering with a Cisco GRE enabled device, a point to point GRE tunnel is required. Use the following
command to configure the tunnel interface definition:
ip ospf network point-to-point
--------- Launch the Dynamic Routing Module
[member_GWa1]# expert
Enter expert password:

You are in expert mode now.

[Expert@member_GWa1]# cligated
localhost>enable
localhost#configure terminal
--------- Enable OSPF and provide an OSPF router ID
localhost(config)#router ospf 1
localhost(config-router-ospf)#router-id 170.170.1.10
--------- Define interfaces/IP's on which OSPF runs (Use the cluster IP as
defined in topology) and the area ID for the interface/IP
localhost(config-router-ospf)#network 10.0.1.10 0.0.0.0 area 0.0.0.0
localhost(config-router-ospf)#network 10.0.1.20 0.0.0.0 area 0.0.0.0
--------- Redistribute kernel routes (this is only here as an example, please
see the dynamic routing book for more specific commands concerning
redistribution of routes)
localhost(config-router-ospf)#redistribute kernel
localhost(config-router-ospf)#exit
localhost(config)#exit
-------- Write configuration to disk
localhost#write memory
IU0 999 Configuration written to '/etc/gated.ami'
localhost#quit

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 73

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Dynamic Routing on member_GWA2

--------- Launch the Dynamic Routing Module
[member_GWa2]# expert
Enter expert password:

You are in expert mode now.

[Expert@member_GWa2]# cligated
localhost>enable
localhost#configure terminal
--------- Enable OSPF and provide an OSPF router ID
localhost(config)#router ospf 1
localhost(config-router-ospf)#router-id 170.170.1.10
--------- Define interfaces/IP's on which OSPF runs (Use the cluster IP as
defined in topology) and the area ID for the interface/IP
localhost(config-router-ospf)#network 10.0.1.10 0.0.0.0 area 0.0.0.0
localhost(config-router-ospf)#network 10.0.1.20 0.0.0.0 area 0.0.0.0
--------- Redistribute kernel routes (this is only here as an example, please
see the dynamic routing book for more specific commands concerning
redistribution of routes)
localhost(config-router-ospf)#redistribute kernel
localhost(config-router-ospf)#exit
localhost(config)#exit
-------- Write configuration to disk
localhost#write memory
IU0 999 Configuration written to '/etc/gated.ami'
localhost#quit
Dynamic Routing on GWb
--------- Launch the Dynamic Routing Module
[GWb]# expert
Enter expert password:

You are in expert mode now.

[Expert@GWb]# cligated
localhost>enable
localhost#configure terminal
--------- Enable OSPF and provide an OSPF router ID
localhost(config)#router ospf 1
localhost(config-router-ospf)#router-id 180.180.1.1
--------- Define interfaces/IP's on which OSPF runs (Use the cluster IP as
defined in topology) and the area ID for the interface/IP
localhost(config-router-ospf)#network 10.0.1.10 0.0.0.0 area 0.0.0.0
localhost(config-router-ospf)#network 10.0.0.3 0.0.0.0 area 0.0.0.0
--------- Redistribute kernel routes (this is only here as an example, please
see the dynamic routing book for more specific commands concerning
redistribution of routes)
localhost(config-router-ospf)#redistribute kernel
localhost(config-router-ospf)#exit
localhost(config)#exit
-------- Write configuration to disk
localhost#write memory
IU0 999 Configuration written to '/etc/gated.ami'
localhost#quit

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 74

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Dynamic Routing on GWc

--------- Launch the Dynamic Routing Module
[GWc]# expert
Enter expert password:

You are in expert mode now.

[Expert@GWc]# cligated
localhost>enable
localhost#configure terminal
--------- Enable OSPF and provide an OSPF router ID
localhost(config)#router ospf 1
localhost(config-router-ospf)#router-id 190.190.1.1
--------- Define interfaces/IP's on which OSPF runs (Use the cluster IP as
defined in topology) and the area ID for the interface/IP
localhost(config-router-ospf)#network 10.0.1.20 0.0.0.0 area 0.0.0.0
localhost(config-router-ospf)#network 10.0.0.2 0.0.0.0 area 0.0.0.0
--------- Redistribute kernel routes (this is only here as an example, please
see the dynamic routing book for more specific commands concerning
redistribution of routes)
localhost(config-router-ospf)#redistribute kernel
localhost(config-router-ospf)#exit
localhost(config)#exit
-------- Write configuration to disk
localhost#write memory
IU0 999 Configuration written to '/etc/gated.ami'
localhost#quit

Configuring Anti-Spoofing on VTIs

In SmartDashboard:
1. Select Manage > Network Objects.
2. Select the Check Point Security Gateway and right click Edit.
3. In the Properties list, click Topology.
4. Click Get > Interfaces to read the interface information on the Security Gateway machine.
5. Select an interface, and click Edit.
6. In the Interface Properties window, click Topology.
7. In the IP Addresses behind peer Security Gateway that are within reach of this interface section,
select:
• Not Defined to accept all traffic.
• Specific to choose a particular network. The IP addresses in this network will be the only addresses
accepted by this interface.
8. In the Perform Anti-Spoofing based on interface topology section, select Don't check packets
from: to ensure Anti-Spoofing checks do not take place for addresses from certain internal networks
coming into the external interface. Define a network object that represents those internal networks with
valid addresses, and from the drop-down list, select that network object.
Objects selected in the Don't check packets from: drop-down menu are disregarded by the Anti-
Spoofing enforcement mechanism.
9. Under Spoof Tracking select Log, and click OK.

Configuring a Loopback Interface

When a VTI connects an IPSO machine and a SecurePlatform machine, a loopback interface must be
configured and defined in the Topology tab of the Security Gateway.
In IPSO Network Voyager:
1. Log in and the IPSO homepage opens.
2. Click Interface Configuration.
3. On the Configuration page, click Interfaces.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 75
 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

4. On the Interface Configuration page, click loop0.

5. On the Physical Interface loop0 page, enter an IP address in the Create a new loopback interface
with IP address field and the value '30' in the Reference mask length field.
6. Click Apply.
The Physical Interface loop0 page refreshes and displays the newly configured loopback interface.
7. Click Save.

Configuring Unnumbered VTIs

Working with unnumbered interfaces eliminates the need to assign two IP addresses per interface (the local
IP, and the remote IP Address), and the need to synchronize this information among the peers.
If the VPN Tunnel Interface is unnumbered, local and remote IP addresses are not configured. This interface
is associated with a proxy interface from which the virtual interface inherits an IP address. Traffic initiated by
the Security Gateway and routed through the virtual interface will have the physical interface's IP Address
as the source IP.
Unnumbered interfaces are supported for Gaia and IPSO (3.4 and higher) platforms.

Note - IPSO platform supports unnumbered VTIs in a VRRP HA configuration, active-passive mode
only.

To configure unnumbered VTIs for IPSO:

1. Log into IPSO Network Voyager.
2. Click Configuration.
3. Click Interface Configuration.
4. On the next page, click FWVPN Tunnel.
5. On the FWVPN Tunnel Configuration page, enter the name of the Security Gateway you want to
connect to in the Peer GW Object Name field.
6. Select a proxy interface from the Proxy drop down menu.
7. Click Apply.
The new interface shows on the FWVPN Tunnel Configuration page.
To configure unnumbered VTIs for Gaia:
1. In Gaia WebUI, select Interface Management > Network Interfaces.
2. Click Add > VPN Tunnel.
3. In the Add/Edit window that opens, configure these parameters:
• VPN Tunnel ID - an integer from 1 to 99, and Gaia automatically adds vpnt prefix to the Tunnel ID
• Remote Peer Name - alpha-numeric Peer ID, as defined for the Remote Peer Name in the VPN
community. You must define the two peers in the VPN community before you define the VTI.
• VPN Tunnel Type - select Unnumbered
• Local Address - leave empty for unnumbered VTI
• Remote Address - leave empty for unnumbered VTI
• Physical Device - the name of the local peer interface (the loopback interface can also be
configured as the local peer interface)

Routing Multicast Packets Through VPN Tunnels

Multicast is used to transmit a single message to a select group of recipients. IP Multicasting applications
send one copy of each datagram (IP packet) and address it to a group of computers that want to receive it.
This technique addresses datagrams to a group of receivers (at the multicast address) rather than to a
single receiver (at a unicast address). The network is responsible for forwarding the datagrams to only those
networks that need to receive them. For more information on Multicasting, see "Multicast Access Control" in
the R76 Security Gateway Technical Administration Guide.
Multicast traffic can be encrypted and forwarded across VPN tunnels that were configured using VPN tunnel
interfaces (virtual interfaces associated with the same physical interface). All participant Security Gateways,

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 76

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

both on the sending and receiving ends, must have a virtual interface for each VPN tunnel and a multicast
routing protocol must be enabled on all participant Security Gateways.
For more information on virtual interfaces, see Configuring a Virtual Interface Using the VPN Shell (on page
288).
In the figure:

• Security Gateway 1 has a virtual interface configured for the VPN tunnel linked with Security Gateway 2
and another virtual interface for the VPN tunnel linked with Security Gateway 3.
• Host 1 behind Security Gateway 1 initiates a multicast session destined to the multicast group address
which consists of Host 2 behind Security Gateway 2 and to Host 3 behind Security Gateway 3.
To enable multicast service on a Security Gateway functioning as a rendezvous point, add a rule to the
security policy of that Security Gateway to allow only the specific multicast service to be accepted
unencrypted, and to accept all other services only through the community. Corresponding access rules
enabling multicast protocols and services should be created on all participating Security Gateways. For
example:
Source Destination VPN Service Action Track

Multicast_ Multicast_ Any Traffic igmp accept log

Gateways Gateways
pim

Sample_Host Multicast_Group_ Sample_ Multicast_ accept log

Address Community Service_Group

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 77

Chapter 8
Tunnel Management
In This Section:
Overview of Tunnel Management ........................................................................... 78
Configuring Tunnel Features .................................................................................. 80

Overview of Tunnel Management

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure connection, typically over the Internet. VPNs accomplish
this by creating an encrypted tunnel that provides the same security available as in a private network. This
allows workers who are in the field or working at home to securely connect to a remote corporate server and
also allows companies to securely connect to branch offices and other companies over the Internet. The
VPN tunnel guarantees:
• authenticity, by using standard authentication methods.
• privacy, by encrypting data.
• integrity, by using standard integrity assurance methods.
Types of tunnels and the number of tunnels can be managed with the following features:
• Permanent Tunnels - This feature keeps VPN tunnels active allowing real-time monitoring capabilities.
• VPN Tunnel Sharing - This feature provides greater interoperability and scalability between Security
Gateways. It also controls the number of VPN tunnels created between peer Security Gateways.
The status of all VPN tunnels can be viewed in SmartView Monitor. For more information on monitoring see
the Monitoring Tunnels chapter in the R76 SmartView Monitor Administration Guide
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22925).

Permanent Tunnels
As companies have become more dependent on VPNs for communication to other sites, uninterrupted
connectivity has become more crucial than ever before. Therefore it is essential to make sure that the VPN
tunnels are kept up and running. Permanent Tunnels are constantly kept active and as a result, make it
easier to recognize malfunctions and connectivity problems. Administrators can monitor the two sides of a
VPN tunnel and identify problems without delay.
Each VPN tunnel in the community may be set to be a Permanent Tunnel. Since Permanent Tunnels are
constantly monitored, if the VPN tunnel is down, then a log, alert, or user defined action, can be issued. A
VPN tunnel is monitored by periodically sending "tunnel test" packets. As long as responses to the packets
are received the VPN tunnel is considered "up." If no response is received within a given time period, the
VPN tunnel is considered "down." Permanent Tunnels can only be established between Check Point
Security Gateways. The configuration of Permanent Tunnels takes place on the community level and:
• Can be specified for an entire community. This option sets every VPN tunnel in the community as
permanent.
• Can be specified for a specific Security Gateway. Use this option to configure specific Security
Gateways to have permanent tunnels.
• Can be specified for a single VPN tunnel. This feature allows configuring specific tunnels between
specific Security Gateways as permanent.
Permanent Tunnels in a MEP Environment
In a Multiple Entry Point (MEP) environment, VPN tunnels that are active are rerouted from the predefined
primary Security Gateway to the backup Security Gateway if the primary Security Gateway becomes
unavailable. When a Permanent Tunnel is configured between Security Gateways in a MEPed environment
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 78
 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

where RIM is enabled, the satellite Security Gateways see the center Security Gateways as "unified." As a
result, the connection will not fail but will fail over to another center Security Gateway on a newly created
permanent tunnel. For more information on MEP see Multiple Entry Point VPNs (on page 117).
In this scenario:

• Host 1, residing behind Security Gateway S1, is communicating through a Permanent Tunnel with Host
2, residing behind Security Gateway M1.
• M1 and M2 are in a MEPed environment.
• M1 and M2 are in a MEPed environment with Route Injection Mechanism (RIM) enabled.
• M1 is the Primary Security Gateway and M2 is the Backup Security Gateway.
In this case, should Security Gateway M1 become unavailable, the connection would continue through a
newly created permanent tunnel between S1 and M2.

Tunnel Testing for Permanent Tunnels

Check Point uses a proprietary protocol to test if VPN tunnels are active, and supports any site-to-site VPN
configuration. Tunnel testing requires two Security Gateways, and uses UDP port 18234. Check Point tunnel
testing protocol does not support 3rd party Security Gateways.

VPN Tunnel Sharing

Tunnel test is a proprietary Check Point protocol used to see if VPN tunnels are active. Tunnel testing
requires two Security Gateways and uses UDP port 18234. Third party gateways do not support tunnel
testing.
VPN Tunnel Sharing provides interoperability and scalability by controlling the number of VPN tunnels
created between peer Security Gateways. There are three available settings:
• One VPN tunnel per each pair of hosts
• One VPN tunnel per subnet pair
• One VPN tunnel per Security Gateway pair

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 79

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Configuring Tunnel Features

To configure Tunnel Management options, proceed as follows:
1. In SmartDashboard, click Manage > VPN Communities. The VPN Communities window will appear.
2. Select the community (star or meshed) to be configured and click Edit.
3. Click Tunnel Management.
The Tunnel Management window is displayed.
• for Permanent Tunnels, see Permanent Tunnels (on page 78).
• for Tracking, see Tracking Options (on page 81).
• for VPN Tunnel Sharing, see VPN Tunnel Sharing (on page 81).

Permanent Tunnels
In the Community Properties window on the Tunnel Management page, select Set Permanent Tunnels
and the following Permanent Tunnel modes are then made available:
• On all tunnels in the community
• On all tunnels of specific Security Gateways
• On specific tunnels in the community
To configure all tunnels as permanent, select On all tunnels in the community. Clear this option to
terminate all Permanent Tunnels in the community.
To configure on all tunnels of specific Security Gateways:
1. Select On all tunnels of specific Security Gateways and click Select Security Gateways.
The Select Security Gateways window is displayed.
To terminate Permanent Tunnels connected to a specific Security Gateway, highlight the Security
Gateway and click Remove.
2. To configure the Tracking options for a specific Security Gateway, highlight a Security Gateway and
click on Security Gateway Tunnels Properties.
To configure on specific tunnels in the community:
1. Select On specific tunnels in the community and click Select Permanent Tunnels.
The Select Permanent Tunnels window opens.
2. Click in the cell that intersects the Security Gateways where a permanent tunnel is required.
3. Click Selected Tunnel Properties and the Tunnel Properties window is displayed.
To terminate the Permanent Tunnel between these two Security Gateways, clear Set these tunnels to
be permanent tunnels.
4. Click OK.

Advanced Permanent Tunnel Configuration

In SmartDashboard:
1. Click Policy > Global Properties.
The Global Properties window is displayed.
2. Select SmartDashboard Customization from the properties list.
3. In the Advanced Configuration section, click Configure.
The Advanced configuration window is displayed.
4. Click VPN Advanced Properties > Tunnel Management to view the five attributes that may be
configured to customize the amount of tunnel tests sent and the intervals in which they are sent:
• life_sign_timeout - Designate the amount of time the tunnel test runs without a response before the
peer host is declared 'down.'
• life_sign_transmitter_interval - Set the time between tunnel tests.
• life_sign_retransmissions_count - When a tunnel test does not receive a reply, another test is
resent to confirm that the peer is 'down.' The Life Sign Retransmission Count is set to how many
times the tunnel test is resent without receiving a response.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 80
 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

• life_sign_retransmissions_interval - Set the time between the tunnel tests that are resent after it
does not receive a response from the peer.
• cluster_status_polling_interval - (Relevant for HA Clusters only) - Set the time between tunnel
tests between a primary Security Gateway and a backup Security Gateway. The tunnel test is sent
by the backup Security Gateway. When there is no reply, the backup Security Gateway will become
active.

Tracking Options
Several types of alerts can be configured to keep administrators up to date on the status of the VPN tunnels.
The Tracking settings can be configured on the Tunnel Management page of the Community Properties
screen for all VPN tunnels or they can be set individually when configuring the permanent tunnels
themselves. The different options are Log, Popup Alert, Mail Alert, SNMP Trap Alert, and User Defined
Alert. Choosing one of these alert types will enable immediate identification of the problem and the ability to
respond to these issues more effectively.

Terminating Permanent Tunnels

Once a Permanent Tunnel is no longer required, the tunnel can be shut down. Permanent Tunnels are shut
down by deselecting the configuration options to make them active and re-installing the policy.

VPN Tunnel Sharing

For a VPN community, the configuration is set on the Tunnel Management page of the Community
Properties window.
For a specific Security Gateway, the configuration is set on the VPN Advanced page of the Security
Gateway properties window.
VPN Tunnel Sharing provides greater interoperability and scalability by controlling the number of VPN
tunnels created between peer Security Gateways. Configuration of VPN Tunnel Sharing can be set on both
the VPN community and Security Gateway object.
• One VPN Tunnel per each pair of hosts - A VPN tunnel is created for every session initiated between
every pair of hosts.
• One VPN Tunnel per subnet pair- Once a VPN tunnel has been opened between two subnets,
subsequent sessions between the same subnets will share the same VPN tunnel. This is the default
setting and is compliant with the IPsec industry standard.
• One VPN Tunnel per Security Gateway pair- One VPN tunnel is created between peer Security
Gateways and shared by all hosts behind each peer Security Gateway.
In case of a conflict between the tunnel properties of a VPN community and a Security Gateway object that
is a member of that same community, the "stricter" setting is followed. For example, a Security Gateway that
was set to One VPN Tunnel per each pair of hosts and a community that was set to One VPN Tunnel per
subnet pair, would follow One VPN Tunnel per each pair of hosts.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 81

Chapter 9
Route Injection Mechanism
In This Section:
Overview of Route Injection .................................................................................... 82
Automatic RIM......................................................................................................... 82
Custom Scripts ........................................................................................................ 84
Injecting Peer Security Gateway Interfaces ............................................................ 85
Configuring RIM ...................................................................................................... 86
Configuring RIM on Gaia ........................................................................................ 87

Overview of Route Injection

Route Injection Mechanism (RIM) enables a Security Gateway to use dynamic routing protocols to
propagate the encryption domain of a VPN peer Security Gateway to the internal network and then initiate
back connections. When a VPN tunnel is created, RIM updates the local routing table of the Security
Gateway to include the encryption domain of the VPN peer.

Note - Route Injection is not currently supported for IPv6.

RIM can only be enabled when permanent tunnels are configured for the community. Permanent tunnels are
kept alive by tunnel test packets. When a Security Gateway fails to reply, the tunnel will be considered
'down.' As a result, RIM will delete the route to the failed link from the local routing table, which triggers
neighboring dynamic routing enabled devices to update their routing information accordingly. This will result
in a redirection of all traffic destined to travel across the VPN tunnel, to a pre-defined alternative path.
There are two possible methods to configure RIM:
• Automatic RIM - RIM automatically injects the route to the encryption domain of the peer Security
Gateways.
• Custom Script - Specify tasks for RIM to perform according to specific needs.
Route injection can be integrated with MEP functionality (which route return packets back through the same
MEP Security Gateway). For more information on MEP, see Multiple Entry Point VPNs (on page 117).

Automatic RIM
Automatic RIM can be enabled using the GUI when the operating system on the Security Gateway is
SecurePlatform, IPSO or Linux. Although a custom script can be used on these systems, no custom-written
scripts are required.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 82

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

In this scenario:

• Security Gateways 1 and 2 are both RIM and have a dynamic routing protocol enabled.
• R1 and R4 are enabled routers.
• When a VPN tunnel is created, RIM updates the local routing tables of Security Gateway 1 and Security
Gateway 2 to include the encryption domain of the other Security Gateway.
• Should the VPN tunnel become unavailable, traffic is redirected to the leased line.
The routing tables for the Security Gateways and routers read as follows. Entries in bold represent routes
injected into the Security Gateways local routing tables by RIM:
For Security Gateway 1:
Destination Netmask Security Gateway Metric

0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 172.16.10.2 1

192.168.21.0 255.255.255.0 172.16.10.2 1

192.168.11.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.1 1

Security Gateway 2:
Destination Netmask Security Metric
Gateway
0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 172.16.20.2 1

192.168.11.0 255.255.255.0 172.16.20.2 1

192.168.21.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.20.1 1

R1 (behind Security Gateway 1):

Destination Netmask Security Metric
Gateway
0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.10.2 1

192.168.21.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.2 1

192.168.21.0 255.255.255.0 10.10.10.2 2

R4 (behind Security Gateway 2):

Destination Netmask Security Metric
Gateway
0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.20.2 1

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 83

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Destination Netmask Security Metric

Gateway
192.168.11.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.20.2 1

192.168.11.0 255.255.255.0 10.10.10.1 2

Custom Scripts
Custom scripts can be run on any Security Gateway in the community. These scripts are executed
whenever a tunnel changes its state, i.e. goes "up" or "down." Such an event, for example, can be the
trigger that initiates a dial-up connection.
A script template custom_rim (with a .sh or .bat extension depending on the operating system) is provided
in the $FWDIR/Scripts directory. The basic script (for SecurePlatform, IPSO, or Linux only):
Sample customized script for SecurePlatform, IPSO, or Linux
#!/bin/sh

# This script is invoked each time a tunnel is configured with the RIM option
# and the tunnel changed state.
#
# You may add your custom commands to be invoked here.

# Parameters read from command line.

RIM_PEER_Security Gateway=$1
RIM_NEW_STATE=$2
RIM_HA_STATE=$3
RIM_FIRST_TIME=$4
RIM_PEER_ENC_NET=$5

case "${RIM_NEW_STATE}" in
up)
# Place your action for tunnels that came up
;;
down)
# Place your action for tunnel that went down
;;
esac
For Windows platforms, the script takes the form of a batch file:
Sample customized script for Windows
@echo off

rem . This script is invoked each time a tunnel is configured with the RIM
option
rem . and the tunnel changed state.
rem .
rem . You may add your custom commands to be invoked here.

rem . Parameters read from command line.

set RIM_PEER_Security Gateway=%1
set RIM_NEW_STATE=%2
set RIM_HA_STATE=%3
set RIM_FIRST_TIME=%4
set RIM_PEER_ENC_NET=%5

goto RIM_%RIM_NEW_STATE%

:RIM_up
rem . Place your action for tunnels that came up
goto end

:RIM_down
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 84
 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

rem . Place your action for tunnel that went down

goto end

:end
Where:
• RIM_PEER_Security Gateway: Peer Security Gateway
• RIM_NEW_STATE: Change in the state of the Security Gateway, i.e. up or down.
• RIM_HA_STATE: State of a single Security Gateway in a cluster (i.e., standby or active).
• RIM_FIRST_TIME: The script is executed separately for each network within the peer's encryption
domain. Although the script might be executed multiple times on a peer, this parameter will only be
transferred to the script with the value of '1' the first time the script runs on the peer. The value '1'
indicates that this is the first time this script is being executed. The next time the script is executed, it is
transferred with the value of '0' and the parameter is disregarded. For example, you may send an email
alert to the system administrator the moment a tunnel goes down.
• RIM_PEER_ENC_NET: VPN domain of the VPN peer.

Injecting Peer Security Gateway Interfaces

The RIM_inject_peer_interfaces flag is used to inject into the routing tables the IP addresses of the peer
Security Gateway in addition to the networks behind the Security Gateway.
For example, after a VPN tunnel is created, RIM injects into the local routing tables of both Security
Gateways, the encryption domain of the peer Security Gateway. However, when RIM enabled Security
Gateways communicate with a Security Gateway that has Hide NAT enabled, the peer's interfaces need to
be injected as well.
In this scenario:

• Security Gateways A and B are both RIM enabled and Security Gateway C has Hide NAT enabled on
the external interface ("hiding" all the IP addresses behind it).
• Host 1, behind Security Gateway C, initiates a VPN tunnel with Host 2, through Security Gateway A.
• Router 3 holds routes to all the hosts behind Security Gateway C. Router 3 however, does not have the
Hide NAT IP address of Security Gateway C and as a result, cannot properly route packets back to host
1.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 85

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

This solution for routing the packets back properly is twofold:

1. Select the flag RIM_inject_peer_interfaces in the Global Properties page. This flag will inject router 3
with all of the IP addresses of Security Gateway C including the Hide NAT address.
2. Configure the router not to propagate the information injected to other Security Gateways. If the router is
not configured properly, using the previous example, could result in Security Gateway B routing traffic to
Security Gateway C through Security Gateway A.

Configuring RIM
Configuring RIM in a Star Community:
1. Open the Star Community properties > Tunnel Management page.
2. In the Permanent Tunnels section, select Set Permanent Tunnels. The following Permanent Tunnel
modes are then made available:
• On all tunnels in the community
• On all tunnels of specific Security Gateways
• On specific tunnels in the community
For more information on these options, see Permanent Tunnels (on page 78).
When choosing tunnels, keep in mind that RIM can only be enabled on tunnels that have been configured to
be permanent. On all tunnels in the community must be selected if MEP is enabled on the community. To
configure permanent tunnels, see Configuring Tunnel Features (on page 80).
1. Select Enable Route Injection Mechanism (RIM).
2. Click Settings...
The Route Injection Mechanism Settings window opens
Decide if:
• RIM should run automatically on the central or satellite Security Gateways (Gaia, SecurePlatform, or
IPSO only).
• A customized script should be run on central or satellite Security Gateways whenever a tunnel
changes its states (goes up or down).
For tracking options, see Tracking Options (on page 81).
3. If a customized script is run, edit custom_rim (.sh or .bat) script in the $FWDIR/Scripts directory on
each of the Security Gateways.

Configuring RIM in a Meshed Community:

1. Open the Meshed Community properties > Tunnel Management page.
2. In the Permanent Tunnels section, select Set Permanent Tunnels. The following Permanent Tunnel
modes are then made available:
• On all tunnels in the community
• On all tunnels of specific Security Gateways
• On specific tunnels in the community
For more information on these options, see Permanent Tunnels (on page 78).
When choosing tunnels, keep in mind that RIM can only be enabled on tunnels that have been configured to
be permanent. To configure permanent tunnels, see Configuring Tunnel Features (on page 80).
1. Select Enable Route Injection Mechanism (RIM).
2. Click Settings...
The Route Injection Mechanism Settings window open
Decide if:
• RIM should run automatically on the Security Gateways (SecurePlatform, IPSO or Linux only).
• A customized script should be run on the Security Gateway whenever a tunnel changes its state
(goes up or down).
For tracking options, see Tracking Options (on page 87).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 86

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

3. If a customized script is run, edit custom_rim (.sh or .bat) script in the $FWDIR/Scripts directory on
each of the Security Gateways.

Enabling the RIM_inject_peer_interfaces flag

To enable the RIM_inject_peer_interfaces flag:
1. In SmartDashboard, click Policy > Global Properties.
2. Go to SmartDashboard Customization > Configure > VPN Advanced Properties > Tunnel
Management.
3. Select RIM_inject_peer_interfaces.
4. Click OK.

Tracking Options
Several types of alerts can be configured to keep administrators up to date on the status of Security
Gateways. The Tracking settings can be configured on the Route Injection Mechanism Settings page.
The different options are Log, Popup Alert, Mail Alert, SNMP Trap Alert, and User Defined Alert.

Configuring RIM on Gaia

In Gaia, the Route Injection Mechanism adds routes directly to the kernel. For the routes to remain in the
Kernel, you must configure this option.
To set kernel routes using the CLI:
1. Run: set kernel-routes on.
2. Run: save config.
To set kernel routes using the WebUI:
1. In the tree view, click Advanced Routing > Routing Options.
2. In the Kernel Options area, select the Kernel Routes option.
3. Click Apply.

Gaia Gateways in a Star VPN Community

For RIM to work, the Gaia gateways in a star VPN community must publish the routes of the satellite
networks to the router. For Gaia gateways to publish routes, run these CLI commands on all gateways at the
center of the community:
1. set routemap <Routemap Name> id <ID Number>
For example:
set routemap RIM id 5
2. set routemap <Routemap Name> id <ID Number> match protocol kernel
For example:
set routemap RIM id 5 match protocol kernel
3. Set ospf export-routemap <Routemap Name> preference 1 on
For example:
set ospf export-routemap RIM preference 1 on
4. set routemap <Routemap Name> id <ID Number> allow
For example:
set routemap RIM id 5 allow
5. set routemap <Routemap Name> id <ID Number> on
For example:
set routemap RIM2 id 10 on

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 87

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

6. set routemap <Routemap Name> id <ID Number> match nexthop <IP of OSPF
Interface of the other RIM GW> on
For example:
set routemap RIM2 id 10 match nexthop <10.16.50.3> on
7. set routemap <Routemap Name> id <ID Number> restrict
For example:
set routemap RIM2 id 10 restrict
8. set ospf import-routemap <Routemap Name> preference 1 on
For example:
set ospf import-routemap RIM2 preference 1 on
9. save config

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 88

Chapter 10
Wire Mode
In This Section:
Overview of Wire Mode ........................................................................................... 89
Wire Mode Scenarios .............................................................................................. 89
Special Considerations for Wire Mode ................................................................... 92
Configuring Wire Mode ........................................................................................... 92

Overview of Wire Mode

Wire Mode improves connectivity by allowing existing connections to fail over successfully by bypassing
firewall enforcement. Traffic within a VPN community is, by definition, private and secure. In many cases,
the firewall and the rule on the firewall concerning VPN connections is unnecessary. Using Wire Mode, the
firewall can be bypassed for VPN connections by defining internal interfaces and communities as "trusted".
When a packet reaches a Security Gateway, the Security Gateway asks itself two questions regarding the
packet(s):
Is this information coming from a "trusted" source?
Is this information going to a "trusted" destination?
If the answer to both questions is yes, and the VPN Community to which both Security Gateways belong is
designated as "Wire Mode enabled," stateful inspection is not enforced and the traffic between the trusted
interfaces bypasses the firewall. Since no stateful inspection takes place, no packets can be discarded. The
VPN connection is no different from any other connection along a dedicated wire. This is the meaning of
"Wire Mode." Since stateful inspection no longer takes place, dynamic routing protocols (which do not
survive state verification in non-wire mode configuration) can now be deployed. Wire Mode thus facilitates
Route Based VPN. For information on Route Based VPN, see Route Based VPN (on page 65).

Wire Mode Scenarios

Wire mode can be used to improve connectivity and performance in different infrastructures. This section
describes scenarios that benefit from the implementation of wire mode.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 89

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Wire Mode in a MEP Configuration

In this scenario:

• Security Gateway M1 and Security Gateway M2 are both wire mode enabled and have trusted internal
interfaces.
• The community where Security Gateway M1 and Security Gateway M2 reside, is wire mode enabled.
• Host 1, residing behind Security Gateway S1 is communicating through a VPN tunnel with Host 2
residing behind Security Gateway M1.
• MEP is configured for Security Gateway M1 and Security Gateway M2 with Security Gateway M1 being
the primary Security Gateway and Security Gateway M2 as the backup. For more information on MEP
see, Multiple Entry Point VPNs (on page 117).
In this case, if Security Gateway M1 goes down, the connection fails over to Security Gateway M2. A packet
leaving Host 2 will be redirected by the router behind Security Gateway M1 to Security Gateway M2 since
Security Gateway M2 is designated as the backup Security Gateway. Without wire mode, stateful inspection
is enforced at Security Gateway M2 and the connection is dropped. Packets that come into a Security
Gateway whose session was initiated through a different Security Gateway, are considered "out-of-state"
packets. Since Security Gateway M2's internal interface is "trusted," and wire mode in enabled on the
community, no stateful inspection is performed and Security Gateway M2 will successfully continue the
connection without losing any information.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 90

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Wire Mode with Route Based VPN

In this scenario:

• Wire mode is enabled on Center Security Gateway C (without an internal trusted interface specified).
• The community is wire mode enabled.
• Host 1 residing behind Satellite Security Gateway A wishes to open a connection through a VPN tunnel
with Host 2 behind Satellite Security Gateway B.
In a satellite community, Center Security Gateways are used to route traffic between Satellite Security
Gateways within the community.
In this case, traffic from the Satellite Security Gateways is only rerouted by Security Gateway C and cannot
pass through Security Gateway C's firewall. Therefore, stateful inspection does not need to take place at
Security Gateway C. Since wire mode is enabled on the community and on Security Gateway C, making
them trusted, stateful inspection is bypassed. Stateful inspection, however, does take place on Security
Gateways A and B.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 91

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Wire Mode Between Two VPN Communities

In this scenario:

• Security Gateway A belongs to Community 1.

• Security Gateway B belongs to Community 2.
• Security Gateway C belongs to Communities 1 and 2.
• Wire mode is enabled on Center Security Gateway C (without an internal trusted interface specified).
• Wire mode is enabled on both communities.
• Host 1 residing behind Satellite Security Gateway A wishes to open a connection through a VPN tunnel
with Host 2 behind Satellite Security Gateway B.
Wire mode can also be enabled for routing VPN traffic between two Security Gateways which are not
members of the same community. Security Gateway C is a member of both communities and therefore
recognizes both communities as trusted. When host 1 behind Security Gateway A initiates a connection to
host 2 behind Security Gateway B, Security Gateway C is used to route traffic between the two
communities. Since the traffic is not actually entering Security Gateway C, there is no need for stateful
inspection to take place at that Security Gateway. Stateful inspection, however, does take place on Security
Gateways A and B.

Special Considerations for Wire Mode

Wire mode is supported on SecurePlatform and Gaia platforms. It does not work with IPv6.

Configuring Wire Mode

Wire mode is configured in two places:
1. Community Properties (meshed or star)
2. Security Gateway Properties

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 92

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Enabling Wire Mode on a VPN Community

1. In SmartDashboard, click Manage > VPN Communities. The VPN Communities window appears.
2. Select the community to be configured and click Edit.
3. Double-click Advanced Settings to view the various options.
4. Click Wire Mode.
The Wire Mode window opens.
5. To enable Wire Mode on the community, select Allow uninspected encrypted traffic between Wire
mode interfaces of the Community's members.
6. To enable Wire Mode Routing, select Wire Mode Routing - Allow members to route uninspected
encrypted traffic in VPN routing configurations.

Enabling Wire Mode on a Specific Security Gateway

1. In SmartDashboard, click Manage > Network Objects. The Network Objects window will appear.
2. Select the Security Gateway to be configured and click Edit.
3. Double-click VPN to expand VPN tree. Select the VPN Advanced to display the VPN Advanced
window.
4. To enable Wire Mode on the Security Gateway, select Support Wire Mode.
5. Click Add to include the interfaces to be trusted by the selected Security Gateway.
6. Click Log Wire mode traffic to log wire mode activity.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 93

Chapter 11
Directional VPN Enforcement
In This Section:
Overview of Directional VPN................................................................................... 94
Directional Enforcement within a Community ......................................................... 94
Configurable Objects in a Direction ........................................................................ 95
Directional Enforcement between Communities ..................................................... 96
Configuring Directional VPN Within a Community .................................................. 96
Configuring Directional VPN Between Communities .............................................. 97

Overview of Directional VPN

When a VPN community is selected in the VPN column of the Security Policy Rule Base, the source and
destination IP addresses can belong to any of the Security Gateways in the community. In other words, the
traffic is bidirectional; any of the Security Gateways can be the source of a connection, any of the Security
Gateways can be the destination endpoint. But what if the administrator (in line with the company's security
policy) wished to enforce traffic in one direction only? Or to allow encrypted traffic to or from Security
Gateways not included in the VPN community? To enable enforcement within VPN communities, VPN
implements Directional VPN.
Directional VPN specifies where the source address must be, and where the destination address must be. In
this way, enforcement can take place:
• Within a single VPN community
• Between VPN communities

Directional Enforcement within a Community

The figure shows a simple meshed VPN community called MyIntranet. VPN traffic within the MyIntranet
Mesh is bidirectional; that is, either of the Security Gateways (or the hosts behind the Security Gateways in
the VPN domains) can be the source or destination address for a connection.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 94

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Source Destination VPN Service Action Track

Any Any MyIntranet => MyIntranet telnet accept log

MyIntranet =>internal_clear
internal_clear => MyIntranet

Any Any MyIntranet telnet accept log

The match conditions are represented by a series of compound objects. The match conditions enforce traffic
in the following directions:
• To and from the VPN Community via VPN routing (MyIntranet => MyIntranet)
• From the Community to the local VPN domains (MyIntranet =>internal_clear)
• From the local VPN domains to the VPN community (internal_clear => MyIntranet)

Configurable Objects in a Direction

The table shows all the objects that can be configured in a direction, including three new objects created for
Directional VPN:

Note - Clear text connections originating from the following objects

are not subject to enforcement:
• Any Traffic
• External_clear
• Internal_clear
There is no limit to the number of VPN directions that can be configured on a single rule. In general, if you
have many directional enforcements, consider replacing them with a standard bidirectional condition.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 95

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Directional Enforcement between Communities

VPN Directional enforcement can take place between VPN communities. Consider two VPN communities,
Washington and London:

Source Destination VPN Service Action

Any Any Washington => London Any accept

Washington is a Mesh community, and London is a VPN Star. In the VPN column of the Security Policy Rule
Base, a directional VPN rule has been implemented. This means that for a VPN connection to match this
rule, the source of the connection must be in the Washington Mesh, and the destination host must be within
the London Star.
This does not mean that "return" or "back" connections are not allowed from London to Washington (the
three-way handshake at the start of every TCP connection demands return connections), only that the first
packet must originate within the Washington Mesh. If a host within the London Star tries to open a
connection to a host in the Washington Mesh, the connection is dropped.
This directional enforcement does not affect the topology of either Washington or London. The enforcement
can be thought of as taking place somewhere between the two communities.

Configuring Directional VPN Within a Community

To configure Directional VPN within a community:
1. In Global Properties > VPN page > Advanced > Select Enable VPN Directional Match in VPN
Column.
2. In the VPN column of the appropriate rule, right-click on the VPN community. From the pop-up menu,
select Edit Cell....
The VPN Match Conditions window opens.
3. Select Match traffic in this direction only, and click Add...
The Directional VPN Match Condition window opens.
4. In the Match on traffic reaching the Security Gateway from: drop-down box, select the object for
internal_clear. (the source).
5. In the Match on traffic leaving the Security Gateway to: box, select the relevant community object
(the destination).
6. Add another directional match in which the relevant community object is both the source and
destination.
This allows traffic from the local domain to the community, and within the community.
7. Click OK.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 96

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Configuring Directional VPN Between Communities

To configure Directional VPN between communities:
1. In Global Properties > VPN page > Advanced > Select Enable VPN Directional Match in VPN
Column.
2. Right-click inside the VPN column of the appropriate rule. From the pop-up menu, select Edit Cell... or
Add Direction...
The VPN Match Conditions window opens.
3. Click Add...
The Directional VPN Match Conditions window opens:
4. From the drop-down box on the left, select the source of the connection.
5. From the drop-down box on the right, select the connection's destination.
6. Click OK.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 97

Chapter 12
Link Selection
In This Section:
Link Selection Overview .......................................................................................... 98
Configuring IP Selection by Remote Peer .............................................................. 98
Configuring Outgoing Route Selection ................................................................. 100
Configuring Source IP Address Settings .............................................................. 102
Outgoing Link Tracking ......................................................................................... 102
Link Selection Scenarios ....................................................................................... 102
Service Based Link Selection ............................................................................... 106
Trusted Links......................................................................................................... 110
On Demand Links (ODL) ...................................................................................... 113
Link Selection and ISP Redundancy .................................................................... 114
Link Selection with non-Check Point Devices ....................................................... 116

Link Selection Overview

Link Selection is a method used to determine which interface is used for incoming and outgoing VPN traffic
as well as the best possible path for the traffic. Using the Link Selection mechanisms, the administrator can
choose which IP addresses are used for VPN traffic on each Security Gateway.
Link Selection has many configuration options to enable you to control VPN traffic. These options include:
• Use probing to choose links according to their availability
• Use Load Sharing for Link Selection to distribute VPN traffic over available links (for Security Gateways
of version R71 and higher)
• Use Service Based Link Selection to control bandwidth use (for Security Gateways of version R71 and
higher)
Configuration settings for remote access clients can be configured together or separately from the Site-to-
Site configuration. For more information, see Link Selection for Remote Access Clients (on page 228).

Configuring IP Selection by Remote Peer

There are several methods that can determine how remote peers resolve the IP address of the local
Security Gateway. These settings are configured in Security Gateway Properties > IPsec VPN > Link
Selection. Remote peers can connect to the local Security Gateway with these settings.
Always Use This IP Address:
Configure a certain IP address that is always used. The options are:
• Main address - The VPN tunnel is created with the Security Gateway main IP address, specified in
the IP Address field on the General Properties page of the Security Gateway.
• Selected address from topology table - The VPN tunnel is created with the Security Gateway
using a selected IP address chosen from the drop down menu that lists the IP addresses configured
in the Topology page of the Security Gateway.
• Statically NATed IP - The VPN tunnel is created using a NATed IP address. This address is not
required to be listed in the topology tab.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 98

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Calculate IP Based on Network Topology:

The VPN tunnel is created using an IP address of an external interface on the local gateway. The remote
peer selects the first IP address on the list of external interfaces. This method is best when the main IP
address of the local gateway is unknown and the external interfaces change frequently.
Use DNS Resolving:
This method is required for Dynamically Assigned IP (DAIP) Security Gateways. A VPN tunnel to a DAIP
Security Gateway can only be initiated using DNS resolving since the IP address of the DAIP Security
Gateway cannot be known in advance. If using this method for a non-DAIP Security Gateway, the IP
address must be defined in the Topology tab. Without DNS resolving, a DAIP Security Gateway can only
initiate the first connection between two peers. The second connection can be initiated by the peer Security
Gateway as long as the IP address of the DAIP Security Gateway has not changed. The options are:
• Full hostname - Enter the full Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN). The DNS host name that is
used is "Security Gateway_name.domain_name." For example, if the object name is "john" and the
domain name is "smith.com" then the FQDN will be "john.smith.com."
• Security Gateways name and domain name (specified in global properties) - The Security
Gateway name is derived from the General Properties page of the Security Gateway and the
domain name is derived from the Global Properties page.
Use Probing Redundancy Mode:
When more than one IP address is available on a Security Gateway for VPN, Link Selection may employ the
RDP probing method to determine which link will be used. The RDP probing method is implemented using a
proprietary protocol that uses UDP port 259. This protocol is proprietary to Check Point and works only
between Check Point entities. (Note that it does not comply with RDP as specified in RFC 908/1151). IP
addresses you do not want to be probed (i.e., internal IP addresses) may be removed from the list of IP’s to
be probed. Once a Security Gateway maps the links' availability, a link selection per connection can be
made according to the following redundancy modes:
• High Availability (default setting)
In High Availability mode the VPN tunnel uses the first IP address to respond, or the primary IP address
if a primary IP is configured and active. If the chosen IP address stops responding, the connection fails
over to another responding IP address. If a primary IP address is configured, the VPN tunnel will stay on
the backup IP address until the primary one becomes available again.
Note that if one time probing is configured, the VPN tunnel will stay on the first chosen IP address until
the next time policy is installed. See ongoing probing and onetime probing methods below.
• Load Sharing
In Load Sharing mode the encrypted traffic is distributed among all available links. Every new
connection ready for encryption uses the next available link in a round robin manner. When a link
becomes unavailable, all of its connections are distributed among the other available links. A link's
availability is determined using RDP probing.
The peer Security Gateway that responds to the connection will route the reply traffic through the same
route that it was received on, as long as that link is available.
Although the VPN tunnel traffic can be routed through multiple links in Load Sharing mode, only one
VPN tunnel is generated. IKE sessions are arbitrarily routed though one of the available links.
Load Sharing is supported on Security Gateways of version R71 and higher. If a Security Gateway of
version R71 or higher is configured to use the Load Sharing redundancy mode, Security Gateways of
versions before R71 will use the High Availability redundancy mode when routing traffic to the R71 or
higher Security Gateways.
Load Sharing is supported on all platforms for incoming traffic. For outgoing traffic, VPN traffic between
peers with Load Sharing configuration is not accelerated by IPSO acceleration devices. Load Sharing is
not supported on UTM-1 Edge devices.
Probing Settings:
Additional settings related to probing are set in Link Selection > IP Selection by Remote Peer > Use
probing > Configure > Probing Settings
• Probe all addresses defined in the topology tab - choose to include all addresses defined in the
topology tab for the Security Gateway in the probing
• Probe the following addresses - Specify the addresses that you want to include in the probing.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 99

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

• Primary address -Optionally, to choose a primary address, select the check box and choose one of the
included IP addresses from the drop down menu as the Primary Address. A primary IP address is only
used with the High Availability probing mode. If Load Sharing is configured, the primary address is
ignored. Enabling a primary IP address has no influence on the IP selected for outgoing VPN traffic. If
the remote Security Gateway connects to a peer Security Gateway that has a primary IP address
defined, then the remote Security Gateway will connect to the primary address (if active) regardless of
network speed (latency) or route metrics.
• Use probing method
Choose one of the following probing methods.
• Using ongoing probing (default setting) - When a session is initiated, all possible destination IP
addresses continuously receive RDP packets. The RDP probing is activated when a connection is
opened and continues as a background process.
• Using one time probing - When a session is initiated, all possible destination IP addresses receive
an RDP session to test the route. These results are used until the next time that a policy is installed.

Note - UDP RDP packets are not encrypted. The RDP mechanism only tests connectivity.

Last Known Available Peer IP Address

The IP address used by a Security Gateway during a successful IKE negotiation with a peer Security
Gateway, is used by the peer Security Gateway as the destination IP address for the next IPsec traffic and
IKE negotiations that it initiates. This is only the case when the Link Selection configuration does not use
probing.

Configuring Outgoing Route Selection

For outbound traffic, there are different methods that can be used to determine which path to use when
connecting with a remote peer. These settings are configured in Security Gateway Properties > IPsec
VPN > Link Selection.

When Initiating a Tunnel

• Operating system routing table (default setting) - Using this method, the routing table is consulted for
the available route with the lowest metric and best match for the VPN tunnel traffic.
• Route based probing - This method also consults the routing table for an available route with the
lowest metric and best match. However, before a route is chosen, it is tested for availability using RDP
probing. The Security Gateway then selects the best match (highest prefix length) active route with the
lowest metric. This method is recommended when there is more than one external interface.
If you selected the IP Selection by Remote Peer setting of Use probing with Load Sharing, it also
affects Route based probing link selection. In this case, Route based probing distributes the outgoing
encrypted traffic among all available links. All possible links to the peer Security Gateway are derived
from the routing table and the link's availability is tested using RDP probing. Every new connection ready
for encryption uses the next available link in a round robin manner.
Route based probing enables the use of On Demand Links (ODL), which are triggered upon failure of
all primary links. You can run a script to activate an On Demand Link when all other links with higher
priorities become unavailable. For more information, see On Demand Links ("On Demand Links (ODL)"
on page 113).
For IKE and RDP sessions, Route based probing uses the same IP address and interface for
responding traffic.
Route based probing is supported on the SecurePlatform, Gaia, Linux, and IPSO platforms. VPN traffic
between peers with Load Sharing probing mode and Route Based probing configuration will not be
accelerated by IPSO acceleration devices.
Note:
The High Availability mechanism is based on:
• resolver_session_interval (30) - Defines for how many seconds the remote peer status
(up or down) stays valid
• resolver_ttl (10) - Defines how many seconds the gateway waits before it decides that a
remote peer is down
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 100
 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Some network protocols (for example, TCP) might timeout in the time between link failure and the next
attempt to resolve. Administrators can decrease these default values. Note that high resolution
frequency can overload the gateway. This configuration also changes the default resolution timeouts for
the MEP mechanism.

When Responding to a Remotely Initiated Tunnel

When responding to a remotely initiated tunnel, there are two options for selecting the interface and next
hop that are used. These settings are only relevant for IKE and RDP sessions.
These settings are configured in Link Selection > Outgoing Route Selection > Setup > Link Selection -
Responding Traffic window.
• Use outgoing traffic configuration - Select this option to choose an interface using the same method
selected in the Outgoing Route Selection section of the Link Selection page.
• Reply from the same interface - This option sends the returning traffic through the same interface and
next hop it that it arrived in.
Note - When Route Based Probing is enabled, Reply from the same interface is the selected
method and cannot be changed.

Using Route Based Probing

The local Security Gateway, using RDP probing, considers all possible routes between itself and the remote
peer Security Gateway. The Security Gateway then decides on the most effective route between the two
Security Gateways:

In this scenario, Security Gateway A has two external interfaces, 192.168.10.10 and 192.168.20.10. Peer
Security Gateway B also has two external interfaces: 192.168.30.10 and 192.168.40.10.
For Security Gateway A, the routing table reads:
Destination Netmask Next hop Metric
192.168.40.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.20 1

192.168.40.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.20.20 2

192.168.30.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.20 3

192.168.30.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.20.20 4

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 101

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

For Security Gateway B, the routing table reads:

Destination Netmask Next hop Metric

192.168.20.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.40.20 1

192.168.20.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.30.20 2

192.168.10.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.40.20 3

192.168.10.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.30.20 4

If all routes for outgoing traffic from Security Gateway A are available, the route from 192.168.10.10 to
192.168.40.10 has the lowest metric (highest priority) and is therefore the preferred route.

Configuring Source IP Address Settings

The source IP address used for outgoing packets can be configured for sessions initiated by the Security
Gateway. These settings are configured in Security Gateway Properties > IPsec VPN > Link Selection >
Outgoing Route Selection > Source IP address settings.
When initiating a VPN tunnel, set the source IP address using one of the following:
• Automatic (derived from the method of IP selection by remote peer) - The source IP address of
outgoing traffic is derived from the method selected in the IP Selection by Remote Peer section.
• If Main address or Selected address from topology table are chosen in the IP Selection by
Remote Peer section, then the source IP when initiating a VPN tunnel is the IP specified for that
method.
• If Calculate IP based on network topology, Statically NATed IP, Use DNS resolving or Use
probing is chosen in the IP Selection by Remote Peer section, then the source IP when initiating a
VPN tunnel is the IP address of the chosen outgoing interface.
• Manual:
• Main IP address - The source IP is derived from the General Properties page of the Security
Gateway.
• Selected address from topology table - The selected IP from the drop down menu becomes the
source IP.
• IP address of chosen interface - The source IP is the same IP of the interface where the traffic is
being routed through.
These settings are relevant for RDP and IKE sessions. When responding to an IKE session, use the
reply_from_same_IP (default: true) attribute to follow the settings in the Source IP address settings
window or to respond from the same IP.

Note - When Route Based Probing is enabled, reply_from_same_IP

will be seen as true.

Outgoing Link Tracking

When Outgoing link tracking is activated on the local Security Gateway, the Security Gateway sends a log
for every new resolving decision performed with one of its remote VPN peers. If Use Probing is configured
on the local Security Gateway for Remote Peer resolving, or if Route Based Probing is activated on the local
Security Gateway, log entries are also created for all resolving changes. For example, if a link in use
becomes unavailable and a new available link is chosen, a log entry is issued.

Link Selection Scenarios

Link Selection can be used in many environments. This section describes various scenarios and how Link
Selection should be configured in each scenario.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 102

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Gateway with a Single External Interface

This is the simplest scenario, where the local Security Gateway has a single external interface for VPN:

How do peer Security Gateways select an IP address on the local Security Gateway for VPN traffic?
Since there is only one interface available for VPN, to determine how remote peers determine the IP
address of the local Security Gateway, select the following from the IP Selection by Remote Peer section
of the Link Selection page:
• Select Main address or choose an IP address from the Selected address from topology table drop
down menu.
• If the IP address is located behind a static NAT device, select Statically NATed IP.

Gateway with Several IP Addresses Used by Different Parties

In this scenario, the local Security Gateway has a point-to-point connection from two different interfaces.
Each interface is used by a different remote party:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 103

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

The local Security Gateway has two IP addresses used for VPN. One interface is used for VPN with a peer
Security Gateway A and one interface for peer Security Gateway B.
To determine how peer Security Gateways discover the IP address of the local Security Gateway, enable
one-time probing with High Availability redundancy mode. Since only one IP is available for each peer
Security Gateway, probing only has to take place one time.

Gateway with an Interface Behind a Static NAT Device

In this scenario, the local Security Gateway has two external interfaces available for VPN. The address of
interface eth0 is being translated using a NAT device:

To determine how peer Security Gateways discover the IP address of the local Security Gateway, use
ongoing probing with High Availability redundancy mode. In order for the Static NAT IP address to be
probed, it must be added to the Probe the following addresses list in the Probing Settings window.

Utilizing Load Sharing

Depending on your configuration, there are many ways to use Load Sharing to distribute VPN traffic among
available links between the local and peer Security Gateways.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 104

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Load Sharing with Multiple External Interfaces on Each End

In the following scenario, the local and peer Security Gateways each have two external interfaces available
for VPN traffic.

To utilize both external interfaces by distributing VPN traffic among all available links, use the Probing
redundancy mode of Load Sharing on both Security Gateways. You can also specify that only certain
external interfaces should be probed by putting only those interfaces in the Probe the following addresses
list in the Probing Settings window. If one link goes down, traffic will automatically be rerouted through the
other link.
To enable this configuration, make sure that your routing table allows packet flow back and forth between
both eth0 interfaces and packet flow back and forth between both eth1 interfaces. Then Link Selection can
reroute the VPN traffic between these available links.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 105

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Load Sharing with Multiple External Interfaces on One End

In the following scenario, the local Security Gateway has two external interfaces available for VPN traffic.
The peer Security Gateway has one external interface for VPN traffic.

To utilize both external interfaces and distribute VPN traffic between the available links, use the Probing
redundancy mode of Load Sharing on the local Security Gateway. Then the peer Security Gateway will
distribute its outgoing VPN traffic between interfaces eth0 and eth1 of the local Security Gateway.
If the default, Operating system routing table, setting in the Outgoing Route Selection section is
selected, the local Security Gateway will only use one of its local interfaces for outgoing VPN traffic; the
route with the lowest metric and best match to reach the single IP address of the peer Security Gateway,
according to the routing table.
If you want to distribute the outgoing VPN traffic on both outbound links from the local Security Gateway as
well, select Route Based Probing in the Outgoing Route Selection on the Link Selection page of the local
Security Gateway.

Service Based Link Selection

Service Based Link Selection enables administrators to control outgoing VPN traffic and bandwidth use by
assigning a service or a group of services to a specific interface for outgoing VPN routing decisions. The
encrypted traffic of an outgoing connection is routed through the configured interface according to the
traffic's service. The links to the peer Security Gateway are derived from the routing table and the link's
availability is tested using RDP probing.
If all links through the interface assigned to a specific service stop responding to RDP probing, a link failover
will occur by default, as in any other probing mode. When a link through the assigned interface is restored,
new outgoing connections are assigned to it, while existing connections are maintained over the backup link
until they are completed.
It is possible to configure the traffic of a specific service not to fail over. In this case, traffic of the configured
service will only be routed through interfaces assigned to this service, even if these interfaces stop
responding to RDP.
If the same service is assigned to more than one interface, this service's traffic is distributed between the
configured interfaces. Every new outgoing encrypted connection uses the next available link in a round robin
manner.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 106

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

All traffic from services that are not assigned to a specific interface is distributed among the remaining
interfaces. If all links through these interfaces are down, the traffic is distributed among the interfaces that
are configured for specific services.
Service Based Link Selection configuration requires enabling the following features:
• IP Selection by Remote Peer – Load Sharing probing mode
• Outgoing Route Selection – Route based probing
• Service Based Link Selection configuration file on the management server
Service Based Link Selection is supported on Security Gateways of version R71 and higher. It is supported
on the SecurePlatform, Gaia, Linux, and IPSO platforms. VPN traffic between peers with Service Based Link
Selection configuration is not accelerated by IPSO acceleration devices. Service Based Link Selection is not
supported on UTM-1 Edge devices.

Configuring Service Based Link Selection

To configure Service Based Link Selection:
1. In the Link Selection page, in the IP Selection by Remote Peer section, select:
• Use probing. Redundancy mode
• Load Sharing
2. In the Outgoing Route Selection section, select Route based probing.
Edit the Service Based Link Selection configuration in the
$FWDIR/conf/vpn_service_based_routing.conf configuration file on the management server.
Fill in each line in the configuration file to specify the target Security Gateway, the interface for outgoing
routing, and the service (or services group) to route through this interface. Use the names defined in the
SmartDashboard GUI. Fill in all of the details for each Security Gateway on which you want to configure
Service Based Link Selection.
The fields are:
• Gateway – Security Gateway name (the name of the VPN Security Gateway or the cluster)
• Interface – Interface name
• Service – Service or services group name
• dont_failover – (Optional) If this string is present, traffic of the configured service will only be routed
through interfaces configured for this service and will not fail over to another interface.

Service Based Link Selection Scenarios

The following scenarios provide examples of how Service Based Link Selection can be utilized.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 107

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Service Based Link Selection with Two Interfaces on Each End

In the scenario below, the local and peer Security Gateways each have two external interfaces for VPN
traffic.

In this example, interface eth1 of both Security Gateways is dedicated to HTTP and FTP traffic. All other
traffic is routed to interface eth0.
If the available link through eth1 stops responding to RDP probing, HTTP and FTP traffic will fail over to
eth0. It is possible to specify that HTTP and FTP traffic should only be routed through eth1 even if the link
through eth1 stops responding. Specify this by including the dont_failover flag when editing the Service
Based Link Selection configuration file.
All other traffic that is not HTTP or FTP will be routed through eth0. If the link through eth0 stops responding
to RDP probing, all traffic will be routed through eth1.
The Service Based Link Selection configuration file for this environment should appear as follows:

Gateway Interface Service [dont_failover]

London_GW eth1 http

London_GW eth1 ftp

Paris_GW eth1 http

Paris_GW eth1 ftp

Alternatively, in SmartDashboard, you can create a Services Group that includes HTTP and FTP services.
In the example below, this group is called http_ftp_grp. Using this group, the Service Based Link Selection
configuration file for this environment should appear as follows:

Gateway Interface Service [dont_failover]

London_GW eth1 http_ftp_grp

Paris_GW eth1 http_ftp_grp

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 108

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Service Based Link Selection with Multiple Interfaces on Each End

In the following scenario, the local and peer Security Gateways each have three external interfaces
available for VPN.

To utilize all three external interfaces and distribute the VPN traffic among the available links, Link Selection
Load Sharing and Route based probing should be enabled. To control your bandwidth use, dedicate one or
more links to a specific service or services using Service Based Link Selection. In this scenario, interfaces
eth0 and eth1 of both Security Gateways are dedicated to SIP traffic. SIP traffic is distributed between eth0
and eth1. All other traffic is routed through eth2.
If either the link through eth0 or the link through eth1 stops responding to RDP probing, SIP traffic will fail
over to the other SIP interface. If the link through eth2 stops responding to RDP probing, all traffic will be
routed though eth0 or eth1.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 109

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Service Based Link Selection with Two Interfaces on One End

In the following scenario, the local Security Gateway has two external interfaces available for VPN traffic.
The peer Security Gateway has a single external interface for VPN traffic.

To utilize all external interfaces and distribute the VPN traffic among the available links, Link Selection Load
Sharing and Route based probing should be enabled on the local Security Gateway, London_GW. To
control your bandwidth use, dedicate interface eth1 of the local Security Gateway to HTTP and FTP traffic
using Service Based Link Selection. The local Security Gateway will route outgoing HTTP and FTP
connections through interface eth1. All other traffic, not HTTP or FTP, will be routed through eth0.
In this scenario, HTTP and FTP traffic should not fail over. HTTP and FTP traffic should only be routed
through interface eth1, even if the link through interface eth1 stops responding to RDP probing. This is
configured by specifying the dont_failover flag.
The Service Based Link Selection configuration file for this environment should appear as follows:

Gateway Interface Service [dont_failover]

London_GW eth1 http dont_failover

London_GW eth1 ftp dont_failover

Since the Service Based Link Selection configuration is only relevant for outgoing traffic of the local Security
Gateway, the peer Security Gateway can send HTTP and FTP traffic to either interface of the local Security
Gateway. The outgoing VPN traffic of the peer Security Gateway is distributed between interfaces eth0 and
eth1 of the local Security Gateway.

Trusted Links
Trusted Links allows you to set an interface as "trusted" for VPN traffic so that traffic sent on that link will not
be encrypted. You may want to set up a trusted link if you are confident that the link is already encrypted
and secure and you do not need a second encryption.
If you configure an interface as trusted, traffic routed through that interface will be sent unencrypted, while
traffic sent through other interfaces will still be encrypted.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 110

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Trusted interfaces should be configured symmetrically on the local and peer Security Gateways. If only one
side of the link is configured as trusted for VPN traffic, clear traffic received by a non-trusted interface will be
dropped by the peer Security Gateway.
If you have configured a specific link as trusted for VPN traffic and you are using probing, the probing
method considers all links, including the trusted link, when choosing a link for a connection.
The probing method chooses the link according to these criteria:
• The configured redundancy mode, High Availability or Load Sharing
• If Service Based Link Selection is configured.
If the trusted link is chosen for a connection, the traffic is not encrypted. If another, non-trusted, link is
chosen, the traffic is encrypted.
In an MEP configuration, trusted links are only supported for connections initiated by a peer Security
Gateway to a MEP Security Gateway. Unencrypted VPN connections routed through a trusted interface and
initiated by a MEP Security Gateway may be dropped by the peer Security Gateway.
Trusted links are not supported in Traditional mode. In Traditional mode, trusted link settings are ignored
and VPN traffic is always encrypted.
Trusted links are supported on Security Gateways of version R71 and higher.

Note - Trusted links are not supported by IPSO acceleration devices.

IPSO acceleration devices ignore trusted links settings and will encrypt
traffic routed through these links.

Configuring Trusted Links

Use GuiDBedit, the Check Point Database Tool to configure Trusted Links.
To configure a trusted link:
1. In GuiDBedit go to Network objects > network_objects.
2. Select the Security Gateway that you want to edit.
3. Search for the interface that you want to configure as trusted from within the interfaces set. The interface
name appears in the officialname attribute
4. Within the trusted interface set, change the value of the vpn_trusted attribute to true (default value:
false).
5. Configure trusted interfaces symmetrically on the peer Security Gateways. If only one side of the link is
configured as trusted for VPN traffic, clear traffic received by a non-trusted interface will be dropped by
the peer Security Gateway.
6. Save changes.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 111

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Trusted Links Scenarios

In the following scenario, both the local and peer Security Gateways have two external interfaces available
for VPN traffic. Interface eth1 on both Security Gateways has been configured as a trusted interface.
Therefore traffic sent from eth1 of the local Security Gateway will be sent unencrypted and will be accepted
by interface eth1 of the peer Security Gateway, and vice versa.

If the probing redundancy mode is High Availability and the trusted link is configured as the Primary IP
address, the trusted link will be used for VPN traffic. If the trusted link stops responding to RDP probing, the
link through Interface eth0 will be used for VPN traffic and traffic will be encrypted.
If the probing redundancy mode is Load Sharing, the VPN traffic will be distributed between the available
links. Connections routed through interface eth0 will be encrypted while connections routed through the
trusted link will not be encrypted.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 112

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Using Trusted Links with Service Based Link Selection

In the following scenario, the local and peer Security Gateways have two external interfaces available for
VPN traffic. Interface eth1 on both Security Gateways is configured as a trusted interface for VPN traffic
since encryption is not needed on that link. In addition, interface eth1 of both Security Gateways is
dedicated to SIP traffic using Service Based Link Selection.

SIP traffic is routed through the trusted link between the two eth1 interfaces and will not be encrypted. If the
trusted link stops responding to RDP probing, SIP traffic will be routed through the eth0 interfaces and will
be encrypted.
All other traffic that is not SIP is encrypted and routed through the interface eth0 link. However, if interface
eth0 stops responding to RDP probing, all the traffic will be routed through the trusted link and will not be
encrypted.

On Demand Links (ODL)

Route based probing enables use of an On Demand Link (ODL), which is triggered upon failure of all
primary links. When a failure is detected, a custom script is used to activate the ODL and change the
appropriate routing information. The ODL's metric must be set to be larger than a configured minimum in
order for it to be considered an ODL.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 113

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

The Security Gateway has two external links for Internet connectivity: one to an ISP, the other to an ISDN
dialup. The ISDN dialup connection is configured as an On Demand Link.
On the Security Gateway, the Route Based Probing mechanism probes all of the non-On Demand Links and
selects the active link with the lowest metric. In this case, it probed the ISP link. A script is run to activate the
On Demand Link when all other links with higher priorities become unavailable. When the link becomes
available again, a shutdown script is run automatically and the connection continues through the link with
the ISP.

Note - On Demand Links are probed only once using a single RDP session. Fail over between On
Demand Links is not supported.

Configuring On Demand Links

You can enable On Demand Links only if you enabled Route Based Probing. Configure On Demand Links
commands in GuiDBedit, the Check Point Database Tool.
Property Description

use_on_demand_links Enables on-demand links. The default is FALSE. Change to TRUE.

on_demand_metric_min Defines the minimum metric level for an on-demand link. This value
must be equal to or higher than the configured minimum metric.

on_demand_initial_script The name of the on-demand script, which runs when all not-on-
demand routes stop responding. Put the script in the
$FWDIR/conf directory.

on_demand_shutdown_script This script is run when the failed links become available. Put the
script in the $FWDIR/conf directory.

If you do not want to use GuiDBedit, you can configure the use_on_demand_links and
on_demand_metric_min commands in SmartDashboard:
1. In SmartDashboard, click Policy > Global Properties > SmartDashboard Customization >
Configure.
2. In VPN Advanced Properties, click Link Selection.
3. Click use_on_demand_links to enable On Demand Links.
4. Set the minimum metric level for an On Demand Link next to the on_demand_metric_min command.

Link Selection and ISP Redundancy

ISP Redundancy enables reliable Internet connectivity by allowing a single or clustered Security Gateway to
connect to the Internet via redundant ISP connections. As part of standard VPN installation, it offers two
modes of operation that are configured in Check Point > Security Gateway > Topology > ISP
Redundancy:
• Load Sharing mode connects to both ISPs while sharing the load of outgoing connections between the
ISPs according to a designated weight assignment. New connections are randomly assigned to a link. If
a link fails, all new outgoing connections are directed to the active link. This configuration effectively
increases the WAN bandwidth while providing connectivity protection. The assigned ISP Links weight is
only supported for firewall traffic.
• Primary/Backup mode connects to an ISP through the primary link, and switches to a backup ISP if the
primary ISP link fails. When the primary link is restored, new outgoing connections are assigned to it,
while existing connections are maintained over the backup link until they are complete.
The settings configured in the ISP Redundancy window are by default, applied to the Link Selection page
and will overwrite any pre-existing configuration. The following settings carry over:
• When ISP Redundancy is configured, the default setting in the Link Selection page is Use ongoing
probing. However, Link Selection only probes the ISPs configured in the ISP Redundancy window.
This enables connection failover of the VPN tunnel if connectivity to one of the Security Gateway
interfaces fails.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 114

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

• If the ISP Redundancy mode is Load Sharing, the Probing redundancy mode in the Link Selection page
is also Load Sharing.
• If the ISP Redundancy mode is Primary/Backup, the Probing redundancy mode in the Link Selection
page is High Availability.
• The Primary ISP link of the ISP redundancy is set as the Primary Address of the Link Selection
probing. The Primary Address is set under: IP Selection by Remote Peer > Use Probing >
Configure (or View if the settings are derived from the ISP Redundancy settings).
If you do not want the ISP Redundancy settings to affect the Link Selection settings, on the ISP Redundancy
page, clear the check box that says Apply settings to VPN traffic and configure the required VPN settings
on the Link Selection page. This may apply when you want to route VPN traffic differently than the firewall
traffic. For example, if you want to use Load Sharing for firewall traffic and High Availability for VPN traffic, or
if you want to use different primary ISPs for firewall and VPN traffic.

Link Selection and ISP Redundancy Scenarios

In the following scenario, the local Security Gateway maintains links to ISPs A and B, both of which provide
connectivity to the Internet using ISP Redundancy.

In the Topology > ISP Redundancy window, configure the ISP Redundancy settings, such as ISP Links
and Redundancy mode. The ISP Redundancy settings are applied by default to VPN traffic. The derived
Link Selection settings are visible in the IPsec VPN > Link Selection window.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 115

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

In the following scenario, the Apply settings to VPN traffic on the ISP Redundancy page was cleared and
there are different setting configured for Link Selection and ISP Redundancy.

In this scenario:
• Security Gateways A, B, and C each have two interfaces configured as ISP links.
• ISP Redundancy is configured on Security Gateway A.
• Security Gateway A should use ISP 1 in order to connect to Security Gateway B and ISP 2 in order to
connect to Security Gateway C. If one of the ISP links becomes unavailable, the other ISP should be
used.
In this scenario, the administrator of Security Gateway A needs to:
• Clear the Apply settings to VPN traffic box in the ISP Redundancy window.
• Reconfigure the Outgoing Route Selection to Route Based Probing in the Link Selection window.
• Configure the routing table so that ISP 1 is the highest priority for peer Security Gateway B and ISP 2
has the highest priority for peer Security Gateway C.

Link Selection with non-Check Point Devices

RDP probing, the probing method used for certain Link Selection features, is proprietary to Check Point and
only works between Check Point entities. It is not supported with non-Check Point devices.
Since RDP probing is not active on non-Check Point gateways, the following results apply if a Check Point
Security Gateway sends VPN traffic to a non-Check Point gateway:
• Use probing cannot be used by locally managed Check Point Security Gateways to determine the IP
address of non-Check Point devices. Any of the other methods available from the IP Selection by
Remote Peer section can be used.
• Load Sharing and Service Based Link Selection do not work with non-Check Point gateways. If Load
Sharing or Service Based Link Selection is enabled on the local Security Gateway, but the peer is a non-
Check Point device, the local Security Gateway will only use one link to the non-Check Point device: the
best match (highest prefix length) link with the lowest metric.
• If Route based probing is selected as the Outgoing Route Selection method, for VPN traffic to a non-
Check Point device, the local Security Gateways will always use the best match (highest prefix length)
link with the lowest metric.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 116

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Chapter 13
Multiple Entry Point VPNs
In This Section:
Overview of MEP .................................................................................................. 117
Explicit MEP .......................................................................................................... 118
Implicit MEP .......................................................................................................... 123
Routing Return Packets ........................................................................................ 125
Special Considerations ......................................................................................... 126
Configuring MEP ................................................................................................... 126

Overview of MEP
Multiple Entry Point (MEP) is a feature that provides a High Availability and Load Sharing solution for VPN
connections. A Security Gateway on which the VPN module is installed provides a single point of entry to
the internal network. It is the Security Gateway that makes the internal network "available" to remote
machines. If a Security Gateway should become unavailable, the internal network too, is no longer available.
A MEPed environment has two or more Security Gateways both protecting and enabling access to the same
VPN domain, providing peer Security Gateways with uninterrupted access.

VPN High Availability Using MEP or Clustering

Both MEP and Clustering are ways of achieving High Availability and Load Sharing. However:
• Unlike the members of a ClusterXL Security Gateway Cluster, there is no physical restriction on the
location of MEPed Security Gateways. MEPed Security Gateways can be geographically separated
machines. In a cluster, the clustered Security Gateways need to be in the same location, directly
connected via a sync interface.
• MEPed Security Gateways can be managed by different Security Management Server; cluster members
must be managed by the same Security Management Server.
• In a MEP configuration there is no "state synchronization" between the MEPed Security Gateways. In a
cluster, all of the Security Gateways hold the "state" of all the connections to the internal network. If one
of the Security Gateways fails, the connection passes seamlessly over (performs failover) to another
Security Gateway, and the connection continues. In a MEPed configuration, if a Security Gateway fails,
the current connection is lost and one of the backup Security Gateways picks up the next connection.
• In a MEPed environment, the decision which Security Gateway to use is taken on the remote side; in a
cluster, the decision is taken on the Security Gateway side.

Implementation
MEP is implemented via a proprietary Probing Protocol (PP) that sends special UDP RDP packets to port
259 to discover whether an IP is reachable. This protocol is proprietary to Check Point and does not
conform to RDP as specified in RFC 908/1151.

Note - These UDP RDP packets are not encrypted, and only test the
availability of a peer.

The peer continuously probes or polls all MEPed Security Gateways in order to discover which of the
Security Gateways are "up", and chooses a Security Gateway according to the configured selection
mechanism. Since RDP packets are constantly being sent, the status of all Security Gateways is known and
updated when changes occur. As a result, all Security Gateways that are "up" are known.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 117

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

There are two available methods to implement MEP:

• Explicit MEP - Only Star communities with more than one central Security Gateway can enable explicit
MEP, providing multiple entry points to the network behind the Security Gateways. When available,
Explicit MEP is the recommended method.
• Implicit MEP - Implicit MEP is supported in all scenarios where fully or partially overlapping encryption
domains exist or where Primary-Backup Security Gateways (on page 125) are configured. When
upgrading from a version prior to NGX (R60) where Implicit MEP was already configured, the settings
previously configured will remain.

Explicit MEP
In a site to site Star VPN community, explicit MEP is configured via the community object. When MEP is
enabled, the satellites consider the "unified" VPN domain of all the Security Gateways as the VPN domain
for each Security Gateway. This unified VPN domain is considered the VPN domain of each Security
Gateway:

In the figure, a Star VPN community has two central Security Gateways, M1 and M2 (for which MEP has
been enabled) and three satellite Security Gateways — S1, S2, and S3. When S2 opens a connection with
host-1 (which is behind M1 and M2), the session will be initiated through either M1 or M2. Priority amongst
the MEP Security Gateways is determined by the MEP entry point selection mechanism.
If M2 is the selected entry point and becomes unavailable, the connection to host-1 fails over to M1.
Returning packets will be rerouted using RIM or IP Pool NAT. For more information about returning packets,
see Routing Return Packets (on page 125).
There are four methods used to choose which of the Security Gateways will be used as the entry point for
any given connection:
• Select the closest Security Gateway to source (First to respond)
• Select the closest Security Gateway to destination (By VPN domain)
• Random Selection (for Load distribution)
• Manually set priority list (MEP rules)

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 118

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

If either "By VPN domain" or "Manually set priority list" is selected, then Advanced options provide
additional granularity.

MEP Selection Methods

• First to Respond, in which the first Security Gateway to reply to the peer Security Gateway is chosen.
An organization would choose this option if, for example, the organization has two Security Gateways in
a MEPed configuration - one in London, the other in New York. It makes sense for peers located in
England to try the London Security Gateway first and the NY Security Gateway second. Being
geographically closer to the peers in England, the London Security Gateway will be the first to respond,
and becomes the entry point to the internal network. See: First to Respond (on page 124).
• VPN Domain, is when the destination IP belongs to a particular VPN domain, the Security Gateway of
that domain becomes the chosen entry point. This Security Gateway becomes the primary Security
Gateway while other Security Gateways in the MEP configuration become its backup Security
Gateways. See: By VPN Domain (on page 120).
• Random Selection, in which the remote peer randomly selects a Security Gateway with which to open
a VPN connection. For each IP source/destination address pair, a new Security Gateway is randomly
selected. An organization might have a number of machines with equal performance abilities. In this
case, it makes sense to enable load distribution. The machines are used in a random and equal way.
See: Random Selection (on page 120).
• Manually set priority list, Security Gateway priorities can be set manually for the entire community or
for individual satellite Security Gateways. See: Manually Set Priority List (on page 121).
First to Respond
When there is no primary Security Gateway, all Security Gateways share "equal priority". When all Security
Gateways share equal priority:

• Remote peers send RDP packets to all the Security Gateways in the MEP configuration.
• The first Security Gateway to respond to the probing RDP packets gets chosen as the entry point to
network. The idea behind first to respond is proximity. The Security Gateway which is "closer" to the
remote peer responds first.
• A VPN tunnel is opened with the first to respond. All subsequent connections pass through the chosen
Security Gateway.
• If the Security Gateway ceases to respond, a new Security Gateway is chosen.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 119

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

By VPN Domain
Prior to enabling MEP, each IP address belonged to a specific VPN domain. Using By VPN Domain, the
Security Gateway of that domain becomes the chosen entry point. In the figure, the VPN Star community
has two central MEPed Security Gateways (M1 and M2, each of which have their own VPN domains), and
remote satellite S1.

Host-2 (in the VPN domain of satellite S1 initiates a connection with host-1. The connection can be directed
through either M1 or M2. However, host-1 is within M2's original VPN domain. For this reason, M2 is
considered the Security Gateway "closest" to the destination IP Address. M2 is therefore considered the
primary Security Gateway and M1 the backup Security Gateway for Host-1. If there were additional Security
Gateways in the center, these Security Gateways would also be considered as backup Security Gateways
for M2.
If the VPN domains have fully or partially overlapping encryption domains, then more than one Security
Gateway will be chosen as the "closest" entry point to the network. As a result, more than one Security
Gateway will be considered as "primary." When there are more than one primary or backup Security
Gateways available, the Security Gateway is selected using an additional selection mechanism. This
advanced selection mechanism can be either (See Advanced Settings (on page 123)):
• First to Respond
• Random Selection (for load distribution)
For return packets you can use RIM on the center Security Gateways. If RIM is also enabled, set a metric
with a lower priority value for the leased line than the VPN tunnel. The satellite S1 might simultaneously
have more than one VPN tunnel open with the MEPed Security Gateways, for example M2 as the chosen
entry point for host-1 and M1 as the chosen entry point for host-3. While both M1 and M2 will publish routes
to host-1 and host-3, the lower priority metric will ensure the leased line is used only when one of the
Security Gateways goes down.

Random Selection
Using this method, a different Security Gateway is randomly selected as an entry point for incoming traffic.
Evenly distributing the incoming traffic through all the available Security Gateways can help prevent one
Security Gateway from becoming overwhelmed with too much incoming traffic.
The Security Gateways are probed with RDP packets, as in all other MEP configurations, to create a list of
responding Security Gateways. A Security Gateway is randomly chosen from the list of responding Security
Gateways. If a Security Gateway stops responding, another Security Gateway is (randomly) chosen.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 120

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

A new Security Gateway is randomly selected for every source/destination IP pair. While the source and
destination IP's remain the same, the connection continues through the chosen Security Gateway.
In such a configuration, RIM is not supported. IP Pool NAT must be enabled to ensure return packets are
correctly routed through the chosen Security Gateway.

Manually Set Priority List

The Security Gateway that will be chosen (from the central Security Gateways in the star community) as the
entry point to the core network can be controlled by manually setting a priority per source Security Gateway.
Each priority constitutes a MEP Rule:

In the figure, three MEP members (M1, M2, M3) provide entry points to the network for three satellite
Security Gateways (S1, S2, S3). Satellite S1 can be configured to try the Security Gateways in the following
order: M1, M2, M3, giving the highest priority to M1, and the lowest priority to M3. Satellite S2 can be
configured to try the Security Gateways in the following order: M2, M3 (but not to try M1).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 121

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Each of these priorities constitutes a MEP rule in the MEP manual priority list window:

Item Description

1 Default MEP Rule

2 First MEP Rule

3 Second MEP Rule

The MEP manual priority list window is divided into the default rule, and rules which provide exceptions to
the default rule. The default MEP rule takes effect when:
• No MEP rules are defined
• When the source of the connection cannot be found in the Exception priority rules
The Exception priority rules section contains three priority levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. While
there are only three priority levels,
• The same priority can be assigned to several central Security Gateways
• The same rule can be assigned to several satellite Security Gateways
• A priority level can be left blank
In the second MEP rule below:

Central Security Gateways M3 and M1 have equal priority. The same rule is being applied to satellites S2
and S3.
When more than one Security Gateway is assigned the same priority level, which Security Gateway will be
chosen is resolved according to the Advanced settings. See Advanced Settings (on page 123).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 122

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Advanced Settings
In some instances, more than one Security Gateway is available in the center with no obvious priority
between them. For example — as shown in Figure 12-6 — more than one Security Gateway is assigned
"second" priority. In this scenario, Advanced options are used to decide which Security Gateway is chosen:
First to Respond, or Random Selection. (Choose Random selection to enable load balancing between the
Security Gateways.)
When "manually set priority list" is the MEP selection mechanism, RIM is supported. RIM can be configured
with "manually set priority list" because the "random selection" mechanism available on the Advanced
button is different from the random selection mechanism used for MEP.
For the "random selection" mechanism employed for MEP, a different Security Gateway is selected for each
IP source/destination pair. For the random selection mechanism available from the Advanced button, a
single MEP entry point is randomly selected and then used for all connections, and does not change
according to source/destination pair. Load distribution is therefore achieved since every satellite Security
Gateway is randomly assigned a Security Gateway as its entry point. This makes it possible to enable RIM
at the same time.

Tracking
If the tracking option is enabled for MEP, the following information is logged by each satellite Security
Gateway:
• The resolved peer Security Gateway (a Security Gateway in the MEP)
• The priority of the resolved Security Gateway (primary, secondary, tertiary)
• Whether the resolved Security Gateway is responding
For example, in the scenario shown in the Manually Set Priority List (on page 121) section, satellite S1
opens a connection to the VPN domain that includes Security Gateways M1, M2, and M3. M1 is the
resolved peer. If tracking is enabled, the log reads:
Resolved peer for tunnel from S1 to the MEP that contains M1, M2, and M3,
is: M1 (Primary Security Gateway, responding).

Implicit MEP
There are three methods to implement implicit MEP:
• First to Respond, in which the first Security Gateway to reply to the peer Security Gateway is chosen. An
organization would choose this option if, for example, the organization has two Security Gateways in a
MEPed configuration - one in London, the other in New York. It makes sense for VPN-1 peers located in
England to try the London Security Gateway first and the NY Security Gateway second. Being
geographically closer to VPN peers in England, the London Security Gateway is the first to respond, and
becomes the entry point to the internal network. See: First to Respond (on page 124).
• Primary-Backup, in which one or multiple backup Security Gateways provide "high availability" for a
primary Security Gateway. The remote peer is configured to work with the primary Security Gateway,
but switches to the backup Security Gateway if the primary goes down. An organization might decide to
use this configuration if it has two machines in a MEP environment, one of which is stronger than the
other. It makes sense to configure the stronger machine as the primary. Or perhaps both machines are
the same in terms of strength of performance, but one has a cheaper or faster connection to the
Internet. In this case, the machine with the better Internet connection should be configured as the
primary. See: Primary-Backup Security Gateways (on page 125).
• Load Distribution, in which the remote VPN peer randomly selects a Security Gateway with which to
open a connection. For each IP source/destination address pair, a new Security Gateway is randomly
selected. An organization might have a number of machines with equal performance abilities. In this
case, it makes sense to enable load distribution. The machines are used in a random and equal way.
See: Random Selection (on page 120).
Implicit MEP is supported if the Security Gateways with overlapping encryption domains are in the same
community. If they are located in different communities, only one of the Security Gateways will be used for
this encryption domain.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 123

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Note - When upgrading from a version prior to NGX R60 where

Implicit MEP was already configured, the settings previously
configured will remain.

First to Respond
When there is no primary Security Gateway, all Security Gateways share "equal priority." When all Security
Gateway's share "equal priority":
• Remote VPN peers send RDP packets to all the Security Gateways in the MEP configuration.
• The first Security Gateway to respond to the probing RDP packets gets chosen as the entry point to
network. The idea behind first to respond is "proximity". The Security Gateway which is "closer" to the
remote VPN peer responds first.
• A VPN tunnel is opened with the first to respond. All subsequent connections pass through the chosen
Security Gateway.
• If the Security Gateway ceases to respond, a new Security Gateway is chosen.
In a star community, RDP packets are sent to the Security Gateways and the first to respond is used for
routing only when:
There is more than one center Security Gateway, and
One of the following VPN routing options was selected:
• To center and to other satellites through center
• To center, or through the center to other satellites, to internet and other VPN targets
This setting is found on the Community Properties > VPN Advanced > VPN Routing page.
In this scenario:

• MEP is not enabled on the community

• First to respond method is used
• Security Gateway X accesses VPN domain A through Security Gateway A
• Security Gateway X accesses VPN domain B through Security Gateway B
• Security Gateway X accesses VPN domain C through Security Gateway A or B

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 124

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

In a star community, RDP packets are sent to the Security Gateways and the first to respond is used for
routing when:
There is more than one center Security Gateway, and
One of the following VPN routing options was selected:
• To center and to other satellites through center
• To center, or through the center to other satellites, to internet and other VPN targets
This setting is found on the Community Properties > VPN Advanced > VPN Routing page.

Primary-Backup Security Gateways

Backup Security Gateways provide redundancy for primary Security Gateways. If the primary Security
Gateway fails, connections go through the backup.
In this scenario:

The first Security Gateway is configured as the "primary," and the second Security Gateway as the
"backup." If the primary Security Gateway fails, for whatever reason, the remote VPN peer detects that the
link has gone down and works through the backup Security Gateway. The backup gateway inherits the
complete VPN domain of the primary. Failover within an existing connection is not supported; the current
connection is lost.
When the primary Security Gateway is restored, new connections go through the primary Security Gateway
while connections that already exist will continue to work through the backup Security Gateway.

Note - When using the Primary-Backup Security Gateways method,

the encryption domains should not overlap

Load Distribution
To prevent any one Security Gateway from being flooded with connections, the connections can be evenly
shared amongst all the Security Gateways to distribute the load. When all Security Gateways share equal
priority (no primary) and are MEPed to the same VPN domain, it is possible to enable load distribution
between the Security Gateways. The Security Gateways are probed with RDP packets, as in all other MEP
configurations, to create a list of responding Security Gateways. A Security Gateway is randomly chosen
from the list of responding Security Gateways. If a Security Gateways stops responding, a new Security
Gateway is (randomly) chosen.
A new Security Gateway is randomly selected for every source/destination IP pair. While the source and
destination IP's remain the same, the connection continues through the chosen Security Gateway.

Routing Return Packets

To make sure return packets are routed correctly, the MEPed Security Gateway can make use of either:
• IP pool NAT (static NAT) or
• Route Injection Mechanism

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 125

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

IP Pool Network Address Translation (NAT)

IP pool NAT is a type of NAT in which source IP addresses from remote VPN domains are mapped to an IP
address drawing from a pool of registered IP addresses. In order to maintain symmetric sessions using
MEPed Security Gateways, the MEPed Security Gateway performs NAT using a range of IP addresses
dedicated to that specific Security Gateway and should be routed within the internal network to the
originating Security Gateway. When the returning packets reach the Security Gateway, the Security
Gateway restores the original source IP address and forwards the packets to the source.

RIM
Route Injection Mechanism (RIM) enables a Security Gateway to use a dynamic routing protocol to
propagate the encryption domain of a VPN peer Security Gateway to the internal network. When a VPN
tunnel is created, RIM updates the local routing table of the Security Gateway to include the encryption
domain of the VPN peer.
When a tunnel to a MEPed Security Gateway goes down, the Security Gateway removes the appropriate
"return route" from its own local routing table. This change is then distributed backwards to the routers
behind the Security Gateway.
RIM is based both on the ability of the Security Gateway to update its local routing table, and the presence
of the a dynamic routing protocol to distribute the change to the network behind the Security Gateway.
There is little sense in enabling RIM on the Security Gateway if a dynamic routing protocol is not available to
distribute changes.
When MEP is enabled, RIM can be enabled only if permanent tunnels are enabled for the whole community.
In a MEP configuration RIM is available when using the First to Respond, Manual set priority list, and VPN
Domain mechanisms. In the first two options, satellite Security Gateways "see" the center Security
Gateways as unified as if one tunnel is connecting them. As a result, only the chosen MEP Security
Gateway will inject the routes. In VPN Domain MEP, it could be that all MEP Security Gateways will inject
the routes, which requires configuring the routers behind the MEP Security Gateways to return packets to
the correct Security Gateway.
RIM is not available when Random Selection is the selected entry point mechanism.
For more information on RIM, see Route Injection Mechanism (on page 82).

Special Considerations
1. If one of the central Security Gateways is an externally managed Security Gateway:
• The VPN domain of the central Security Gateways will not be automatically inherited by an
externally managed Security Gateway
• The RIM configuration will not be automatically downloaded
2. UTM-1 Edge Security Gateways cannot be configured as a MEP Security Gateway but can connect to
MEPed Security Gateways.
3. DAIP Security Gateways require DNS resolving in order to be configured as MEP Security Gateways.

Configuring MEP
To configure MEP, decide on:
1. The MEP method
• Explicit MEP - See Explicit MEP (on page 118).
• Implicit MEP - See Implicit MEP (on page 123).
2. If required, method for returning reply packets:
• IP pool NAT
• RIM - To configure RIM, see Configuring RIM (on page 86).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 126

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Configuring Explicit MEP

Explicit MEP is only available in Site-to-Site Star VPN communities where multiple central Security
Gateways are defined.
To configure MEP:
1. Open the Star Community properties page > Advanced Settings > MEP (Multiple Entry Point):
Select Enable center Security Gateways as MEP.
2. Select an entry point mechanism:
• First to respond
• By VPN domain
• Random selection
• Manual priority list
If "By VPN domain" or "Manually set priority list" is selected, click Advanced to resolve how more than
one Security Gateway with equal priority should be selected.
If "Manually set priority list" is selected, click Set to create a series of MEP rules.
3. Select a tracking option, if required.

Configuring Implicit MEP

Configuring Implicit First to Respond
When more than one Security Gateway leads to the same (overlapping) VPN domain, they are in a MEP
configuration. The first Security Gateway to respond is chosen. To configure first to respond, define that part
of the network that is shared by all the Security Gateways into a single group and assign that group as the
VPN domain.
Before you start, make sure that Load Distribution is not enabled:
1. In SmartDashboard, go to Policy > Global Properties > VPN > Advanced.
2. Clear the Enable load distribution for Multiple Entry Points option.
To configure First to Respond MEP:
1. For each Security Gateway in the VPN domain, run vpn overlap_encdom.
2. In SmartDashboard, create a host group and assign all these Security Gateways to it.
3. In the Properties window for each Security Gateway object go to the Topology page.
a) In the VPN Domain section, select Manually defined.
b) Select the host group of MEP gateways that you defined in step 2.
4. Click OK.
5. Install policy on all Security Gateways.

Configuring Implicit Primary-Backup

Configure the VPN Domain that includes the Primary gateway and another domain that includes only the
backup gateway. Configure each gateway as either the Primary gateway or a backup gateway.
To configure the primary gateway:
1. Open Global Properties window > VPN > Advanced, select Enable Backup Gateway.

2. In the network objects tree, Groups section, create a group of gateways to act as backup gateways.
3. Open the VPN properties of the Primary gateway:
• NGX R65 and R70: Gateway properties > VPN
• R71 and higher: Gateway properties > IPsec VPN
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 127
 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

4. Select Use Backup Gateways, and select the group of backup gateways.

This gateway is the primary gateway for this VPN domain.

5. For each backup gateway, make a VPN domain that does not include IP addresses that are in the
Primary VPN domain or the other backup domains.
If the backup gateway already has a VPN domain, you must make sure that its IP addresses do not
overlap with the other VPN domains.
a) Create a group of IP addresses not in the other domains, or a group that consists of only the backup
gateway.
b) On the Properties window of the backup network object > Topology > VPN Domain section, select
Manually defined.
c) Select the group.
6. Click OK.
7. Install the policy.

Configuring Implicit Load Distribution

To configure implicit MEP for random gateway selection:
1. Open Global Properties.
2. Open IPsec VPN > Advanced (or VPN > Advanced).
3. Select Enable load distribution for Multiple Entry Point configurations (Site to Site connections).
4. Define the same VPN domain for all the gateways:
a) Create a group of the gateways.
b) On the Properties window of each gateway network object > Topology > VPN Domain section,
select Manually defined.
c) Select the group.
5. Click OK.
6. Install the policy.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 128

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Configuring IP Pool NAT

To configure IP pool NAT:
1. In Global Properties > NAT page, select Enable IP Pool NAT.
2. Set tracking options for address exhaustion and for address allocation and release. Then:
3. For each Security Gateway, create a network object that represents the IP pool NAT addresses for that
Security Gateway. The IP pool can be a network, group, or address range. For example:
• On the network objects tree, right-click Network Objects branch > New > Address Range... The
Address Range Properties window opens.
• On the General tab, enter the first IP and last IP of the address range.
• Click OK. In the network objects tree, Address Ranges branch, the new address range appears.
4. On the Security Gateway object where IP pool NAT translation is performed, Security Gateway
Properties window, NAT > IP Pool NAT page, select either
• Allocate IP Addresses from, and select the address range you created, OR
• Define IP Pool addresses on Security Gateway interfaces. If you choose this option, you need to
define the IP Pool on each required interface, in the Interface Properties window, IP Pool NAT tab.
5. In the IP Pool NAT page, select either (or all):
• Use IP Pool NAT for VPN clients connections
• Use IP Pool NAT for Security Gateway to Security Gateway connections
• Prefer IP Pool NAT over Hide NAT
6. Click Advanced...
• Decide after how many minutes unused addressees are returned to the IP pool.
• Click OK twice.
7. Edit the routing table for each internal router, so that packets with an IP address assigned from the NAT
pool are routed to the appropriate Security Gateway.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 129

Chapter 14
Traditional Mode VPNs
In This Section:
Introduction to Traditional Mode VPNs ................................................................. 130
VPN Domains and Encryption Rules .................................................................... 131
Defining VPN Properties ....................................................................................... 132
Internally and Externally Managed Security Gateways ........................................ 132
Considerations for VPN Creation .......................................................................... 132
Configuring Traditional Mode VPNs...................................................................... 132

Introduction to Traditional Mode VPNs

The Simplified Mode lets you maintain and create simpler, less error prone and more secure VPNs. It also
makes it easier to understand the VPN topology of an organization, and to understand who is allowed to
communicate with whom. In addition, new VPN features such as VPN routing are supported only with a
Simplified Mode Security Policy.
However, organizations that have large VPN deployments with complex networks may prefer to maintain
existing VPN definitions and continue to work within Traditional Mode until they are able to migrate their
policies to Simplified Mode.
For guidelines on how to convert Traditional Mode VPNs to Simplified Mode, see Converting a Traditional
Policy to a Community Based Policy (on page 137).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 130

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

VPN Domains and Encryption Rules

The figure depicts a VPN between Security Gateways, and the VPN Domain of each Security Gateway.
Net_A and Net_B are the VPN Domain of Security Gateway 1, Net_D is the VPN Domain of Security
Gateway 2, and Net_E is the VPN Domain of Security Gateway 3.

The Table below shows how the VPN is implemented in a rule. in Traditional VPN Mode. A single rule with
the Encrypt rule action, deals with both access control and encryption.
Example Encrypt rule in a Traditional Rule Base
Source Destination Service Action Track Install On

Net_A Net_A My_Services Encrypt Log Security

Gateway 1
Net_E Net_E
Gateway 3

A connection that matches an Encrypt rule is encrypted (or decrypted) and forwarded by the Security
Gateways enforcing the policy. Sometimes, a connection may match the encrypt rule, but will not be
encrypted. Consider the following rule:
Encrypt rule where encryption does not take place
Source Destination Service Action Track Install On

X Y My_Services Encrypt Log Policy targets

If the source or the destination are behind the Security Gateway, but are not in the VPN Domain of the
Security Gateway, the connection is dropped.
For example, if Source X is in Net_C and Destination Y is in Net_D, Security Gateway 1 drops the
connection because the Action says Encrypt but the connection cannot be encrypted because the source is
not in the VPN Domain of Security Gateway 1.
If the source and destination are inside the VPN Domain of the same Security Gateway. In this case, the
connection is accepted in the clear.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 131

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

For example, if Source X is in Net_A and Destination Y is in Net_B, the connection originates at X and
reaches the Security Gateway, which forwards the response back to Y. The connection is not encrypted
because there is no peer Security Gateway for Y that could decrypt the connection. A SmartView Tracker
log is issued "Both endpoints are in the Encryption Domain".

Defining VPN Properties

It is possible to use different encryption methods between the same Security Gateways. Different
connections between two Security Gateways can be encrypted using different methods. This is because
different IKE phase 2 properties can be defined per Encrypt rule.
IKE Phase 1 properties are defined per Security Gateway.

Internally and Externally Managed Security Gateways

The Security Gateways at each end of a VPN tunnel can be managed by the same Security Management
Server or by different Security Management Servers. A Security Gateway that is managed by the Security
Management Server is called an internal Security Gateway. If it is managed by a different Security
Management Server it is called an external Security Gateway.
If the peer Security Gateway is external, you must obtain certain details about that Security Gateway from
the peer administrator, and configure them in SmartDashboard.

Considerations for VPN Creation

There are many ways of setting up a VPN. Before starting, a number of issues need to be considered, such
as choosing the:
• Authentication method
• Certificate authority

Choosing the Authentication Method

Before Security Gateways can create a VPN tunnel, they need to authenticate to each other. This
authentication is performed either by means of certificates or with a pre-shared secret. Certificates are
considered to be a stronger form of authentication.

Choosing the Certificate Authority

If the Security Gateways use certificates, the certificates can be issued either by the Internal Certificate
Authority (ICA) on the Security Management Server, or by a third party OPSEC certified CA.
The Internal CA makes it very easy to use PKI for Check Point applications such as site-to-site and remote
access VPNs. However, an administrator may prefer to continue using a CA that is already used within the
organization, for generalized applications such as secure email, and disk encryption.
If the Security Gateways are both internally managed and use certificates for authentication, the easiest
strategy is for both Security Gateways to present a certificate signed by the Internal CA.

Configuring Traditional Mode VPNs

Editing a Traditional Mode Policy
An existing Traditional Mode policy will open in Traditional Mode. To start a new Traditional Mode policy,
proceed as follows.
In the Global Properties window, VPN page, select either Traditional mode to all new Security Policies
or Traditional or Simplified per new Security Policy, and save the policy.
Assuming you selected Traditional or Simplified per new Security Policy:
1. From the File menu, select New. The New Policy Package window opens.
2. Give the new policy package a name.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 132
 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

3. Select Security and Address Translation.

4. In the VPN configuration method area, select Traditional mode and click OK.
In the Security Policy Rule Base, notice that one of the available Actions is Encrypt.

Configuring VPN Between Internal Gateways using ICA Certificates

Defining the Security Gateways
1. For each Security Gateway that is to be part of the VPN define a Check Point Security Gateway object.
In the Network Objects tree, right click and select New > Check Point > Security Gateway....
2. In the General Properties page of the Check Point Security Gateway object, select VPN.
3. In the Communication window, establish Secure Internal Communication.
4. In the Topology page, define the IP address, network mask, and Anti-Spoofing for every Security
Gateway interface
5. Still on the Topology page, define the VPN Domain. select either:
• All IP Addresses behind Security Gateway based on Topology information or
• Manually defined. Either select an existing network or group from the drop-down list or create a
new group of machines or networks by clicking New...
6. In the VPN page, Certificate List area, Add a certificate issued by the ICA.
7. Still on the VPN page, click Traditional mode configuration. The Traditional mode IKE properties
window opens.
• In the Support authentication methods area, select Public Key Signatures. To specify that the
Security Gateway will only use certificates issued by the ICA, click Specify and select the ICA.
• Select IKE Phase 1 encryption and data integrity methods or accept the checked defaults.

Defining the Encrypt Rule

1. In the Security Rule Base, define the Encrypt rule(s).
2. If you wish to change the IKE Phase 2 properties for this rule, double click the Encrypt action and make
the required changes.

VPN Between Internal Gateways Using Third Party CA Certificates

Obtain the CA certificate, and define the Certificate Authority (CA) object. For details, see Enrolling with a
Certificate Authority (on page 32).

Defining the Security Gateways

1. Define the Check Point Security Gateway object. In the Network Objects tree, right click and select New
> Check Point > Security Gateway....
2. In the General Properties page, select either VPN.
3. In the Communication window, establish Secure Internal Communication.
4. In the Topology page, define the IP address, network mask, and Anti-Spoofing for every Security
Gateway interface.
5. Still on the Topology page, define the VPN Domain. select either:
• All IP Addresses behind Security Gateway based on Topology information or
• Manually defined. Either select an existing network or group from the drop-down list, or create a
new network or group by clicking New....
6. In the VPN page, Certificate List area, Add a certificate issued by the certificate authority defined in
step 1. For details, see Enrolling with a Certificate Authority (on page 32).
7. Still on the VPN page, click Traditional mode configuration. The Traditional mode IKE properties
window opens.
• In the Support authentication methods area, select Public Key Signatures. To specify that the
Security Gateway will only use certificates issued by the CA specified in step 1, click Specify and
select the CA.
• Select IKE Phase 1 encryption and data integrity methods or accept the checked defaults.
8. Repeat step 2 to step 8 for each Security Gateway taking part in the VPN.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 133

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Defining the Encrypt Rule

1. In the Security Rule Base, define the Encrypt rule(s).
2. If you wish to change the IKE Phase 2 properties for this rule, double click the Encrypt action and make
the required changes.

Configuring VPN with Externally Managed Gateways Using Certificates

Obtain Information from the Peer Administrator
Obtain the Security Gateway topology and VPN Domain information about the externally managed Security
Gateways from the peer administrator.
You must also agree on authentication, encryption and data integrity methods for the VPN.
You must also obtain the CA certificate of the peer, either from the peer administrator or directly from the
peer CA.

Defining the CAs

1. Obtain the CA certificate and create the Certificate Authority (CA) object for the internally managed
Security Gateways. For details, see Enrolling with a Certificate Authority (on page 32).
2. Define the CA object for the externally managed Security Gateways, and configure it using the peer CA
certificate.

Defining the Internally Managed Security Gateways

1. Create the Check Point Security Gateway object. In the Network Objects tree, right click and select New
> Check Point > Security Gateway....
2. In the General Properties page, select either VPN.
3. In the Communication window, establish Secure Internal Communication.
4. In the Topology page, define the IP address, network mask, and Anti-Spoofing for every Security
Gateway interface.
5. Still on the Topology page, define the VPN Domain. select either:
• All IP Addresses behind Security Gateway based on Topology information or
• Manually defined. Either select an existing network or group from the drop-down list, or create a
new network or group by clicking New....
6. In the VPN page, Certificate List area, Add a certificate issued by the certificate authority defined in
step 1. For details, see Enrolling with a Certificate Authority (on page 32).
7. Still on the VPN page, click Traditional mode configuration. The Traditional mode IKE properties
window opens.
• In the Support authentication methods area, select Public Key Signatures. To specify that the
Security Gateway will only use certificates issued by the CA specified in step 1, click Specify and
select the CA.
• Select IKE Phase 1 encryption and data integrity methods or accept the checked defaults.
8. Repeat step 3 to step 9 for each internally managed Security Gateway.

Defining the Externally Managed Security Gateways

1. Create the externally managed Security Gateway object:
• If it is a Check Point Security Gateway, in the Network Objects tree, right click and select New >
Check Point > Externally Managed Security Gateway....
• If it is not a Check Point Security Gateway, select Manage > Network Objects.. .> New...>
Interoperable Device....
2. For an external Check Point Security Gateway only: In the General Properties page, select VPN.
3. Using the topology information supplied by the peer administrator, in the Topology page, manually
define the IP address and network mask for every Security Gateway interface.
4. Using the VPN Domain information supplied by the peer administrator, define the VPN domain in the
VPN Domain section of the Topology page. Either select All IP Addresses behind Security Gateway
based on Topology information or manually define a group of machines or a network and set them as
the VPN domain.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 134

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

5. On the VPN page, click Traditional mode configuration. The Traditional mode IKE properties
window opens.
• Select IKE Phase 1 encryption and integrity methods (in coordination with the peer Security
Gateway administrator) or accept the defaults.
• In the Support authentication methods area, select Public Key signatures.
6. On the VPN page, click Matching Criteria.... The Certificate Matching Criteria window opens. The
configurations settings in this window force the externally managed Security Gateway to present a
certificate from a defined CA, and require that the details on the certificate match those specified here.
This is enforced by the internally managed Security Gateways during IKE negotiation.

Defining the Encrypt Rule

1. In the Security Rule Base, define the Encrypt rule(s).
2. If you wish to change the IKE Phase 2 properties for this rule, double click the Encrypt action and make
the required changes.

Configuring a VPN using a Pre-Shared Secret

When using a pre-shared secret to authenticate Security Gateways, you need to enable each Security
Gateway in the VPN for pre-shared secrets. Then, on each Security Gateway, define a pre-shared secret for
each of the other Security Gateways. However, for each pair of Security Gateways, you only need to define
the pre-shared secrets for the pair on one of the Security Gateways.
For example, in a VPN with four Security Gateways, A,B, C and D, there will be six secrets: A-B, A-C, A-D,
B-C, B-D and C-D.
• On A define the secrets for B, C and D.
• On B define the secrets for C and D.
• On C define the secret for D.
The following procedure applies to both internal and external Security Gateways. When working with
externally managed Security Gateways, the administrator of the peer external Security Gateways must
configure his or her Security Gateways appropriately.

Obtain Information from the Peer Administrator

If working with externally managed Security Gateways, obtain from the peer administrator the external
Security Gateway topology and VPN Domain information.
You must also agree on the pre-shared secrets, and on authentication, encryption and data integrity
methods for the VPN.

Defining the Security Gateways

1. Define the Security Gateway object.
• If the Security Gateway is an internal Security Gateway, define a Check Point Security Gateway
object. In the Network Objects tree, right click and select New > Check Point > Security
Gateway....
• If the Security Gateway is externally managed:
• If it is a Check Point Security Gateway, In the Network Objects tree, right click and select New >
Check Point > Externally Managed Security Gateway....
• If it is not a Check Point Security Gateway, select Manage > Network Objects... > New... >
Interoperable Device....
2. For an internally managed Security Gateway or for a Check Point externally managed Security
Gateway, in the General Properties page of the Security Gateway object, select VPN.
3. For an internally managed Security Gateway only, in the Communication window, establish Secure
Internal Communication.
4. In the Topology page, define the IP address, network mask, and Anti-Spoofing for every Security
Gateway interface
5. Still on the Topology page, define the VPN Domain. select either:
• All IP Addresses behind Security Gateway based on Topology information or

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 135

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

• Manually defined. Either select an existing network or group from the drop-down list or create a
new group of machines or networks by clicking New...
6. In the VPN page, click Traditional mode configuration. The Traditional mode IKE properties window
opens.
• In the Support authentication methods area, select Pre-shared Secret, click Edit Secrets.... Only
peer Security Gateways which support pre-shared secrets appear in the list.
• Type a secret for each peer Security Gateway.
• Select IKE phase 1 encryption and data integrity methods or accept the checked defaults.
7. Repeat step 1 to step 6 for each Security Gateway taking part in the VPN.

Defining the Encrypt Rule

1. In the Security Rule Base, define the Encrypt rule(s).
2. If you wish to change the IKE Phase 2 properties for this rule, double click the Encrypt action and make
the required changes.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 136

Chapter 15
Converting a Traditional Policy to a Community Based
Policy
In This Section:
Introduction to Converting to Simplified VPN Mode.............................................. 137
How Traditional VPN Mode Differs from a Simplified VPN Mode ......................... 137
How an Encrypt Rule Works in Traditional Mode ................................................. 138
Principles of the Conversion to Simplified Mode .................................................. 139
Placing the Security Gateways into the Communities .......................................... 139
Conversion of Encrypt Rule .................................................................................. 139

Introduction to Converting to Simplified VPN Mode

Building VPNs using Simplified Mode has many benefits. Simplified Mode makes it possible to maintain and
create simpler, and therefore less error prone and more secure VPNs.
Simplified Mode separates the VPN definitions from the Access Control Security Policy. This makes it easier
to understand the VPN topology of an organization, and to understand who is allowed to securely
communicate with who. In addition, such as VPN routing are supported only with a Simplified Mode Security
Policy.
In order to manage all existing policies in a unified way and utilize the latest features of the current release,
it is recommended to convert Traditional Mode Security Policies to Simplified Mode. For new policies, it is
recommended to use Simplified Mode, the default option.
A security policy configured in Traditional Mode can be converted to the Simplified VPN Mode using the
Security Policy Converter Wizard.
After using the converter wizard, it is possible to greatly simplify many security policies by moving rules and
grouping rules together.
The process is simple, and both automatic and manual changes are explained here in detail. The intention is
to give you the confidence to move your Traditional VPN Policies to the Simplified VPN Mode.
To start the converter wizard, save the Policy, and from the SmartDashboard main menu, select Policy >
Convert to > Simplified VPN…

How Traditional VPN Mode Differs from a Simplified VPN Mode

A Traditional Mode Security Policy differs from a Simplified Mode Policy in the following ways:
In Traditional VPN Mode, a single rule, with the Encrypt rule action, deals with both access control and
encryption. VPN properties are defined per Security Gateway.
In Simplified VPN Mode, the Security Rule Base deals only with access control. In other words, the Rule
Base determines only what is allowed. VPN properties, on the other hand, are dealt with per VPN
community.
VPN communities are groups of Security Gateways. The community defines the encryption methods for the
VPN. All communication between community members is encrypted, and all other communication is not
encrypted.
Simplified VPN Mode and communities are described in Introduction to Site to Site VPN (see "Introduction
to VPN" on page 40).
The simplified VPN policy makes it easier for the administrator to configure a VPN. However, Traditional
policies allow VPNs to be created with greater granularity than Simplified policies, because

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 137

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

• Whether or not to encrypt can be defined per rule (source, destination and service)
• Simplified policies requires all the connections between two Security Gateways to encrypted using the
same methods, using the Community definitions.
What this means is that after running the wizard, some manual optimization of the Rule Base may be
required.

Note - The terms "VPN Domain" and "Encryption Domain" mean the
same thing. Usually, "VPN Domain" is used in the context of Simplified
policies, and "Encryption Domain" for Traditional policies.

How an Encrypt Rule Works in Traditional Mode

When a Traditional policy is converted to a Simplified policy, an Encrypt rule is converted to rules that use
communities. In order to understand the conversion, it is important to understand how an Encrypt rule
works.
The following figure will be used to understand the conversion, and the limitations of the conversion process.
It shows a VPN between Security Gateways, and the Encryption Domain of each Security Gateway. Net_A
and Net_B are the encryption Domain of Security Gateway 1, and Net_D is the encryption Domain of
Security Gateway 2.

The following table shows how the VPN is implemented in an Encrypt rule.
Sample Encrypt rule in a Traditional Rule Base
Source Destination Service Action Track Install On

X Y My_Services Encrypt Log Policy Targets

A connection that matches an Encrypt rule is encrypted (or decrypted) and forwarded by the Security
Gateways enforcing the policy. There are two exceptions:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 138

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

If the source or the destination are behind the Security Gateway, but are not in the VPN Domain of the
Security Gateway, the connection is dropped.
For example, referring to Figure B-1 and Table B-1, if Source X is in Net_C and Destination Y is in Net_D,
Security Gateway 1 drops the connection. This is because the Action says Encrypt but the connection
cannot be encrypted because the source is not in the Encryption Domain of Security Gateway 1.
If the source and destination are inside the encryption Domain of the same Security Gateway. In this case,
the connection is accepted in the clear.
For example, referring to Figure B-1 and Table B-1, if Source X is in Net_A and Destination Y is in Net_B,
the connection originates at X and reaches the Security Gateway, which forwards the response back to Y.
The connection is not encrypted because there is no peer Security Gateway for Y that could decrypt the
connection. A SmartView Tracker log is issued "Both endpoint are in the Encryption Domain".

Principles of the Conversion to Simplified Mode

The converter Wizard attempts to maintain the best possible balance between connectivity and security, by
using the following principles:
• Refuse all traffic that could have been refused in traditional Mode. This may mean that some
connections may be dropped that were allowed by the traditional Rule Base.
• Encrypt at least all traffic that would be encrypted in traditional policy. This means that the converted
policy may encrypt more connections than the original policy.
What this means is that not all traditional policies can be converted in a way that exactly preserves the
policy that is specified in the Security Rule Base. The converted rule(s) in the Simplified VPN can under
certain circumstances behave somewhat differently than the encryption rule for Traditional VPNs (described
in How an Encrypt Rule Works in Traditional Mode (on page 138)).
Running the converter is a simple two or three step process. After running the wizard, you should review the
Security Rule Base to make sure that it has maintained its required functionality, and optimize it if needed.

Placing the Security Gateways into the Communities

The first step in converting a traditional VPN to a simplified VPN is to create VPN communities that describe
the topology of the organization. The conversion wizard requires the administrator to place Security
Gateways into communities. It cannot do this automatically because it is very difficult to deduce from the
traditional policy what communities should be defined between Security Gateways.
The wizard allows you define communities, and to drag-and-drop Security Gateways into the communities.
The administrator must make Security Gateway 1 and Security Gateway 2 members of the same community
by dragging both the Security Gateway objects into the same site-to-site community object.
You may prefer to create several communities with different encryption properties to reflect the way that the
traditional VPN policy works.
If no communities have been previously defined, there are by default two predefined, empty community
objects. One is a site-to-site VPN "intranet" community (a Mesh community), and the other is a remote
access community. If these are the only two Communities, the wizard gives you the choice of simply placing
all Security Gateways into the Site-to-Site Community, and placing all Remote Access Security Gateways
into the Remote Access Community.

Conversion of Encrypt Rule

After Security Gateways have been placed into Communities, the Encrypt rules are converted. The
converted Rule Base preserves the behavior of the Encrypt rule in Simplified VPN Mode to the greatest
extent possible.
Encrypt rules are converted by the Conversion wizard to two rules:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 139

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

A converted rule in a simplified Rule Base

Source Destination VPN Service Action Track Install On

X Y All_GW My_Services Accept Log Policy

_to_GW Targets

X Y Any My_Services Drop Log Policy

Targets

The first rule says that the connection is matched and is allowed, if the connection originates at X and its
destination is Y, within any Site-to-Site Community.
The second rule says that if a connection originates at X and has the destination Y, but is not encrypted (or
decrypted) by any site-to-site community, the connection should be dropped.
The second rule (the Drop rule) is needed where either the source or the destination are not in the VPN
Domain. In the Traditional policy, the Encrypt rule would drop this connection. If there were no drop rule in
the Simplified policy, the connection may be matched to and allowed by a rule further down in the Rule
Base.

When the Converted Rule Base is too Restrictive

This translation of Encrypt rules into two Simplified Mode rule is at least as restrictive as the original rule.
However, in the converted Rule Base, some connections that were matched to and allowed by the original
rule may be dropped. This may happen with connections between two hosts in the encryption domain of the
same Security Gateway.
For example, in the Traditional mode rule, shown below, connections from a node in Net_A to a Node in
Net_B are allowed:
Sample Encrypt Rule in a Traditional Rule Base
Source Destination Service Action Track Install On

X Y My_Services Encrypt Log Policy Targets

After the conversion to Simplified mode, a node in Net_A to a Node in Net_B will be dropped by the
converted Rule Base. This is because community rules define traffic between VPN Domains, and do not
relate to traffic within a VPN Domain.
Converted Rule in a Simplified Rule Base
Source Destination VPN Service Action Track Install On

X Y All_GW_to_GW My_Services Accept Log Policy Targets

X Y Any My_Services Drop Log Policy Targets

To allow these connections in the converted Rule Base, you must explicitly allow them. To do this, add one
rule between the first rule and the second rule, for each policy target appearing in the "install on" field. For
example, the two Rules in the table above become three rules below:
Manually Added Rule in the converted Encrypt Rule Base
Source Destination VPN Service Action Track Install On

X Y All_GW_to_GW My_Services Accept Log Policy Targets

Net_A Net_B Any My_Services Accept Log Gateway 1

X Y Any My_Services Drop Log Policy Targets

In most cases it is not necessary to add these rules. Only add them when connections inside the encryption
domain are matched by the Encrypt rule. An indication of this is the appearance of the log in SmartView
Tracker "Both endpoints are in the Encryption Domain."
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 140
 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

Conversion of Client Encrypt Rules

Each Client Encrypt rule translates to a single rule that preserves the behavior of the client Encrypt rule. For
example, the Traditional Mode rule in the following table allows Remote Access users to access Net_D.
Remote Access Rule in Traditional Mode
Source Destination Service Action Track

All_Users@alaska Net_D My_Services Client Encrypt Log

The translated rule is shown in the following table. The Remote Access community is put in the VPN field,
and the Action of the rule is Accept:
Translated Remote Access Rule in Simplified Mode
Source Dest. VPN Service Action Track

All_Users@alaska Net_D Remote Access My_Services Accept Log

Community

Conversion of Auth+Encrypt Rules

In a Traditional Mode policy, Auth+Encrypt Rules are rules with User, Client or Session Authentication,
together with Add Encryption selected in the Action of the Rule.
For Auth+Encrypt rules, as shown with Client Authentication in the following table, the Source specifies both
a restriction on the source location, and also the authorized users. Any connection matching the rule must
be authenticated and encrypted. If encryption is not possible, the connection is dropped.

Source Destination Service Action Track

All_Users@alaska Net_D My_Services Client_Auth Log

Since the identification of users is possible only in authentication rules, and not in drop rules, it is not
possible to define a rule that drops connections that were not encrypted.
Add the Services that should not be encrypted inside the Community to the Excluded Services list. For
example, if you have explicitly defined implied rules in the Traditional Policy. See How to Authorize Firewall
Control Connections in VPN Communities (on page 54).
Because of this, Auth+Encrypt rules cannot be automatically translated in such a way that the translated
Rule Base is at least as restrictive as the original rule. Instead, the Converter wizard translates
Auth+Encrypt rules to a single rule, and does not add a Drop rule, as shown in the following table. This is a
security problem, because connections that match the Source location, where the users authenticated
successfully, but were not encrypted, may be accepted further down in the translated Rule Base if some
later rule specifies Accept for the same Source.

Source Dest. VPN Service Action Track

All_Users@alaska Net_D All_GwToGw My_Services Client Auth Log

When the converter encounters Auth+Encrypt rules, it warns the administrator by displaying an error stating
that the converter cannot translate such rules automatically. In this case it is important to review the
translated Rule Base before installing it, in order to avoid security breaches. It may be necessary to add
rules to make sure that all the traffic that was previously dropped by the original Rule Base is dropped in the
translated Rule Base.

How the Converter Handles Disabled Rules

If a rule in the Traditional VPN Rule Base was disabled, the translated rule in the simplified Rule Base will
also be disabled.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 141

 Working with Site-to-Site VPN

After Running the Wizard

After running the Wizard, examine the Rule Base to see that it has retained the desired functionality, and if
necessary, optimize the Rule Base, and make other changes, as follows. These points have been covered
in the earlier discussion, but are summarized here for convenience:

Take out Unneeded Drop Rules

In some cases you can delete the second Drop rule generated by the conversion of an Encrypt rule because
it will never match any connection, and the first rule is sufficient. This is the case for rules where the
following are true:
• The source and destination are located in the encryption domain of Security Gateways appearing in the
"Installed on" column of the rule.
• A Community links all Security Gateways protecting addresses in the Source and also links Security
Gateways protecting addresses in the Destination.
Another case where you can delete the second Drop rule generated by the conversion of an Encrypt rule is
where connections that do not match the first rule are dropped by rules that appear later in the Rule Base.
Sometimes you can group several Drop rules generated by the conversion of several Encrypt rules into a
single Drop rule.

Add Rules Allowing Communication Inside the VPN Domain

Connections matching Encrypt rules where both endpoints are located inside the encryption domain of the
same Security Gateway, are accepted in a Traditional Rule Base. To achieve the same effect in the
simplified Rule Base, you must manually add rules that accept the traffic inside the encryption domains of
the Security Gateways. In most cases it is not necessary to add these rules. Add them if you see the
SmartView Tracker log message: "Both endpoint are in the Encryption Domain".

Auth+Encrypt Rules
Auth+Encrypt rules are not converted automatically. When such rules appear in the Rule Base, review the
converted Rule Base and make sure that the security of these rules are maintained.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 142

Chapter 16
Working with Remote Access VPN
In This Section:
Check Point Remote Access Solutions ................................................................ 144
Remote Access VPN Overview ............................................................................ 150
VPN for Remote Access Considerations .............................................................. 156
Configuring Remote Access VPN ......................................................................... 160
Office Mode ........................................................................................................... 169
Packaging SecureClient ........................................................................................ 183
Desktop Security ................................................................................................... 188
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Clients ...................................................... 193
Secure Configuration Verification ......................................................................... 200
VPN Routing - Remote Access ............................................................................. 223
Link Selection for Remote Access Clients ............................................................ 228
Using Directional VPN for Remote Access ........................................................... 230
Remote Access Advanced Configuration ............................................................. 232
Multiple Entry Point for Remote Access VPNs ..................................................... 239
Userc.C and Product.ini Configuration Files ......................................................... 243
SSL Network Extender .......................................................................................... 254
Resolving Connectivity Issues .............................................................................. 272

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 143

Chapter 17
Check Point Remote Access Solutions
In This Section:
Providing Secure Remote Access ........................................................................ 144
Types of Solutions ................................................................................................ 144
Remote Access Solution Comparison .................................................................. 145
Summary of Remote Access Options ................................................................... 146

Providing Secure Remote Access

In today's business environment, it is clear that workers require remote access to sensitive information from
a variety of locations and a variety of devices. Organizations must also make sure that their corporate
network remains safe and that remote access does not become a weak point in their IT security.
This chapter:
• Gives you information about Check Point's secure remote access options.
• Helps you decide which remote access client or clients best match your organization's requirements.
• Shows you where to get more information.

Types of Solutions
All of Check Point's Remote Access solutions provide:
• Enterprise-grade, secure connectivity to corporate resources.
• Strong user authentication.
• Granular access control.
Factors to consider when choosing remote access solutions for your organization:
• Client-Based vs. Clientless - Does the solution require a Check Point client to be installed on the
endpoint computer or is it clientless, for which only a web browser is required. You might need multiple
solutions within your organization to meet different needs.
• Secure Connectivity and Endpoint Security - Which capabilities does the solution include?
• Secure Connectivity - Traffic is encrypted between the client and VPN gateway. After users
authenticate, they can access the corporate resources that are permitted to them in the access
policy. All Check Point solutions supply this.
• Endpoint Security - Endpoint computers are protected at all times, even when there is no
connectivity to the corporate network. Some Check Point solutions supply this.

Client-Based vs. Clientless

Check Point remote access solutions use IPsec and SSL encryption protocols to create secure connections.
All Check Point clients can work through NAT devices, hotspots, and proxies in situations with complex
topologies, such as airports or hotels. These are the types of installations for remote access solutions:
• Client-based - Client application installed on endpoint computers and devices. Clients are usually
installed on a managed device, such as a company-owned computer. The client supplies access to most
types of corporate resources according to the access privileges of the user.
• Clientless - Users connect through a web browser and use HTTPS connections. Clientless solutions
usually supply access to web-based corporate resources.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 144

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• On demand client - Users connect through a web browser and a client is installed when necessary.
The client supplies access to most types of corporate resources according to the access privileges of
the user.

Secure Connectivity and Endpoint Security

You can combine secure connectivity with additional features to protect the network or endpoint computers.
• Secure Connectivity - Traffic is encrypted between the client and VPN gateway and strong user
authentication is supported. All Check Point solutions supply this.
These solutions require licenses based on the number of users connected at the same time.
• Security Verification for Endpoint computers - Makes sure that devices connecting to the gateway
meet security requirements. Endpoint machines that are not compliant with the security policy have
limited or no connectivity to corporate resources. Some Check Point solutions supply this.
• Endpoint Security:
• Desktop Firewall - Protects endpoint computers at all times with a centrally managed security
policy. This is important because remote clients are not in the protected network and traffic to clients
is only inspected if you have a Desktop Firewall. Some Check Point solutions supply this
• More Endpoint Security Capabilities - Check Point solutions can include more Endpoint Security
capabilities, such as anti-malware, disk encryption and more.
These solutions require licenses based on the number of clients installed.

Remote Access Solution Comparison

Details of the newest version for each client and a link for more information are in sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

Name Supported Client or Encryption Security Desktop

Operating Clientless Protocol Verification Firewall on
Systems for Endpoint
Endpoint Devices
Devices
Mobile Access Web Portal Windows, Linux, Clientless SSL
Mac
SSL Network Extender for Windows, Linux, On-demand SSL
Mobile Access Blade Mac OS Client through
Mobile Access
Portal)

Check Point Mobile for iOS Client SSL

iPhone and iPad
Check Point Mobile VPN iOS Client IPsec / SSL
for iOS
Check Point Mobile for Android Client SSL
Android
SecuRemote Windows Client IPsec
Check Point Mobile for Windows Client IPsec
Windows
Endpoint Security VPN for Windows Client IPsec
Windows
Endpoint Security VPN for Mac OS Client IPsec
Mac
Endpoint Security Suite Windows Client IPsec
Remote Access VPN Blade

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 145

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Name Supported Client or Encryption Security Desktop

Operating Clientless Protocol Verification Firewall on
Systems for Endpoint
Endpoint Devices
Devices
Check Point GO VPN Windows Clientless - SSL
Requires a
Check Point GO
device

Summary of Remote Access Options

Below is a summary of each Remote Access option that Check Point offers. All supply secure remote
access to corporate resources, but each has different features and meets different organizational
requirements.
Details of the newest version for each client and a link for more information are in sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

Mobile Access Web Portal

The Mobile Access Portal is a clientless SSL VPN solution. It is recommended for users who require access
to corporate resources from home, an internet kiosk, or another unmanaged computer. The Mobile Access
Portal can also be used with managed devices.
It provides:
• Secure Connectivity
• Security Verification
The Mobile Access Portal supplies access to web-based corporate resources. You can use the on-demand
client, SSL Network Extender, through the Portal to access all types of corporate resources.
Required Licenses: Mobile Access Software Blade on the gateway.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, Android
Where to Get the Client: Included with the Security Gateway. See sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

SSL Network Extender

SSL Network Extender is a thin SSL VPN on-demand client installed automatically on the user's machine
through a web browser. It supplies access to all types of corporate resources.
SSL Network Extender has two modes:
• Network Mode - Users can access all application types (Native-IP-based and Web-based) in the
internal network. To install the Network Mode client, users must have administrator privileges on the
client computer.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
• Application Mode - Users can access most application types (Native-IP-based and Web-based) in the
internal network, including most TCP applications. The user does not require administrator privileges on
the endpoint machine.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Required Licenses:
Mobile Access Software Blade on the gateway
Where to Get the Client: Included with the Security Gateway. See sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 146

 Working with Remote Access VPN

SecuRemote
SecuRemote is a secure, but limited-function IPsec VPN client. It provides secure connectivity.
Required Licenses: IPsec VPN Software Blade on the gateway. It is a free client and does not require
additional licenses.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Where to Get the Client: Check Point Support Center - sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

Check Point Mobile for Windows

Check Point Mobile for Windows is an IPsec VPN client. It is best for medium to large enterprises that do not
require an Endpoint Security policy.
It provides:
• Secure Connectivity
• Security Verification
Required Licenses: IPsec VPN and Mobile Access Software Blades on the gateway.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Where to Get the Client: Check Point Support Center - sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

Endpoint Security VPN

Endpoint Security VPN is an IPsec VPN client that replaces SecureClient. It is best for medium to large
enterprises.
It provides:
• Secure Connectivity
• Security Verification
• Endpoint Security that includes an integrated Desktop Firewall, centrally managed from the Security
Management Server.
Required Licenses: The IPsec VPN Software Blade on the gateway, an Endpoint Container license, and
an Endpoint VPN Software Blade license on the Security Management Server.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Where to Get the Client: Check Point Support Center - sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

Note - Endpoint Security VPN on Mac OS X includes a Desktop Firewall but not Security
Verification.

Endpoint Security VPN for Mac

Endpoint Security VPN combines Remote Access VPN with Endpoint Security in a client that is installed on
endpoint computers. It is recommended for managed endpoints that require a simple and transparent
remote access experience together with desktop firewall rules. It includes:
• Enterprise Grade Remote Access Client that replaces SecureClient for Mac.
• Integrated Desktop Firewall, centrally managed from the Security Management Server.
Required Licenses: The IPsec VPN Software Blade on the gateway, an Endpoint Container license, and
an Endpoint VPN Software Blade license on the Security Management Server.
Supported Platforms for Users: Mac OS X
Where to Get the Client: Check Point Support Center - sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 147
 Working with Remote Access VPN

Endpoint Security Suite

The Endpoint Security Suite simplifies endpoint security management by unifying all endpoint security
capabilities in a single console. Optional Endpoint Security Software Blades include: Firewall, Compliance
Full Disk Encryption, Media Encryption & Port Protection, and Anti- Malware & Program Control. As part of
this solution, the Remote Access VPN Software Blade provides full, secure IPsec VPN connectivity.
The Endpoint Security suite is best for medium to large enterprises that want to manage the endpoint
security of all of their endpoint computers in one unified console.
Required Licenses: Endpoint Security Container and Management licenses and an Endpoint VPN
Software Blade on the Security Management Server.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS X
Where to Get the Client: Check Point Support Center - sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

Check Point Mobile for iPhone and iPad

Check Point Mobile for iPhone and iPad is an SSL VPN client. It supplies secure connectivity and access to
web-based corporate resources and Exchange ActiveSync.
Check Point Mobile for iPhone and iPad is ideal for mobile workers who have iPhone or iPad devices.
Required Licenses: Mobile Access Software Blade on the gateway
Supported Platforms: iOS
Where to Get the Client: Apple App Store

Check Point Mobile VPN for iOS Devices

Check Point Mobile VPN is a full L3 tunnel app that gives users network access to all mobile applications. It
supplies secure connectivity and access to all types of corporate resources..
Required Licenses: Mobile Access Software Blade on the gateway
Supported Platforms: iOS 5.0 +
Where to Get the Client: Apple App Store

Check Point Mobile for Android

Check Point Mobile for Android is an SSL VPN client. It supplies secure connectivity and access to web-
based corporate resources and Exchange ActiveSync.
Check Point Mobile for Android is ideal for mobile workers who have Android devices.
Required Licenses: Mobile Access Software Blade on the gateway
Supported Platforms: Android
Where to Get the Client: Android Market

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 148

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Check Point GO
Check Point GO is a portable workspace with virtualized Windows applications, on a secure and encrypted
USB Flash Drive. Users insert the USB device into a host PC and securely access their workspace and
corporate resources through SSL VPN technology.
Check Point GO is ideal for mobile workers, contractors, and disaster recovery. The virtual workspace is
segregated from the host PC and controls the applications and data that can run in Check Point GO.
It provides:
• Secure Connectivity
• Security Verification
Required Licenses: IPsec VPN Software Blade on the gateway and Check Point GO devices.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Where to Get the Client: Check Point Support Center - sk67820
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 149

Chapter 18
Remote Access VPN Overview
In This Section:
Overview ............................................................................................................... 150
SecureClient Remote Access Solution ................................................................. 150
Need for Remote Access VPN.............................................................................. 155

Overview
Whenever users access the organization from remote locations, it is essential that the usual requirements of
secure connectivity be met but also the special demands of remote clients, for example:
• The IP of a remote access client might be unknown.
• The remote access client might be connected to a corporate LAN during the working day and connected
to a hotel LAN during the evening, perhaps hidden behind some kind of NATing device.
• The remote client might need to connect to the corporate LAN via a wireless access point.
• Typically, when a remote client user is out of the office, they are not protected by the current security
policy; the remote access client is both exposed to Internet threats, and can provide a way into the
corporate network if an attack goes through the client.
To resolve these issues, a security framework is needed that ensures remote access to the network is
properly secured.
Check Point Remote Access VPN solutions let you create a VPN tunnel between a remote user and your
internal network. The VPN tunnel guarantees:
• Authenticity, by using standard authentication methods
• Privacy, by encrypting data
• Integrity, by using industry-standard integrity assurance methods
Check Point Remote Access Clients extend VPN functionality to remote users, enabling users to securely
communicate sensitive information to networks and servers over the VPN tunnel, using LAN, wireless LAN
and various dial-up (including broadband) connections. Users are managed either in the internal database of
the Security Gateway or via an external LDAP server.
After a user is authenticated, a transparent secured connection is established.

SecureClient Remote Access Solution

Note - SecureClient is a legacy client. See Check Point Remote Access Solutions (on
page 144) for more options.

Enhancing SecuRemote with SecureClient Extensions

SecureClient is a remote access client that includes and extends SecuRemote by adding a number of
features:
• Security features
• Connectivity features
• Management features

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 150

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Security Features
• A Desktop Security Policy. See: Desktop Security (on page 188).
• Logging and Alerts
• Secure Configuration Verification (SCV); (see: Secure Configuration Verification (on page 200))
Connectivity Features
• Office mode addresses. See Office Mode (on page 169).
• Visitor mode. See Resolving Connectivity Issues (on page 272).
• Hub mode. See Hub Mode(VPN Routing for Remote Clients) (see "Hub Mode (VPN Routing for Remote
Clients)" on page 224).
Management Features
• Automatic software distribution.
• Advanced packaging and distribution options (see: Packaging SecureClient (on page 183).)
• Diagnostic tools

Establishing a Connection Between a Remote User and a Security

Gateway
To allow the user to access a network resource protected by a Security Gateway, a VPN tunnel
establishment process is initiated. An IKE (Internet Key Exchange) negotiation takes place between the
peers.
During IKE negotiation, the peers' identities are authenticated. The Security Gateway verifies the user's
identity and the client verifies that of the Security Gateway. The authentication can be performed using
several methods, including digital certificates issued by the Internal Certificate Authority (ICA). It is also
possible to authenticate using third-party PKI solutions, pre-shared secrets or third party authentication
methods (for example, SecurID, RADIUS etc.).
After the IKE negotiation ends successfully, a secure connection (a VPN tunnel) is established between the
client and the Security Gateway. All connections between the client and the Security Gateway VPN domain
(the LAN behind the Security Gateway) are encrypted inside this VPN tunnel, using the IPsec standard.
Except for when the user is asked to authenticate in some manner, the VPN establishment process is
transparent.

In the figure, the remote user initiates a connection to Security Gateway 1. User management is not
performed via the VPN database, but an LDAP server belonging to VPN Site 2. Authentication takes place
during the IKE negotiation. Security Gateway 1 verifies that the user exists by querying the LDAP server
behind Security Gateway 2. Once the user's existence is verified, the Security Gateway then authenticates

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 151

 Working with Remote Access VPN

the user, for example by validating the user's certificate. Once IKE is successfully completed, a tunnel is
created; the remote client connects to Host 1.
If the client is behind the Security Gateway (for example, if the user is accessing the corporate LAN from a
company office), connections from the client to destinations that are also behind the LAN Security Gateway
are not encrypted.

Remote Access Community

A Check Point Remote Access community enables you to quickly configure a VPN between a group of
remote users and one or more Security Gateways. A Remote Access community is a virtual entity that
defines secure communications between Security Gateways and remote users. All communications
between the remote users and the Security Gateways VPN domains are secured (authenticated and
encrypted) according to the parameters defined for Remote Access communications in SmartDashboard
Global Properties.

Identifying Elements of the Network to the Remote Client

Client needs to know the elements of the organization's internal network before it can handle encrypted
connections to and from network resources. These elements, known as a topology, are downloaded from
any Security Gateway managed by the Security Management Server.
A site's topology information includes IP addresses on the network and host addresses in the VPN domains
of other Security Gateways controlled by the same Security Management Server. If a destination IP is inside
the site's topology, the connection is passed in a VPN tunnel.
When the user creates a site, the client automatically contacts the site and downloads topology information
and the various configuration properties defined by the administrator for the client. This connection is
secured and authenticated using IKE over SSL. The site's topology has a validity timeout after which the
client would download an updated topology. The network administrator can also configure an automatic
topology update for remote clients. This requires no intervention by the user.

Connection Mode
The remote access clients connect with Security Gateways using Connect mode.
During connect mode, the remote user deliberately initiates a VPN link to a specific Security Gateway.
Subsequent connections to any host behind other Security Gateways will transparently initiate additional
VPN links as required.
Connect mode offers:
• Office mode, to resolve routing issues between the client and the Security Gateway. See, Office Mode
(on page 169).
• Visitor mode, for when the client needs to tunnel all client to Security Gateway traffic through a regular
TCP connection on port 443.
• Routing all traffic through Security Gateway (Hub mode), to achieve higher levels of security and
connectivity.
• Auto connect, when an application tries to open a connection to a host behind a Security Gateway, the
user is prompted to initiate a VPN link to that Security Gateway. For example, when the e-mail client
tries to access the IMAP server behind Security Gateway X, SecureClient prompts the user to initiate a
tunnel to that Security Gateway.
• User profiles (Location Profiles). See: User Profiles (on page 152).

User Profiles
Mobile users are faced with a variety of connectivity issues. During the morning they find themselves
connected to the LAN of a partner company; during the evening, behind some kind of NATing device
employed by the hotel where they are staying.
Different user profiles are used to overcome changing connectivity conditions. Users create their own
profiles, or the network administrator creates a number of profiles for them. If the administrator creates a
profile, the profile is downloaded to the client when the user updates the site topology. The user selects
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 152
 Working with Remote Access VPN

which profile to work with from a list. For example, a profile that enables UDP encapsulation in order to cope
with some NATing device, or a profile that enables Visitor mode when the remote client must tunnel the VPN
connection over port 443. The policy server used to download the Desktop Security Policy is also contained
in the profile.

Access Control for Remote Access Community

Typically the administrator needs to define a set of rules that determines access control to and from the
network. This is also true for remote access clients belonging to a remote access community. Policy rules
must be created in order to control the way remote clients access the internal network via the Security
Gateway. (Membership of a community does not give automatic access to the network.)
The Security Gateway Security Policy Rule Base defines access control; in other words, whether a
connection is allowed. Whether a connection is encrypted is determined by the community. If both the
source and the destination belong to the community, the connection is encrypted; otherwise, it is not
encrypted. For example, consider a rule that allows FTP connections. If a connection matching the rule is
between community members, the connection is encrypted. If the connection is not between community
members, the connection is not encrypted.
The Security Gateway Security Policy controls access to resources behind the Security Gateway, protects
the Security Gateway and the networks behind it. Since the remote client is not behind the Security
Gateway, it is not protected by the Security Gateway Security Policy. Remote access using SecureClient
can be protected by a Desktop Security Policy. See Desktop Security (on page 188).

Client-Security Gateway Authentication Schemes

Authentication is a key factor in establishing a secure communication channel among Security Gateways
and remote clients. Various authentication methods are available, for example:
• Digital certificates
• Pre-shared secrets
• Other authentication methods (made available via Hybrid mode)
See the documentation for each client to learn which authentication methods are supported.

Digital Certificates
Digital Certificates are the most recommended and manageable method for authentication. Both parties
present certificates as a means of proving their identity. Both parties verify that the peer's certificate is valid
(i.e. that it was signed by a known and trusted CA, and that the certificate has not expired or been revoked).
Digital certificates are issued either by Check Point's Internal Certificate Authority or third-party PKI
solutions. Check Point's ICA is tightly integrated with VPN and is the easiest way to configure a Remote
Access VPN. The ICA can issue certificates both to Security Gateways (automatically) and to remote users
(generated or initiated).
Using the ICA, generate a certificate and transfer it to the user "out-of-band." Alternatively, initiate the
certificate generation process on Security Management Server. The process is completed independently by
the user. The administrator can also initiate a certificate generation on the ICA management tool (the only
option available if users are defined on an LDAP server).
It is also possible to use third-party Certificate Authorities to create certificates for authentication between
Security Gateways and remote users. The supported certificate formats are PKCS#12, CAPI, and Entrust.
Users can also be provided with a hardware token for storing certificates. This option offers the advantage of
higher level of security, since the private key resides only on the hardware token.
As part of the certificate validation process during the IKE negotiation, both the client and the Security
Gateway check the peer's certificate against the Certificate Revocation List (CRL) published by the CA
which issued the certificate. If the client is unable to retrieve a CRL, the Security Gateway retrieves the CRL
on the client's behalf and transfers the CRL to the client during the IKE negotiation (the CRL is digitally
signed by the CA for security).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 153

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Pre-Shared Secret
This authentication method has the advantage of simplicity, but it is less secure than certificates. Both
parties agree upon a password before establishing the VPN. The password is exchanged "out-of-band", and
reused multiple times. During the authentication process, both the client and Security Gateway verify that
the other party knows the agreed-upon password.

Note - Passwords configured in the pre-shared secret tab are used in

hybrid mode IKE and not in pre-shared secret mode. Pre-shared
secret IKE mode is used for working with 4.1 Clients.

Other Authentication Methods Available via Hybrid Mode

Different organizations employing various means of user authentication may wish to utilize these means for
remote access. Hybrid mode is an IKE mode that supports an asymmetrical way of authentication to
address this requirement. Using Hybrid mode, the user employs one of the methods listed below to
authenticate to the Security Gateway. In return, the Security Gateway authenticates itself to the client using
strong, certificate-based authentication. Authentication methods which can be used in Hybrid mode are all
those supported for normal user authentication in VPN, namely:
• One Time Password — The user is challenged to enter the number displayed on the Security
Dynamics SecurID card. There are no scheme-specific parameters for the SecurID authentication
scheme. The VPN module acts as an ACE/Agent 5.0. For agent configuration.
SoftID (a software version of RSA's SecurID) and various other One Time Password cards and USB
tokens are also supported.
• Security Gateway - Password — The user is challenged to enter his or her password held on the
Security Gateway.
• OS Password — The user is challenged to enter his or her Operating System password.
• RADIUS — The user is challenged for the correct response, as defined by the RADIUS server.
• TACACS — The user is challenged for the correct response, as defined by the TACACS or TACACS+
server.
• SAA. SAA is an OPSEC API extension to Remote Access Clients that enables third party authentication
methods, such as biometrics, to be used with Endpoint Security VPN, Check Point Mobile for Windows,
and SecuRemote.
Configuring Authentication
On the Security Gateway, you can configure authentication in one of two places:
• Gateway Properties window of a gateway in Authentication. In the Authentication page, you can
allow access to users who authenticate with a Check Point Password, SecurID, OS Password,
RADIUS server, or TACACS server. Authentication using Client Certificates from the Internal Certificate
Authority is enabled by default in addition to the selected method.
• Some blades have their own authentication settings. Configure this in the Gateway Properties window
of a gateway under <name of the blade> > Authentication. For example, configure the authentication
method for IPsec VPN clients in Gateway Properties > IPsec VPN > Authentication. If you select an
authentication method for the blade, that is the method that all users must use to authenticate to that
blade. You can configure other authentication methods that users must use for different blades on
different pages.
If you do not make a selection on the Authentication page for a specific blade, the Security Gateway
takes authentication settings for the blade from the main gateway Authentication page.

Note - In previous releases there was no option to configure an authentication setting for a
specific blade. But from R75 and higher, if you configure an authentication method for a specific
blade, the settings on this page do not apply at all to that blade.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 154

 Working with Remote Access VPN

How the Gateway Searches for Users

If you configure authentication for a blade from the main Security Gateway Legacy Authentication page,
the Security Gateway searches for users in a standard way when they try to authenticate. The gateway
searches:
1. The internal users database.
2. If the specified user is not defined in this database, the gateway queries the User Directory (LDAP)
servers defined in the Account Unit one at a time, and according to their priority.
3. If the information still cannot be found, the gateway uses the external users template to see if there is a
match against the generic profile. This generic profile has the default attributes applied to the specified
user.
If you configure an authentication method for a specific blade, the gateway searches for users according to
the user groups that are used for authorization in that blade.
For example, in Mobile Access, the gateway looks at the Mobile Access policy to see which user groups are
part of the policy. When the gateway tries to authenticate a user, it starts to search for users in the
databases related to those user groups.
In IPsec VPN, the gateway looks at the Remote Access VPN Community to see which user groups are
included. It starts to search for users in the databases related to those user groups.
A search based on the authentication scheme is faster, with better results. You can have users with the
same user name in unrelated groups. The gateway will know which user is relevant for the blade based on
the user groups.

Advanced Features
Remote Access VPN supports other advanced features such as:
• Resolving connectivity and routing issues. See: Office Mode (on page 169), and Resolving Connectivity
Issues (on page 272).
• IP-per-user/group.
• L2TP clients.

Alternatives to SecuRemote/SecureClient
To avoid the overhead of installing and maintaining client software, Check Point also provides the SSL
Network Extender, a simple-to-implement thin client installed on the user's machine via a web browser. The
browser connects to an SSL enabled web server and downloads the thin client as an ActiveX component.
Installation is automatic.

Need for Remote Access VPN

Whenever users access the organization from remote locations, it is essential that the usual requirements of
secure connectivity be met but also the special demands of remote clients, for example:
• The IP of a remote access client might be unknown.
• The remote access client might be connected to a corporate LAN during the working day and connected
to a hotel LAN during the evening, perhaps hidden behind some kind of NATing device.
• The remote client might need to connect to the corporate LAN via a wireless access point.
• Typically, when a remote client user is out of the office, they are not protected by the current security
policy; the remote access client is both exposed to Internet threats, and can provide a way into the
corporate network if an attack goes through the client.
To resolve these issues, a security framework is needed that ensures remote access to the network is
properly secured.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 155

Chapter 19
VPN for Remote Access Considerations
In This Section:
Policy Definition for Remote Access ..................................................................... 156
User Certificate Creation Methods when Using the ICA ....................................... 156
Multiple Certificates per User ................................................................................ 156
Internal User Database vs. External User Database ............................................ 156
NT Group/RADIUS Class Authentication Feature ................................................ 157
Granting User Access Using RADIUS Server Groups.......................................... 157
Associating a RADIUS Server with Security Gateway.......................................... 159

When designing Remote Access VPN, consider the following issues:

Policy Definition for Remote Access

There must be a rule in the Security Policy Rule Base that grants remote users access to the LAN. Consider
which services are allowed. Restrict those services that need to be restricted with an explicit rule in the
Security Policy Rule Base.

User Certificate Creation Methods when Using the ICA

Check Point's Internal Certificate Authority (ICA) offers two ways to create and transfer certificates to remote
users:
1. The administrator generates a certificate in Security Management Server for the remote user, saves it
to removable media and transfers it to the client "out-of-band."
2. The administrator initiates the certificate process on the Security Management Server (or ICA
management tool), and is given a registration key. The administrator transfers the registration key to the
user "out-of-band." The client establishes an SSL connection to the ICA (using the CMC protocol) and
completes the certificate generation process using the registration key. In this way:
• Private keys are generated on the client.
• The created certificate can be stored as a file on the machines hard-drive, on a CAPI storage
device, or on a hardware token.
This method is especially suitable for geographically spaced-remote users.

Multiple Certificates per User

Check Point VPN lets you define many certificates for each user. This lets users connect from different
devices without the necessity to copy or move certificates from one device to another. Users can also
connect from different devices at the same time.

Internal User Database vs. External User Database

Remote Access functionality includes a flexible user management scheme. Users are managed in a number
of ways:
• INTERNAL - A Security Gateway can store a static password in its local user database for each user
configured in Security Management Server. No additional software is needed.
• LDAP - LDAP is an open industry standard that is used by multiple vendors. Check Point products
integrate LDAP with Check Point User Directory. Manage the users externally on the LDAP server, and

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 156

 Working with Remote Access VPN

changes are reflected on the SmartDashboard. Security Gateways query the User Directory data for
authentication.
• RADIUS - Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) is an external authentication scheme
that provides security and scalability by separating the authentication function from the access server.
When employing RADIUS as an authentication scheme, the Security Gateway forwards authentication
requests by remote users to the RADIUS server. The RADIUS server, which stores user account
information, authenticates the users. The RADIUS protocol uses UDP for communications with the
Security Gateway. RADIUS Servers and RADIUS Server Group objects are defined in SmartDashboard.
• SecurID Token Management ACE/Server - Developed by RSA Security, SecurID requires users to both
possess a token authenticator and to supply a PIN or password. Token authenticators generate one-
time passwords that are synchronized to an RSA ACE/Server, and may come in the form of hardware or
software. Hardware tokens are key-ring or credit card-sized devices, while software tokens reside on the
PC or device from which the user wants to authenticate. All tokens generate a random, one-time-use
access code that changes every minute or so. When a user attempts to authenticate to a protected
resource, that one-time-use code must be validated by the ACE/Server.
When employing SecurID as an authentication scheme, the Security Gateway forwards authentication
requests by remote users to the ACE/Server. ACE manages the database of RSA users and their
assigned hard or soft tokens. The VPN module acts as an ACE/Agent 5.0, which means that it directs all
access requests to the RSA ACE/Server for authentication. For agent configuration see ACE/Server
documentation.
The differences between user management on the internal database, and User Directory:
• User Directory is done externally and not locally.
• If you change User Directory templates the change is applied to users dynamically, immediately.

NT Group/RADIUS Class Authentication Feature

Authentication can take place according to NT groups or RADIUS classes. In this way, remote access users
are authenticated according to the remote access community group they belong to.

Note - Only NT groups are supported, not Active Directory.

Granting User Access Using RADIUS Server Groups

The Security Gateway enables you to control access for authenticated RADIUS users, based on the
administrator's assignment of users to RADIUS groups. These groups are used in the Security Rule Base to
restrict or give users access to specified resources. Users are unaware of the groups to which they belong.
To use RADIUS groups, you must define a return attribute in the RADIUS user profile of the RADIUS server.
This attribute is returned to the Security Gateway and contains the group name (for example, RAD_<group
to which the RADIUS users belong>) to which the users belong. Although other RADIUS attributes can be
used, by default the Class attribute is used (IETF RADIUS attribute number 25).
To give access through RADIUS server groups:
1. In SmartDashboard, go to Manage > Server and OPSEC Applications.
Servers and OPSEC Applications window opens.
2. Click New > RADIUS.
The RADIUS Server Properties window opens.
3. Configure new server properties:
a) Name the RADIUS Server object.
b) Click New to create a new Host Object.
Host Node window opens.
c) Enter the Name and the IP Address of the new RADIUS Host object, and click OK.
d) Select the Service - RADIUS (on port 1645) or NEW-RADIUS (on port 1812 service).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 157

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Note - The default setting is RADIUS, however the RADIUS standards group recommends using
NEW-RADIUS, because port 1645 can conflict with the datametrics service running on the same
port.
e) Enter the Shared Secret that you configured on the RADIUS server.
f) Select the version - RADIUS Ver. 1.0 Compatible (RFC 2138 compliant) or RADIUS Ver. 2.0
Compatible (RFC 2865 compliant).
g) Select the Priority, if you use more than one RADIUS Authentication server.
h) Click OK.
i) Click Close.
4. Create a generic* External User Profile:
a) Go to Manage > Users and Administrators.
Users and Administrators window opens.
b) Go to New > External User Profile > Match all users.
External User Profile Properties window opens.
c) In the Authentication tab, select RADIUS as the Authentication Scheme.
d) Select the created RADIUS server (not the node) from the drop-down list.
e) Click OK.
f) Click Close.
5. Define the RADIUS user groups
a) Go to Manage > Users & Administrators.
Users and Administrators window opens.
b) Go to New > User Group.
Group Properties window opens.
c) Enter the name of the group in this format: RAD_<group to which the RADIUS users belong>.
Make sure the group is empty.
d) Click OK.
e) Click Close.
6. Create the required Rule Base rules to allow access to RADIUS users.
7. Save the changes.
8. Close all SmartConsole windows.
9. On the Security Management Server, use GuiDBedit to change the value of the
add_radius_groups attribute from false to true.
10. Save.
11. Close GuiDBedit.
12. Open SmartDashboard.
13. Install the policy.
14. On the RADIUS server, edit the RADIUS users to include a class RADIUS attribute on the users Return
list that corresponds to the user group that they access.
To use a different attribute instead of the class attribute:
1. Close all SmartConsole windows
2. On the Security Gateway, use GuiDBedit to modify the value of the firewall_properties attribute
radius_groups_attr to the new RADIUS attribute.
3. Save.
4. Close GuiDBedit.
5. Open SmartDashboard.
6. Install the policy.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 158

 Working with Remote Access VPN

7. On the RADIUS server, make sure that you use the same RADIUS attribute on users' Return lists that
corresponds to the Firewall user group that they access.

Associating a RADIUS Server with Security Gateway

You can associate users with the Radius authentication server in the User PropertiesAuthentication tab.
You can also associate a gateway with a Radius server so that this overrides the User to Radius server
association. This is performed by editing the database using the dbedit command.
To associate one or more Radius servers to a gateway:
1. Run the dbedit command as follows:
modify network_objects <gw obj> radius_server
servers:<radius obj>
2. To switch off the Radius to the Security Gateway association so that the user always authenticates to
the Radius server specified in the User Properties Authentication tab, switch off another attribute in
the database by running the dbedit command:
modify users <user obj> use_fw_radius_if_exist false

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 159

Chapter 20
Configuring Remote Access VPN
In This Section:
Remote Access VPN Workflow............................................................................. 161
Creating Remote Access VPN Certificates for Users ........................................... 161
Creating and Configuring the Security Gateway................................................... 163
Defining User and Authentication Methods in LDAP ............................................ 163
Enrolling User Certificates - ICA Management Tool ............................................. 163
Configuring Certificates Using Third Party PKI ..................................................... 163
Enabling Hybrid Mode and Methods of Authentication ......................................... 164
Configuring Authentication for NT groups and RADIUS Classes ......................... 164
Using a Pre-Shared Secret ................................................................................... 165
Defining an LDAP User Group .............................................................................. 165
Defining a User Group .......................................................................................... 165
Defining a VPN Community and its Participants ................................................... 165
Defining Access Control Rules ............................................................................. 165
Installing the Policy ............................................................................................... 165
User Certificate Management ............................................................................... 166
Modifying Encryption Properties for Remote Access VPN ................................... 166
Working with RSA Hard and Soft Tokens ............................................................. 167

This section includes procedures and explanations for configuring Remote Access VPN.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 160

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Remote Access VPN Workflow

This section shows the Remote Access VPN Workflow.

Start at the top, with Create Security Gateway and define Security Gateway properties, and trace a route
down to Install policy. Sections following the chart detail step-by-step procedures for each phase.

Creating Remote Access VPN Certificates for Users

This section contains procedures for creating Remote VPN user certificates and sending them to end users.
There are two basic procedures for supplying remote access VPN certificates to users.
• Sending a P12 File:
• The administrator creates a p12 certificate file and sends it to users.
• The user saves the p12 file on the device and specifies the certificate using a remote VPN Client.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 161

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• Users authenticate by entering a certificate password when starting a remote access VPN
connection.
• Using a Registration key:
• The administrator creates a registration key and sends it to the user.
• The user enrolls the certificate by entering the registration key in a Remote Access VPN client. The
user can optionally save the p12 file to the device. The user must do this in an administrator-defined
period of time.
• End users authenticate using this certificate. A password can also be required according to the
security policy settings. If the user saves the p12 file to the device, a password is always necessary.

Enabling a User Certificate

To enable a user certificate:
1. In SmartDashboard, click the Firewall tab.
2. Go to the Users and Administrators tab.
3. Create a new user or double-click an existing user.
4. In the User Properties window, click the Encryption tab.
5. In the Encryption pane, click Edit.
6. In the IKE Phase 2 Properties window, click the Authentication tab and select Public key.
7. Click OK to close this window.

Creating a P12 Certificate File

After creating a user certificate, you must then make this certificate available to remote access users. Use
this procedure to create a p12 certificate.
To create a p12 certificate file for remote access VPN users:
1. Create the user certificate ("Enabling a User Certificate" on page 162).
2. In the User Properties window, click Certificates.
3. In the Certificates pane, click New.
4. Select Certificate file (.p12).
5. In the Certificate File (.P12) window, enter and confirm the certificate password.
6. Optionally, enter descriptive text in the Comment field.
7. Click OK and enter a path to save the p12 file.
The new certificate shows in the Certificate. The status is set to Valid.
8. Send the .p12 file to the end user by secure email or other secure means.

Creating Certificate Registration Key

After creating a user certificate, you must then make this certificate available to remote access users. Use
this procedure to create a certificate registration key that lets the user enroll the certificate for use with a
device.
To create a certificate registration key:
1. Create the user certificate ("Enabling a User Certificate" on page 162).
2. In the User Properties window, click Certificates.
3. In the Certificates pane, click New.
4. Select Registration key for certificate enrollment.
5. In the Registration Key for Certificate Enrollment window, select the number of days before the
certificate expires.
Click the email icon to send the registration key to the user.
6. Optionally, enter descriptive text in the Comment field.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 162

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Instructions for End Users

Remote Access VPN users can use many different clients to connect to network resources. It is the
administrator's responsibility to give appropriate instructions to end users to make sure that they
successfully enroll the certificate.
The Creating Certificates ("Creating Remote Access VPN Certificates for Users" on page 161) section gives
some general procedural guidelines that apply to many VPN clients. For detailed instructions, refer to the
VPN client documentation.

Creating and Configuring the Security Gateway

1. In SmartDashboard, create a Security Gateway network object.
2. On the General Properties page, select VPN.
3. Initialize a secure communication channel between the VPN module and the Security Management
Server by clicking Communication
4. On the Topology page, define the interfaces and the VPN domain.
The ICA automatically creates a certificate for the Security Gateway.

Defining User and Authentication Methods in LDAP

1. Obtain and install a license that enables the VPN module to retrieve information from an LDAP server.
2. Create an LDAP account unit.
3. Define users as LDAP users. A new network object for LDAP users is created on the Users tree. (The
LDAP users also appear in the objects list window to the right.)
For more information see: LDAP and User Management in the R76 Security Management Server
Administration Guide (http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22920).

Enrolling User Certificates - ICA Management Tool

To use the ICA Management to enroll a user certificate:
1. In SmartDashboard, click the Firewall tab.
2. Go to the Users and Administrators tab.
3. Create a new user or double-click an existing user.
4. Double-click a user to open the property window.
5. On the Encryption tab, click Edit.
6. In the IKE phase 2 properties window Authentication tab, select Public Key.
7. Enroll the user certificate using the ICA management tool. For more information, see the R76 Security
Management Server Administration Guide
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22920).

Configuring Certificates Using Third Party PKI

Using third party PKI involves creating:
• A certificate for the user and
• A certificate for the Security Gateway
You can use a third-party OPSEC PKI certificate authority that supports the PKCS#12, CAPI or Entrust
standards to issue certificates for Security Gateways and users. The Security Gateway must trust the CA
and have a certificate issued by the CA.
For users managed on an LDAP server, the full distinguished name (DN) which appears on the certificate is
the same as the user's name. But if the user is managed on the internal database, the user name and DN
on the certificate will not match. For this reason, the user name in the internal database must be either the
full DN which appears on the certificate or just the name which appears in the CN portion of the certificate.
For example, if the DN which appears on the certificate is:
CN=John, OU=Finance, O=Widget Enterprises, C=US
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 163
 Working with Remote Access VPN

The name of the user on the internal database must be either:

• John, or:
• CN=John, OU=Finance, O=Widget Enterprises, C=US
Note - The DN on the certificate must include the user's LDAP branch.
Some PKI solutions do not include (by default) the whole branch
information in the subject DN, for example the DN only includes the
common name. This can be rectified in the CA configuration.

To use a third-party PKI solution:

1. On the User properties window, Encryption tab, click Edit... The IKE phase 2 properties window
opens. On the Authentication tab, select Public key.
2. Define the third party Certificate Authority as an object in SmartDashboard. See Enrolling with a
Certificate Authority (on page 32).
3. Generate a certificate for your Security Gateway from the third party CA. For more information, see:
Enrolling with a Certificate Authority (on page 32).
4. Generate a certificate for the remote user from the third party CA. (Refer to relevant third party
documentation for details.) Transfer the certificate to the user.
5. In Global Properties, Authentication window, add or disable suffix matching.
For users with certificates, it is possible to specify that only certificates with a specified suffix in their DN
are accepted. This feature is enabled by default, and is required only if:
• Users are defined in the internal database, and
• The user names are not the full DN.
All certificates DN's are checked against this suffix.

Note - If an hierarchy of Certificate Authorities is used, the chain

certificate of the user must reach the same root CA that the Security
Gateway trusts

Enabling Hybrid Mode and Methods of Authentication

Hybrid mode allows the Security Gateway and remote access client to use different methods of
authentication. To enable Hybrid Mode:
From Policy > Global Properties > Remote Access >VPN - Basic select Hybrid Mode.

Defining User Authentication Methods in Hybrid Mode

1. On the User Properties window, Authentication tab, select an appropriate authentication scheme.
2. Enter authentication credentials for the user.
3. Supply the user ("out-of-band") with these credentials.

Configuring Authentication for NT groups and RADIUS

Classes
To enable this group authentication feature:
1. Set the add_radius_groups property in objects.C to "true",
2. Define a generic* profile, with RADIUS as the authentication method.
3. Create a rule in the Policy Rule Base whose "source" is this group of remote users that authenticate
using NT Server or RADIUS.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 164

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Office Mode IP assignment file

This method also works for Office Mode. The group listed in the ipassignment.conf file points to the group
that authenticates using NT group authentication or RADIUS classes. See: Office Mode via
ipassignment.conf File (see "Office Mode through the ipassignment.conf File" on page 178).

Using a Pre-Shared Secret

When using pre-shared secrets, the remote user and Security Gateway authenticate each other by verifying
that the other party knows the shared secret: the user's password. To enable the use of pre-shared secrets:
1. In Policy > Global Properties > Remote Access > VPN — Basic, select Pre-Shared Secret (For
SecuRemote client / SecureClient users)
2. Deselect Hybrid Mode.
3. For each user, go to the Encryption tab of the User Properties window, select IKE and click Edit... to
display the IKE Phase 2 Properties window.
4. In the Authentication tab, enable Password (Pre-Shared Secret) and enter the pre-shared secret into
the Password (Pre-shared secret) and Confirm Password fields.
5. Inform the user of the password "out-of-band".

Defining an LDAP User Group

See: LDAP and User Management in the R76 Security Management Server Administration Guide
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22920).

Defining a User Group

In SmartDashboard, create a group for remote access users. Add the appropriate users to this group.

Defining a VPN Community and its Participants

1. On the VPN Communities tree, double-click Remote_Access_Community. The Remote Access
Community Properties window opens.
2. On the Participating Security Gateways page, Add... Security Gateways participating in the Remote
Access Community.
3. On the Participating User Groups page, Add... the group that contains the remote access users.

Defining Access Control Rules

Access control is a layer of security not connected with VPN. The existence of a remote access community
does not mean that members of that community have free automatic access to the network. Appropriate
rules need to be created in the Security Policy Rule Base blocking or allowing specific services.
1. Create a rule in the Security Policy Rule Base that deals with remote access connections.
2. Double-click the entry in the VPN column. The VPN Match Conditions window opens.
3. Select Only connections encrypted in specific VPN Communities.
4. Click Add... to include a specific community in this Security Policy Rule.
5. Define services and actions. For example, to allow remote access users to access the organization's
SMTP server, called SMTP_SRV, create the following rule:
Source Destination VPN Service Action Track

Any SMTP_SRV Remote_Access_ SMTP Accept Log

Community

Installing the Policy

Install the policy and instruct the users to create or update the site topology.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 165

 Working with Remote Access VPN

User Certificate Management

Managing user certificates involves:
• Tracing the status of the user's certificate
• Automatically renewing a certificate
• Revoking certificates

Tracing the Status of User's Certificate

The status of a user's certificate can be traced at any time in the Certificates tab of the user's Properties
window. The status is shown in the Certificate state field. If the certificate has not been generated by the
user by the date specified in the Pending until field, the registration key is deleted.
If the user is defined in LDAP, then tracing is performed by the ICA management tool.

Automatically Renewing a Users' Certificate

ICA certificates for users can be automatically renewed a number of days before they expire. The client
initiates a certificate renewal operation with the CA before the expiration date is reached. If successful, the
client receives an updated certificates.
To configure automatic certificate renewal:
1. Select Policy > Global Properties > Remote Access > Certificates.
2. Select Renew users internal CA certificates and specify a time period. The time period is the number
of days before the user's certificate is about to expire in which the client will attempt to renew the
certificate.
3. Install the Security Policy.
4. Instruct the user to update the site's topology.

Revoking Certificates
The way in which certificates are revoked depends on whether they are managed internally or externally, via
LDAP.

For internally managed Users

When a user is deleted, their certificate is automatically revoked. Certificates can be disabled or revoked at
any time.
If you initiated a certificate generation that was not completed by the user, you can disable the pending
certificate by clicking Disable in the Certificates tab of the User Properties window.
If the certificate is already active, you can revoke it by clicking Revoke in the Certificates tab of the User
Properties window.

For Users Managed in LDAP

If users are managed in LDAP, certificates are revoked using the ICA management tool.

Modifying Encryption Properties for Remote Access VPN

The encryption properties of the users participating in a Remote Access community are set by default. If you
must modify the encryption algorithm, the data integrity method and/or the Diffie-Hellman group, you can
either do this globally for all users or configure the properties per user.
To modify the user encryption properties globally:
1. Select Policy > Global Properties > Remote Access > VPN - (IKE Phase 1).
2. Configure the appropriate settings:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 166

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• Support encryption algorithms - Select the encryption algorithms that will be supported with
remote hosts.
• Use encryption algorithms - Choose the encryption algorithm that will have the highest priority of
the selected algorithms. If given a choice of more than one encryption algorithm to use, the
algorithm selected in this field will be used.
• Support Data Integrity - Select the hash algorithms that will be supported with remote hosts to
ensure data integrity.
• Use Data Integrity - The hash algorithm chosen here will be given the highest priority if more than
one choice is offered.
• Support Diffie-Hellman groups - Select the Diffie-Hellman groups that will be supported with
remote hosts.
• Use Diffie-Hellman group - SecureClient users utilize the Diffie-Hellman group selected in this field.
To enforce the global encryption properties for some users while being able to modify them for specific
users go to Policy > Global Properties > Remote Access > VPN - (IPsec Phase 2):
3. Set the required properties in the window and disable Enforce Encryption Algorithm and Data
Integrity on all users.
4. In the Encryption tab of the User Properties window select IKE and click Edit.
The IKE Phase 2 Properties window is displayed.
5. Select the Encryption tab.
6. If you want the encryption and data integrity algorithms of the user to be taken from the Global
Properties definitions, select Defined in the Remote Access VPN page of the Global Properties
window. If you want to customize the algorithms for this user, select Defined below and select the
appropriate encryption and data integrity algorithms.

Working with RSA Hard and Soft Tokens

If you use SecurID for authentication, you must manage the users on RSA's ACE management server. ACE
manages the database of RSA users and their assigned hard or soft tokens. SecureClient contacts the site's
Security Gateway. The Security Gateway contacts the ACE Server for user authentication information. This
means:
• The remote users must be defined as RSA users on the ACE Server.
• On the Security Gateway, the SecurID users must be placed into a group with an external user profile
account that specifies SecurID as the authentication method.

SecurID Authentication Devices

Several versions of SecurID devices are available. The older format is a small device that displays a
numeric code, called a tokencode, and time bars. The token code changes every sixty seconds, and
provides the basis for authentication. To authenticate, the user must add to the beginning of the tokencode
a special password called a PIN number. The time bar indicates how much time is left before the next
tokencode is generated. The remote user is requested to enter both the PIN number and tokencode into the
SecureClient connection window.
The newer format resembles a credit card, and displays the tokencode, time bars and a numeric pad for
typing in the PIN number. These type of device mixes the tokencode with the entered PIN number to create
a Passcode. SecureClient requests only the passcode.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 167

 Working with Remote Access VPN

SoftID operates the same as the passcode device but consists only of software that sits on the desktop.

The Advanced view displays the tokencode and passcode with COPY buttons, allowing the user to cut and
paste between softID and SecureClient:

SoftID and SecureClient

For remote users to successfully use RSA's softID:
1. The administrator creates the remote users on the Ace Server
2. "Out-of-band", the administrator distributes the SDTID token file (or several tokens) to the remote users.
3. The remote user imports the tokens.
4. The following userc.c property on SecureClient must be set in the OPTIONS section:
support_rsa_soft_tokens (true)
When users login, they must enter the Token Serial Number and PIN.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 168

Chapter 21
Office Mode
In This Section:
The Need for Remote Clients to be Part of the LAN ............................................. 169
Office Mode ........................................................................................................... 169
Enabling IP Address per User............................................................................... 174
Office Mode Considerations.................................................................................. 176
Configuring Office Mode ....................................................................................... 177

The Need for Remote Clients to be Part of the LAN

As remote access to internal networks of organizations becomes widespread, it is essential that remote
users are able to access as many of the internal resources of the organization as possible. Typically, when
remote access is implemented, the client connects using an IP address locally assigned by, for example, an
ISP. The client may even receive a non-routable IP which is then hidden behind a NATing device. Because
of this, several problems may arise:
• Some networking protocols or resources may require the client’s IP address to be an internal one.
Router ACLs (access lists), for example, might be configured to allow only specific or internal IP
addresses to access network resources. This is difficult to adjust without knowing the a remote client’s
IP address in advance.
• When assigned with a non-routable IP address a conflict may occur, either with similar non-routable
addresses used on the corporate LAN, or with other clients which may receive the same IP address
while positioned behind some other hiding NAT device.
For example, if a client user receives an IP of 10.0.0.1 which is entered into the headers of the IPSec
packet. The packet is NATed. The packet’s new source IP is 192.168.17.5. The Security Gateway
decapsulates the NATed IP and decrypts the packet. The IP address is reverted to its original source IP
of 10.0.0.1. If there is an internal host with the same IP, the packet will probably be dropped (if Anti-
Spoofing is turned on). If there is no duplicate IP, and the packet is forwarded to some internal server,
the server will then attempt to reply to an non-existent address.
• Two remote users are assigned the same IP address by an ISP (for example, two users are accessing
the organization from hotels which provide internal addresses and NAT them on the outbound). Both
users try to access the internal network with the same IP address. The resources on the internal network
of the organization may have difficulty distinguishing between the users.

Office Mode
Office Mode enables a Security Gateway to assign a remote client an IP address. The assignment takes
place once the user connects and authenticates. The assignment lease is renewed as long as the user is
connected. The address may be taken either from a general IP address pool, or from an IP address pool
specified per user group. The address can be specified per user, or via a DHCP server, enabling the use of
a name resolution service. With DNS name resolution, it is easier to access the client from within the
corporate network.
It is possible to allow all your users to use Office Mode, or to enable the feature for a specific group of users.
This can be used, for example, to allow privileged access to a certain group of users (e.g., administrators
accessing the LAN from remote stations). It is also useful in early integration stages of Office Mode, allowing
you time to "pilot" this feature on a specific group of users, while the rest of the users continue to work in the
traditional way.
Office Mode is supported with the following:
• SecureClient
• Endpoint Security VPN
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 169
 Working with Remote Access VPN

• SSL Network Extender

• Crypto
• L2TP

How Office Mode Works

When you connect to the organization, an IKE negotiation is initiated automatically to the Security Gateway.
When using Office Mode, a special IKE mode called config mode is inserted between phase 1 and phase 2
of IKE. During config mode, the client requests an IP from the Security Gateway. Several other parameters
are also configurable this way, such as a DNS server IP address, and a WINS server IP address.
After the Security Gateway allocates the IP address, the client assigns the IP to a Virtual Adapter on the
Operating system. The routing of packets to the corporate LAN is modified to go through this adapter.
Packets routed in this way bear the IP address assigned by the Security Gateway as their source IP
address. Before exiting through the real adapter, the packets will be IPsec encapsulated using the external
IP address (assigned to the real adapter) as the source address. In this way, non-routable IP addresses can
be used with Office Mode; the Office Mode non-routable address is concealed within the IPsec packet.
For Office Mode to work, the IP address assigned by the Security Gateway needs to be routable to that
Security Gateway from within the corporate LAN. This will allow packets on the LAN being sent to the client
to be routed back through the Security Gateway. See also: Office Mode and Static Routes in a Non-flat
Network (on page 172).

Note - A remote user with SecuRemote client only is not supported in

Office Mode.

A Closer Look
The following steps illustrate the process taking place when a remote user connected through Office Mode
wishes to exchange some information with resources inside the organization:
• The user is trying to connect to some resource on the LAN, thus a packet destined for the internal
network is to be sent. This packet is routed through the virtual interface that Office Mode had set up, and
bears the source IP address allocated for the remote user.
• The packet is encrypted and builds a new encapsulating IP header for it. The source IP of the
encapsulating packet is the remote client's original IP address, and its destination is the IP address of
the Security Gateway. The encapsulated packet is then sent to the organization through the Internet.
• The Security Gateway of the organization receives the packet, decapsulates and decrypts it, revealing
the original packet, which bears the source IP allocated for the remote user. The Security Gateway then
forwards the decapsulated packet to its destination.
• The internal resource gets a packet seemingly coming from an internal address. It processes the packet
and sends response packets back to the remote user. These packets are routed back to the (internal) IP
address assigned to the remote user.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 170

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• The Security Gateway gets the packet, encrypts and encapsulates it with the remote users' original
(routable) IP address and returns the packet back to the remote user:

• The remote host uses the Office mode address in the encapsulated packet and 10.0.0.1 in the
encapsulating header.
• The packet is NATed to the new source address: 192.168.17.5
• The Security Gateway decapsulates the NATed IP address and decrypts the packet. The source IP
address is the Office Mode address.
• The packet is forwarded to the internal server, which replies correctly.

Assigning IP Addresses
The internal IP addresses assigned by the Security Gateway to the remote user can be allocated using one
of the following methods:
• IP Pool
• DHCP Server
IP Pool
The System Administrator designates a range of IP addresses to be utilized for remote client machines.
Each client requesting to connect in Office Mode is provided with a unique IP address from the pool.

IP Assignment Based on Source IP Address

IP addresses from the IP pool may be reserved and assigned to remote users based on their source IP
address. When a remote host connects to the Security Gateway, its IP address is compared to a predefined
range of source IP addresses. If the IP address is found to be in that range, then it is assigned an Office
Mode IP address from a range dedicated for that purpose.
The IP addresses from this reserved pool can be configured to offer a separate set of access permissions
given to these remote users.

DHCP Server
A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server can be used to allocate IP addresses for Office
Mode clients. When a remote user connects to the Security Gateway using Office Mode, the Security
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 171
 Working with Remote Access VPN

Gateway requests the DHCP server to assign the user an IP address from a range of IP addresses
designated for Office Mode users.
Security Gateway DHCP requests can contain various client attributes that allow DHCP clients to
differentiate themselves. The attributes are pre-configured on the client side operating system, and can be
used by different DHCP servers in the process of distributing IP addresses. Security Gateways DHCP
request can contain the following attributes:
• Host Name
• Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)
• Vendor Class
• User Class
RADIUS Server
A RADIUS server can be used for authenticating remote users. When a remote user connects to a Security
Gateway, the username and password are passed on to the RADIUS server, which checks that the
information is correct, and authenticates the user. The RADIUS server can also be configured to allocate IP
addresses.

Note - Authentication and IP assignment must be performed by the

same RADIUS server.

Office Mode and Static Routes in a Non-flat Network

A flat network is one in which all stations can reach each other without going through a bridge or a router.
One segment of a network is a "flat network". A static route is a route that is manually assigned by the
system administrator (to a router) and needs to be manually updated to reflect changes in the network.
If the LAN is non-flat (stations reach each other via routers and bridges) then the OM address of the remote
client must be statically assigned to the routers so that packets on the LAN, destined for the remote client,
are correctly routed to the Security Gateway.

IP Address Lease duration

When a remote user's machine is assigned an Office mode IP address, that machine can use it for a certain
amount of time. This time period is called the "IP address lease duration." The remote client automatically
asks for a lease renewal after half of the IP lease duration period has elapsed. If the IP lease duration time
is set to 60 minutes, a renewal request is sent after 30 minutes. If a renewal is given, the client will request a
renewal again after 30 minutes. If the renewal fails, the client attempts again after half of the remaining time,
for example, 15 minutes, then 7.5 minutes, and so on. If no renewal is given and the 60 minutes of the lease
duration times out, the tunnel link terminates. To renew the connection the remote user must reconnect to
the Security Gateway. Upon reconnection, an IKE renegotiation is initiated and a new tunnel created.
When the IP address is allocated from a predefined IP pool on the Security Gateway, the Security Gateway
determines the IP lease duration period. The default is 15 minutes.
When using a DHCP server to assign IP addresses to users, the DHCP server's configuration determines
the IP lease duration. When a user disconnects and reconnects to the Security Gateway within a short
period of time, it is likely that the user will get the same IP address as before.

Using Name Resolution - WINS and DNS

To facilitate access of a remote user to resources on the internal network, the administrator can specify
WINS and DNS servers for the remote user. This information is sent to the remote user during IKE config
mode along with the IP address allocation information, and is used by the remote user's operating system
for name-to-IP resolution when the user is trying to access the organization's internal resources.

Anti-Spoofing
With Anti-Spoofing, a network administrator configures which IP addresses are expected on each interface
of the Security Gateway. Anti-Spoofing ensures IP addresses are only received or transmitted in the context
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 172
 Working with Remote Access VPN

of their respective Security Gateway interfaces. Office Mode poses a problem to the Anti-Spoofing feature,
since a client machine can connect and authenticate through several interfaces, e.g. the external interface to
the Internet, or the wireless LAN interface; thus an Office Mode IP address may be encountered on more
than one interface. Office Mode enhances Anti-Spoofing by making sure an encountered Office Mode IP
address is indeed assigned to the user, authenticated on the source IP address on the IPsec encapsulating
packet, i.e. the external IP.

Using Office Mode with Multiple External Interfaces

Typically, routing is performed before encryption in VPN. In some complex scenarios of Office Mode, where
the Security Gateway may have several external interfaces, this might cause a problem. In these scenarios,
packets destined at a remote user's virtual IP address will be marked as packets that are supposed to be
routed through one external interface of the Security Gateway. Only after the initial routing decision is made
do the packets undergo IPsec encapsulation. After the encapsulation, the destination IP address of these
packets is changed to the original IP address of the client. The routing path that should have been selected
for the encapsulated packet might be through a different external interface than that of the original packet
(since the destination IP address changed), in which case a routing error occurs. Office Mode has the ability
to make sure that all Office Mode packets undergo routing after they are encapsulated.

Office Mode Per Site

After a remote user connects and receives an Office Mode IP address from a Security Gateway, every
connection to that Security Gateways encryption domain will go out with the Office Mode IP as the internal
source IP. The Office Mode IP is what hosts in the encryption domain will recognize as the remote user's IP
address.
The Office Mode IP address assigned by a specific Security Gateway can be used in its own encryption
domain and in neighboring encryption domains as well. The neighboring encryption domains should reside
behind Security Gateways that are members of the same VPN community as the assigning Security
Gateway. Since the remote hosts' connections are dependent on the Office Mode IP address it received, if
the Security Gateway that issued the IP becomes unavailable, all the connections to the site will terminate.
In order for all Security Gateways on the site to recognize the remote users Office Mode IP addresses, the
Office Mode IP range must be known by all of the Security Gateways and the IP ranges must be routable in
all the networks. However, when the Office Mode per Site feature is in use, the IP-per-user feature cannot
be implemented.

Note - When Office Mode per Site is activated, Office Mode Anti-
Spoofing is not enforced.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 173

 Working with Remote Access VPN

In this scenario:

• The remote user makes a connection to Security Gateway 1.

• Security Gateway 1 assigns an Office Mode IP address to the remote user.
• While still connected to Security Gateway 1, the remote user can make a connection to hosts behind
Security Gateway 2 using the Office Mode IP address issued by Security Gateway 1.

Enabling IP Address per User

Enabling IP Address per User
In some configurations, a router or other device restricts access to portions of the network to specified IP
addresses. A remote user connecting in Office Mode must be able to ensure that he or she is allocated an
IP address which will allow the connection to pass through the router.

Note - If this feature is implemented, it is imperative to enable Anti-

Spoofing for Office Mode. See Anti-Spoofing (on page 172) for more
information.

There are two ways to implement this feature, depending on whether IP addresses are allocated by a DHCP
server or IP Pool.

The Solution
There are two ways to implement this feature, depending on whether IP addresses are allocated by a DHCP
server or IP Pool.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 174

 Working with Remote Access VPN

DHCP Server
If Office Mode addresses are allocated by a DHCP server, proceed as follows:
1. Open the Check Point object from the Objects Tree.
2. In the Object Properties > IPsec VPN > Office Mode page:
• Enable Office Mode (either for all users or for the relevant group)
• Select a DHCP server and under MAC address for DHCP allocation, select calculated per user
name
3. Install the Policy on the Security Gateway.
4. On the Security Gateway, run this command to obtain the MAC address assigned to the user.
vpn macutil <username>
5. On the DHCP Server make a new reservation, specifying the IP address and MAC address, assigning
the IP address for the exclusive use of the given user.

ipassignment.conf File
The $FWDIR/conf/ipassignment.conf file on the Security Gateway, is used to implement the IP-per-user
feature. It allows the administrator to assign specific addresses to specific users or specific ranges to
specific groups when they connect using Office Mode or L2TP clients.
For an explanation of the file's syntax, see the comments (the lines beginning with the # character) in the
sample file below.

Note - This file must be manually added to all Security Gateways.

Sample ipassignment.conf File

# This file is used to implement the IP-per-user feature.
It allows the
# administrator to assign specific addresses to specific
users or specific
# ranges to specific groups when they connect using Office
Mode or L2TP.
#
# The format of this file is simple: Each line specifies
the target
# Security Gateway, the IP address (or addresses) we wish
to assign and the user
# (or group) name as in the following examples:
#
# Security Gateway Type IP Address
User Name
# ============= ===== ===========================
# Paris-GW, 10.5.5.8,
Jean
# Brasilia, addr 10.6.5.8,
Joao # comments are allowed
# Miami, addr 10.7.5.8,
CN=John,OU=users,O=cpmgmt.acme.com.gibeuu
# Miami range 100.107.105.110-100.107.105.119/24
Finance
# Miami net 10.7.5.32/28
Accounting
#
# Note that real records do not begin with a pound-sign
(#), and the commas
# are optional. Invalid lines are treated as comments.
Also, the
# user name may be followed by a pound-sign and a comment.
#
# The first item is the Security Gateway name. This could
be a name, an IP
# address or an asterisk (*) to signify all Security
Gateways. A gateway will
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 175
 Working with Remote Access VPN

# only honor lines that refer to it.

#
# The second item is a descriptor. It can be 'addr',
'range' or 'net'.
# 'addr' specifies one IP for one user. This prefix is
optional.
# 'range' and 'net' specify a range of addresses. These
prefixes are
# required.
#
# The third item is the IP address or addresses. In the
case of a single
# address, it is specified in standard dotted decimal
format.
# ranges can be specified either by the first and last IP
address, or using
# a net specification. In either case you need to also
specify the subnet
# mask length ('/24' means 255.255.255.0). With a range,
this is the subnet
# mask. With a net it is both the subnet mask and it also
determines the
# addresses in the range.
#
# The last item is the user name. This can be a common name
if the
# user authenticates with some username/password method
(like hybrid
# or MD5-Challenge) or a DN if the user authenticates with
a
# certificate.

Office Mode Considerations

Before implementing Office mode, consider the following:

IP pool Versus DHCP

The question of whether IP addresses should be assigned by the Firewall (using IP pools) or by a DHCP
server is a network administration and financial issue. Some network administrators may prefer to manage
all of their dynamic IP addresses from the same location. For them, a central DHCP server might be
preferable. Moreover, DHCP allows a cluster to assign all the addresses from a single pool, rather than have
a different pool per cluster member as you have to with Firewall IP pools. On the other hand, purchasing a
DHCP server can be viewed by some as an unnecessary financial burden, in which case the IP pool option
might be preferred.

Routing Table Modifications

IP addresses, assigned by Office Mode need to be routed by the internal LAN routers to the Security
Gateway (or Security Gateway cluster) that assigned the address. This is to make sure packets, destined to
remote access Office Mode users, reach the Security Gateway in order to be encapsulated and returned to
the client machine. This may require changes to the organization's routing tables.

Using the Multiple External Interfaces Feature

Enabling this feature instructs Office Mode to perform routing decisions after the packets are encapsulated
using IPsec, to prevent routing problems discussed in Using Office Mode with Multiple External Interfaces
(on page 173). This feature adds new checks and changes to the routing of packets through the Security
Gateway, and has an impact on performance. As a result, it is recommended to use this feature only when:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 176

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• The Security Gateway has multiple external interfaces, and

• Office Mode packets are routed to the wrong external interface.

Configuring Office Mode

Before configuring Office Mode the assumption is that standard VPN Remote Access has already been
configured. For more details on how to configure VPN Remote Access, see Introduction to Remote Access
VPN.
Before starting the Office Mode configuration, you must select an internal address space designated for
remote users using Office Mode. This can be any IP address space, as long as the addresses in this space
do not conflict with addresses used within the enterprise domain. It is possible to choose address spaces
which are not routable on the Internet, such as 10.x.x.x.
The basic configuration of Office Mode is using IP pools. The configuration of Office Mode using DHCP for
address allocation can be found in Office Mode ? DHCP Configuration (see "Office Mode — DHCP
Configuration" on page 180).

Office Mode — IP Pool Configuration

To deploy the basic Office Mode (using IP pools):
1. Create a network object to represent the IP Pool, by selecting Manage > Network Objects > New >
Network.
2. In the Network Properties — General tab, set the IP pool range of addresses as follows:
a) In Network Address specify the first address to be used (e.g. 10.130.56.0).
b) In Net Mask enter the subnet mask according to the amount of addresses you wish to use (entering
255.255.255.0, for example, this will designate all 254 IP addresses from 10.130.56.1 till
10.130.56.254 for Office Mode addresses.)
c) Changes to the Broadcast Address section and the Network Properties — NAT tab are not
necessary.
d) Close the network object properties window.
3. Open the Security Gateway object through which the remote users will connect to the internal network
and select the IPsec VPN > Office Mode page. Enable Office Mode for either all users or for a certain
group.
a) In the Allocate IP from network select the IP Pool network object you have previously created.
b) IP lease duration — specify the duration in which the IP is used by the remote host.
c) Under Multiple Interfaces, specify whether you want routing to be done after the encapsulation of
Office Mode packets, allowing traffic to be routed correctly when your Security Gateway has multiple
external interfaces.
d) Select Anti-Spoofing if you wish the firewall to check that Office Mode packets are not spoofed.
It is possible to specify which WINS and DNS servers Office Mode users should use. To specify WINS
and/or DNS servers, continue to step 3. Otherwise skip to step 6.

Note - WINS and DNS servers should be set on the Security

Management Server machine only when IP pool is the selected
method.

1. Create a DNS server object, by selecting Manage > Network Objects > New > Node > Host and
specify the DNS machine's name, IP address and subnet mask. Repeat this step if you have additional
DNS servers.
2. Create a WINS server object, by selecting Manage > Network objects > New > Node > Host and
specify the WINS machine's name, IP address and subnet mask. Repeat this step if you have additional
WINS servers.
3. In the Check Point Security Gateway — IPsec VPN > Office Mode page, in the IP Pool section click
the "optional parameters" button.
a) In the IP Pool Optional Parameters window, select the appropriate objects for the primary and
backup DNS and WINS servers.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 177
 Working with Remote Access VPN

b) In the Domain name field, specify the suffix of the domain where the internal names are defined.
This instructs the Client as per what suffix to add when it addresses the DNS server (e.g.
example.com).
4. Install the Policy.
5. Make sure that all the internal routers are configured to route all the traffic destined to the internal
address space you had reserved to Office Mode users through the Security Gateway. For instance, in
the example above it is required to add routes to the class C sub network of 10.130.56.0 through the
Security Gateway's IP address.
In addition to the steps mentioned for the Security Gateway side configuration, a few configuration steps
have to be performed on the client side in order to connect to the Security Gateway in Office Mode.

Configuring IP Assignment Based on Source IP Address

The settings for the IP Assignment Based on Source IP Address feature are configured by editing a plain
text file called user.def. This file is located in the \FWDIR\conf directory of the Security Management Server
which manages the enforcement modules used for remote access.
A range of source IP addresses must be defined along with a corresponding range of Office Mode
addresses. The \FWDIR\conf\user.def file can contain multiple definitions for multiple modules.
The first range defined per line is the source IP address range. The second range defined per line is the
Office Mode IP address range.

In this scenario:
• (10.10.5.0, 10.10.5.129), (10.10.9.0, 10.10.9.255), and (70.70.70.4, 70.70.70.90) are the VPN remote
clients source IP address ranges
• (1.1.1.5, 1.1.1.87), (1.1.1.88, 1.1.1.95), and (8.8.8.6, 8.8.8.68) are the Office Mode IP addresses that will
be assigned to the remote users whose source IP falls in the range defined on the same line.
• For example: A user with a source IP address between 10.10.10.5.0 and 10.10.5.129, will receive an
Office Mode address between 1.1.1.5 and 1.1.1.87.
IP Assignment Based on Source IP Address is enabled using a flag in the \FWDIR\conf\objects_5_0.C file.
Add the following flag:
om_use_ip_per_src_range (followed by value)
One of the following values should be applied to the flag:
• [Exclusively] - If the remote hosts IP is not found in the source range, remote user does not get an
Office Mode IP address.
• [True] - If the remote hosts IP is not found in the source IP range, the user will get an Office Mode IP
address using another method.
• [False] (default)- The flag is not used.

Office Mode through the ipassignment.conf File

It is possible to over-ride the Office Mode settings created on Security Management Server by editing a plain
text file called ipassignment.conf in the \FWDIR\conf directory of the VPN module. The module uses these
Office Mode settings and not those defined for the object in Security Management Server.
Ipassignment.conf can specify:
• An IP per user/group, so that a particular user or user group always receives the same Office Mode
address. This allows the administrator to assign specific addresses to users, or particular IP
ranges/networks to groups when they connect using Office Mode.
• A different WINS server for a particular user or group
• A different DNS server

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 178

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• Different DNS domain suffixes for each entry in the file.

Subnet masks and Office Mode Addresses

You cannot use the ipassignment.conf file to assign a subnet mask to a single user. If using IP pools, the
mask is taken from the network object, or defaults to 255.255.255.0 if using DHCP.

Checking the Syntax

The syntax of the ipassignment file can be checked using the command ipafile_check.
From a shell prompt run: vpn ipafile_check ipassignment.conf
The two parameters are:
• warn. Display errors
• detail. Show all details

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 179

 Working with Remote Access VPN

For example:

Office Mode — DHCP Configuration

1. When DHCP is the selected mode, DNS and WINS parameters are downloaded from the DHCP server.
If using Office Mode in DHCP mode and you wish to supply the user with DNS and/or WINS information,
make sure that the DNS and/or WINS information on your DHCP server is set to the correct IP
addresses.
2. On your DHCP server's configuration, make sure that you have designated an IP address space for
Office Mode users (e.g., 10.130.56.0).
3. Create a new node object by selecting Manage > Network objects > New > Node > Host, representing
the DHCP server and specify the machine's name, IP address and subnet mask.
4. Open the Security Gateway object through which the remote users will connect to the internal network
and select the IPsec VPN > Office Mode page. Enable Office Mode to either all users or to a certain
group.
• Check the Automatic (use DHCP) option.
• Select the DHCP object you have previously created.
• In the Virtual IP address for DHCP server replies, specify an IP address from the sub network of
the IP addresses which are designated for Office Mode usage (e.g. 10.130.56.254). Since Office
Mode supports DHCP Relay method for IP assignment, you can direct the DHCP server as to where
to send its replies. The routing on the DHCP server and that of internal routers must be adjusted so
that packets from the DHCP server to this address are routed through the Security Gateway.
• If you wish to use the Anti-Spoofing feature, continue to step 5, otherwise skip to step 7.
5. Create a network object to represent the address space you've allocated for Office Mode on your DHCP
server, by selecting Manage > Network Objects > New > Network.
In the Network Properties — General tab, set the DHCP address range as follows:
• In Network Address specify the first address that is used (e.g. 10.130.56.0).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 180

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• In Net Mask enter the subnet mask according to the amount of addresses that is used (entering
255.255.255.0, for example, designates that all 254 IP addresses from 10.130.56.1 until
10.130.56.254 are set aside for remote host Office Mode addresses on the DHCP server).
• Changes to the Broadcast Address section and the Network Properties — NAT tab are not
necessary.
• Close the network object properties window.
6. Return to the Security Gateway object, open the IPsec VPN > Office Mode page. In the Additional IP
addresses for Anti-Spoofing, select the network object you have created with the IP address range
you have set aside for Office Mode on the DHCP server.
7. Install the policy.
8. Make sure that all the internal routers are configured to route all the traffic destined to the internal
address space you had reserved to Office Mode users through the Security Gateway. For instance, in
the example above it is required to add routes to the class C sub network of 10.130.56.0 through the
Security Gateway's IP address.
In addition to the steps mentioned for the Security Gateway side configuration, a few configuration steps
have to be performed on the client side in order to connect to the Security Gateway in Office mode.

Note - Office Mode is supported only in Connect Mode.

Office Mode - Using a RADIUS Server

To configure the RADIUS server to allocate IP addresses:
1. In SmartDashboard, click Manage > Servers and OPSEC Applications.
2. Select RADIUS server and click Edit.
The RADIUS Server Properties window appears.
3. Click the RADIUS Accounting tab.
4. Select Enable IP Pool Management.
5. Select the service the RADIUS server uses to communicate with remote users.
To configure the RADIUS server to perform authentication for remote users:
1. In SmartDashboard, click Manage > Network Objects.
2. Select Security Gateway and click Edit.
3. In Security Gateway properties, select IPsec VPN > Office Mode.
4. In the Office Mode Method section, select From the RADIUS server used to authenticate the user.
5. Click OK.

Office Mode Configuration on SecureClient

On the client's machine the following steps should be performed in order to connect to the Security Gateway
using Office mode:
1. Right click the SecureClient icon in the system tray. From the pop-up menu, select Configure.
2. Select Tools > Configure Connection Profile > Advanced and select Support Office Mode.
3. Click OK, Save and Close and then select Exit from your File menu.
4. Double click your SecureClient icon on the bottom right side of your screen. If you're using a dial-up
connection to connect to the Security Gateway select Use Dial-up and choose the name of your dial-up
connection profile from the drop-down menu (it is assumed that such a profile already exists. If dial-up is
not used (i.e. connection to the Security Gateway is done through a network interface card) proceed to
step 5.
5. Select Connect to connect to the organization using Office Mode.
The administrator can simplify configuration, by configuring a profile in advance and providing it to the user.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 181

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Office Mode per Site

1. In SmartDashboard, click Policy > Global Properties > Remote Access > VPN - Advanced.
The VPN - Advanced page shows the office Mode Settings.
2. In the Office Mode section, select Use first allocated Office Mode IP address for all connections to
the Security Gateways of the site.
3. Click OK.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 182

Chapter 22
Packaging SecureClient
In This Section:
Introduction: The Need to Simplify Remote Client Installations ............................ 183
The Check Point Solution - SecureClient Packaging Tool ................................... 183
Creating a Preconfigured Package ....................................................................... 184
Configuring MSI Packaging .................................................................................. 185

Introduction: The Need to Simplify Remote Client Installations

As remote access to organizations becomes more widespread, administration of the remote client software
becomes more difficult. Users often lack the technical expertise to configure the software themselves,
requiring administrators to provide support for large numbers of users, many of whom may be
geographically dispersed and using a wide variety of platforms. The administrator's task is even more
difficult if the organization has several groups of users, each of which requires a different configuration.
Administrators need a tool to automate the configuration of software to large user communities. This tools
must enable the administrator to preconfigure the software, so that users do not have to do this themselves.

The Check Point Solution - SecureClient Packaging Tool

Overview
The SecureClient Packaging Tool enables the administrator to create pre-configured SecureClient
installation packages. Users can then use the configured package to install the software without being
required to configure details, ensuring that users cannot inadvertently misconfigure their SecureClient
software.
Pre-packaging can be done using either the:
• Check Point Packaging Tool Wizard
• MSI Packaging
The benefits of packaging are:
• Configuration (site creation, connection and encryption parameter specification, etc.) is performed by
professional administrators, rather than by unsophisticated and error-prone users.
• Installation and support overhead are greatly reduced.
• Users' security configurations are more uniform across the organization, because they are pre-defined
by the administrator rather than specified by each user individually.
• The administrator can more quickly respond to security threats by automatically updating remote users'
security software.

How Does Packaging Tool Work?

Packaging Tool combines a client installation package (for example, the generic SecureClient installation
package) with a package profile to create a preconfigured SecureClient package. The administrator can
then distribute the package to the users.
The administrator can pre-configure the client's installation and configuration settings, such as the
connection mode to the VPN Security Gateway (Connect/Transparent), encryption properties and more.
These settings are saved in a package profile, and can then be used for configuring packages.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 183

 Working with Remote Access VPN

The administrator can create different package profiles for different user groups. For example, the
administrator can create one profile with the configuration parameters for Windows XP users, and another
for Windows 98 users. The administrator can save all the profiles in a central database.
To allow the client to connect to the organization from the moment it is installed, the administrator can
specify Partial Topology information for a site, that is, the IP address of the site or of its Security
Management server. This information is included in the package. The first time the user connects to and
authenticates to the site, the site's full topology is downloaded to the client.
The SecureClient package can also include scripts to be run after the installation of SecureClient.

The MSI Packaging Solution

MSI is a standard file format for application distribution in a Windows environment. Once a profile is created,
it is saved and may be distributed to SecuRemote and SecureClient users.
The MSI package installs SecuRemote/SecureClient Extended View with default settings and can be
customized using the command line based tool - cpmsi_tool.

Split Installation
When used with 3rd party software distribution systems, the connection to the distribution server is broken
once the SecuRemote/SecureClient kernel is installed; the result is that the distribution server is not aware
that the installation ended.
In order to resolve such cases a Split Install feature is available.

Creating a Preconfigured Package

The Packaging Tool wizard guides an administrator through the process of creating a preconfigured
SecureClient installation package. Each package can contain a different combination of a SecureClient
version and a pre-configured profile.
You create a package in two essential stages:
1. Configuring and saving a package profile. The profile contains all the settings to be installed by the
package by default.
2. Applying the profile to an existing installation package, thus creating a properly preconfigured package.

Creating a New Package Profile

1. To create a new profile, Select Profile > New. Enter the profile details and press Next.
2. The Packaging Tool wizard will guide you through the next several windows, in which you should
configure different parameters regarding the user's profile, such as policy, encryption, topology
(including Partial Topology information), certificates, client installation and logon parameters (SDL/Gina
DLLs). For information about these features, see the relevant chapters in the documentation.
3. After pre-configuring all of the client's settings, you will be presented with the Finish screen. In this
screen you can decide if Packaging Tool should continue to create a new package containing the
changes as they appear in the profile or finish the process of profile generation without creating a new
package. The options in this screen are:
• No, Create Profile only — The profile will be created according to the setting you have pre-defined
in the wizard and you will be returned to the main Packaging Tool window.
• Yes, Create profile and generate package — If you choose this option the profile you've created
will be saved and you will be taken to the package generation wizard. For instructions regarding this
wizard, proceed to Generating a Package (on page 185).
You can always create packages from a saved profile at a later time.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 184

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Generating a Package
This section describes how to generate a SecureClient package according to the settings defined in a
package profile.

Preparation
If you have not already prepared a base package, do so now, as follows:
1. Obtain an original SecureClient installation package. This package will be the base package, upon
which the Packaging Tool will create the new custom SecureClient package.
2. Copy the clean SecureClient package to an empty directory. If the package is zipped or tarred you
should unpack the package to the empty directory.
Once you have a base package, proceed as follows:
1. Run the SecureClient package generation wizard. You can run the wizard immediately after creating a
new package profile (by selecting Yes, Create profile and generate package), or from the main
Packaging Tool window by highlighting a previously created profile and selecting Profile>Generate.
2. You will be asked to enter a package source and destination folders.
Under Package source folder, select the directory in which the original SecureClient installation you
prepared in step 2 is located. Make sure you select the directory in which the SecureClient setup files
actually exist and not a higher level directory.
Under Package destination folder and file name, select an empty directory to which the new package
will be copied, and enter a name for the file being generated.
Press Next to continue to the next window.
3. If the package details cannot be extracted from the package, enter the package details (operating
system type, SecureClient version and service pack) when prompted. If the package details conflict with
another package, a prompt asks you to approve the replacement of the older package with the newer
one.
The Packaging Tool will perform the actions you requested.

Adding Scripts to a Package

To specify that a script should be run after the user installs or uninstalls SecureClient,
proceed as follows:
1. Edit the product.ini file.
2. To specify a post-installation script, add the file's name to the [install] section.
3. To specify a post-uninstallation script, add the file's name to the [uninstall] section.
The script should be accessible through the OS PATH variable.
The script is not part of the package, and should be transferred to the client separately.

Configuring MSI Packaging

To customize a profile used for remote users save the .msi file provided by Check Point. Once the file is
saved, configurable files may be extracted from the file, customized, and then placed back into the file.
To edit one of the configurable files:
1. Use cpmsi_tool <SC-MSI-package-name> out <file-name> to extract the file from the package.
2. Customize the file.
3. Use cpmsi_tool <SC-MSI-package-name> in <file-name> to insert the file back into the package.
The configurable files are:
• product.ini
• userc.c
• userc.set
• reg.ini

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 185

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• SecuRemoteAuthenticate.wav
• SecuRemoteConnected.wav
• SecuRemoteDisconnected.wav
• SecuRemoteFailed.wav
• logo.bmp
• logging.bat
• install_boot_policy.bat
• collect.bat
• scvins.bat
• scvuins.bat
• msfw.bat
• harden.bat

Add and Remove Files in Package

To add new files to the package:
cpmsi_tool <SC-MSI-package-name> add <file-name>
To remove a newly added file:
cpmsi_tool <SC-MSI-package-name> remove <file-name>

Installation Command Line Options

The following are the command line parameters.

Parameter Description

/i pkg_name Install

/x pkg_name Uninstall

/q Quiet installation

/l*v log_file_name Collect logs

Split Installation
To activate:
1. Set SplitKernelInstall=0 in the product.ini file.
2. Install the product except for the kernel.
3. An automatic reboot, initiated by the end user, will occur.
4. After the reboot, the automatic kernel installation takes place.
5. A second automatic reboot will occur

Debug
In order to debug the MSI installation, run the /l*v log_file_name_parameter. log_file_name and
install_securemote.elg are used for troubleshooting.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 186

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Zone Labs Endpoint Security Client

When installing the SecureClient MSI package with Zone Labs integration, use the following syntax:
msiexec /i <package_name> [ZL=1] [INSTALLDIR=<install_dir>] [/qr|/qb|/qb!]
• package_name - the SecureClient msi package name
• ZL=1 - install with Zone Labs configuration
• INSTALLDIR=<install_dir> - the folder where the package is installed
• [/qr|/qb|/qb!] - standard MSI UILevel support used for silent installation.
Using this command, the product.ini file is automatically modified.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 187

Chapter 23
Desktop Security
In This Section:
The Need for Desktop Security ............................................................................. 188
Desktop Security Solution ..................................................................................... 188
Desktop Security Considerations .......................................................................... 191
Configuring Desktop Security ............................................................................... 191

The Need for Desktop Security

A Security Gateway protects a network by enforcing a Security Policy on the traffic to and from that network
that passes through the Security Gateway. A remote client, located outside the protected network, is
vulnerable to attack because traffic to the remote client does not pass through the Security Gateway — no
Security Policy is enforced on this traffic.
There is a further danger: an attacker might gain access to a protected network by compromising a remote
client, which may in turn compromise the protected network (for example, by relaying a virus through the
VPN tunnel). Even if the Security Gateway enforces a very restrictive Security Policy, the LAN remains
vulnerable to attacks routed through unprotected remote clients.

Desktop Security Solution

Introducing Desktop Security
Check Point clients that include Desktop Security, such as Endpoint Security VPN, protect remote clients by
enforcing a Desktop Security Policy on the client. The administrator defines the Desktop Security Policy in
the Desktop Rule Base in SmartDashboard. Rules can be assigned either to specific user groups or to all
users, enabling the definition of flexible policies.
The Desktop Security Policy is downloaded by the Security Management Server to a Policy Server, a
module installed on a Security Gateway, which serves as a repository for the Desktop Security Policy. Client
machines download their Desktop Security Policies from the Policy Server.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 188

 Working with Remote Access VPN

When a client connects to the organization's Security Gateway to establish a VPN, it can connect to a Policy
Server as well and retrieve its Desktop Security Policy and begin enforcing it. Clients can accept, encrypt or
drop connections depending on their Source, Destination, and Service.

The Desktop Security Policy

The Desktop Security Policy is divided into two parts:
• Inbound rules — Enforced on connections destined to the client machine.
• Outbound rules — Enforced on connections originating from the client machine.
A rule in a Desktop Security Policy specifies the following:
• source
• destination
• service
• action (accept, drop, encrypt)
• track (log, alert)
Connections to machine inside the organization (i.e. all the machines in the VPN domain of the Security
Gateway) are automatically encrypted, even if the rule allowing them to pass is an accept rule.

Implied Rules
In addition to the inbound and outbound rules explicitly defined by the administrator, implicit "cleanup" rules
are automatically appended at the end of both the inbound and outbound policies:
• The outbound implicit rule allows all connections originating from the client machine, thus allowing
connections which do not match any of the previous rules.
• The inbound implicit rule blocks all connections destined to the client machine which do not match any
of the previous rules, on the assumption that what is not explicitly allowed is to be rejected.
User Granularity
You can define different rules for remote users based on location and user groups:
• Location — You can define a less restrictive policy for a user connecting from within the organization
and a more restrictive policy for the same user connecting from outside the organization. For example, a
user with Endpoint Security VPN installed on his laptop who connects from within the organization is
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 189
 Working with Remote Access VPN

less restricted and the same user connecting from outside from a hotel room is more has more
restrictions. This is done in the user's security Rule Base by configuring the location of the users for
which the rule should be implemented.
• User Groups — Define different rules for users in different user groups. For example, you can define
restrictive rules for ordinary users, but allow system administrators more access privileges.
In addition, you can define rules to be enforced for all remote users, by not specifying a specific user group,
but rather all users.
Rules do not specify individual users but rather user groups. Because the client does not know in which
groups the currently logged-in user belongs, it must get this information from the Policy Server. After the
client authenticates itself to the Policy Server, the Policy Server resolves the user groups to which the user
belongs and sends this information to the client. Then the client is able to enforce the rules defined for that
user. Rules can also be applied to radius groups on the RADIUS server.

Default Policy
When a client is started, and before it connects to the Policy Server, it enforces a "default policy," which
consists of the rules defined for all users in the last policy downloaded from the Policy Server. This is
because at this point, the client does not know to which groups the user belongs. The default policy is
enforced until the user downloads an updated policy (and the current user's groups information) from a
Policy server.
If a client loses its connection to the Policy Server, it enforces the default policy until the connection is
restored and a Policy is downloaded.

Policy Server
What is a Policy Server?
A Policy Server is installed on a Security Gateway, in the Gateway General Properties > Network
Software Blades tab. It serves as a repository for the Desktop Security Policy. Client machines download
their Desktop Security Policies from the Policy Server.

High Availability and Load Balancing

For load balancing and High Availability, you can configure multiple Policy Servers. Load balancing can be
especially important at times of high load, for example, when a large number of users log in at the beginning
of the work day.

Connect Mode
• High Availability between all Policy Servers, trying selected first — Clients always try the specified
Policy Server first. If this server is unavailable, the client randomly chooses a different server from
among the remaining servers.
• High Availability only among selected Policy Servers — Clients randomly choose a Policy Server
from the specified group. This option provides Load Balancing as well, since the load will be more
equally distributed among the Policy Servers.

Policy Download
When is a Policy Downloaded?
When a user creates a VPN site on the client, a list of Policy Servers is downloaded to the client machine. If
the user is using Connect mode (the default mode), a policy will be automatically downloaded from a Policy
Server when the client machine connects to the site. The automatic policy download can also be disabled
from the user's profile.

Policy Renewal
If a time-out is defined for a policy (default is 60 minutes), the client reconnects to the Policy Server to
download a new policy when half specified time period has elapsed. If more than one Policy Server is
defined (see High Availability and Load Balancing (on page 190)) the client tries to reconnect to the Policy
Server from which it last successfully downloaded a policy. If it cannot connect to that Policy Server, it will
try the others.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 190
 Working with Remote Access VPN

If the client cannot download a new policy from any Policy Server, it will try again after a fixed interval
(default is 5 minutes). If the client fails to download a new policy after the timeout expires, it will revert to the
default policy.

Logs and Alerts

Logs and alert specified Desktop Security Policy can be viewed using the SecureClient Diagnostics. In
addition, all alerts are saved and uploaded to the Security Management Server. When the client connects to
a Policy Server, it uploads the alerts to a spooling process, which passes the alerts to the Security
Management Server, where they can be viewed by the SmartView Tracker.

Desktop Security Considerations

Desktop Security Considerations
You should carefully plan your users policy, properly balancing considerations of security and convenience.
The policy should allow the desktop users to work as freely as possible, but at the same time make it hard to
attack the remote user's desktop. Here are some points to consider:
• You should not explicitly allow any service to be opened to clients (i.e. allow a service in the inbound
policy), unless the user has a specific server running on that port. Even if you do allow connections to be
opened to the client, be very careful about who is allowed to open the connection, and from where.
• A restrictive policy (e.g., allow only POP3, IMAP and HTTP and block all the rest) will make it more
difficult for your users to work. If you allow only specific services in the outbound policy and block all the
rest, every time you will find out that a certain service is needed by your users, you will have to change
the outbound policy and make sure the clients poll the new policy. The best way to implement the
outbound policy is to use rules only to block specific problematic services (such as Netbus) and allow
the rest.
• Outbound connections to the encryption domain of the organization are always encrypted, even if the
outbound rule for the service specifies "accept".
• Keep in mind that the implied rules (see Implied Rules (on page 189)) may allow or block services which
were not explicitly handled in previous rules. For example, if your client runs a server on his machine,
you must create an explicit rule allowing the connection to the client's machine. If you do not, the
connection will be blocked by the inbound implicit block rule.

Avoiding Double Authentication for Policy Server

When using Policy Server High Availability, it is possible that users will connect to the organization through
one Security Gateway and to a Policy Server which is installed on a different module. In this case they will
be prompted twice for authentication — once for the Security Gateway module and the other for the Policy
Server. If a user usually connects to the organization through a specific Security Gateway, and this Security
Gateway has a Policy Server module installed on it, this double authentication can be avoided by
configuring the user's profile to use the High Availability among all Policy Servers, trying selected first
option, and selecting the primary Policy Server as that one the Security Gateway through which the user
usually connects to the organization. This way, after the user authenticates to the Security Gateway, he will
automatically be authorized to download the security policy from the Policy Server installed on that Security
Gateway.

Configuring Desktop Security

Desktop Security must be configured on the server and on the client machine.

Server Side Configuration

1. Install the Policy Server add-on module from the Check Point installation DVD. The Policy Server add-
on should be installed only on machines that have Security Gateway modules installed on them.
2. Open the Security Gateway object on which you have installed a Policy Server and select the General
Properties tab. In the Check Point Products section select SecureClient Policy Server.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 191

 Working with Remote Access VPN

3. Go to the Authentication tab. In the Policy Server > Users section select a group of users that is
allowed to retrieve policies from this Policy Server.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each additional Policy Server.
5. Go to Policy > Global Properties and select the Remote Access tab. In Revert to Default Policy
after, select the time-out for desktop security policies (see Policy Renewal (on page 190)).
6. In the policy selection toolbar, select Desktop Security.
7. Configure the inbound rules. Using the Rules>Add Rule menu item, you can add rules to the policy.
In inbound rules, the SecureClient (the desktop) is the destination, and you can specify the users to
which the rule is to be applied.
8. Configure the outbound rules.
In outbound rules, the SecureClient (the desktop) is the source, and you can specify the users to which
the rule is to be applied.
9. Install the policy. Be sure to install both the Advanced Security policy on the Security Gateways and the
Desktop Security policy on your Policy Servers.

Client Side Configuration

1. Double click the SecureClient icon at the bottom right side of your desktop and press Properties.
2. Choose Logon to Policy Server if you wish to logon to a Policy Server automatically after connecting to
a site.
3. Select Support Policy Server High Availability if your site has several Policy Servers and you want
SecureClient to attempt to load balance between them. If you choose to use this feature you must select
one of the following:
• High Availability among all servers, trying selected first — Select the primary Policy Server.
• High Availability only among selected servers — Select the servers to which you wish to
connect.
As an administrator, you can eliminate the user's need to configure these steps by creating a custom profile
for them.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 192

Chapter 24
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Clients
In This Section:
The Need for Supporting L2TP Clients ................................................................. 193
Solution - Working with L2TP Clients.................................................................... 193
Considerations for Choosing Microsoft IPsec / L2TP Clients ............................... 196
Configuring Remote Access for Microsoft IPsec / L2TP Clients ........................... 196

The Need for Supporting L2TP Clients

For some organizations there are clear benefits to be gained by using the Microsoft IPsec client for remote
access to internal network, rather than the more feature rich and secure Check Point SecuRemote client /
Endpoint Security.
Reasons for using the Microsoft L2TP IPsec client include the fact that it is an inherent part of all Windows
operating systems, as well as Mac OS X and iOS, does not require an additional client to be installed, and is
free.

Solution - Working with L2TP Clients

Introduction to L2TP Clients
Check Point Security Gateways can create VPNs with a number of third party IPsec clients. This explanation
focuses on the Microsoft IPsec / L2TP client.
You can access a private network through the Internet by using a virtual private network (VPN) connection
with the Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP). L2TP is an industry-standard Internet tunneling protocol.
Creating a Remote Access environment for users with Microsoft IPsec / L2TP clients is based on the same
principles as those used for setting up Check Point Remote Access Clients. It is highly recommended to
read and understand Introduction to Remote Access VPN before attempting to configure Remote Access for
Microsoft IPsec / L2TP clients.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 193

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Establishing a VPN between a IPsec / L2TP Client and a Gateway

To allow the user at the Microsoft IPsec / L2TP client to access a network resource protected by a Security
Gateway, a VPN tunnel is established between the Microsoft IPsec / L2TP client and the Security Gateway,
as shown below.

The process of the VPN establishment is transparent to the user, and works as follows:
1. A user at an IPsec / L2TP client initiates a connection to a Security Gateway.
2. The IPsec / L2TP client starts an IKE (Internet Key Exchange) negotiation with the peer Security
Gateway. The identities of the remote client machine and the Security Gateway may be authenticated
one of these ways:
• Through exchange of certificates.
• Through pre-shared keys. Note - this option is less secure, since pre-shared key is shared among
all L2TP clients.
Only authenticated machine can establish a connection.
3. Both peers exchange encryption keys, and the IKE negotiation ends.
4. Encryption is now established between the client and the Security Gateway. All connections between
the client and the Security Gateway are encrypted inside this VPN tunnel, using the IPsec standard.
5. The Client starts a short L2TP negotiation, at the end of which the client can pass to the Security
Gateway L2TP frames that are IPsec encrypted and encapsulated.
6. The Security Gateway now authenticates the user at the Microsoft IPsec / L2TP client. This
authentication is in addition to the client machine authentication in step 3. This identification can happen
via two methods.
• A Certificate
• An MD5 challenge, whereby the user is asked to enter a username and a password (pre-shared
secret)
• A username and a password
7. The Security Gateway allocates to the remote client an Office Mode IP address to make the client
routable to the internal network. The address can be allocated from all of the Office Mode methods.
8. The Microsoft IPsec / L2TP client connects to the Security Gateway, and can browse and connect to
locations in the internal network.

Security Gateway Requirements for IPsec / L2TP

In order to use Microsoft IPsec / L2TP clients, the Security Gateway must be set up for remote access. The
setup is very similar to that required for remote access using Check Point Remote Access Clients, and
involves creating a Remote Access community that includes the Security Gateways and the user groups.
An additional requirement is to configure the Security Gateway to supply addresses to the clients by means
of the Office Mode feature.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 194

 Working with Remote Access VPN

L2TP Global Configuration

Certain settings related to L2TP authentication can be configured globally for Security Gateways of version
R71 and higher. These setting are configured in the global properties configuration section of the
SmartDashboard.
All L2TP clients can be configured to use a Pre-shared key for IKE in addition to the standard user
authentication.

Note - IKE Security Association created for L2TP cannot be used for regular IPsec traffic.

Authentication of Users
There are two methods used to authenticate an L2TP connection:
• Using Legacy Authentication
• Using certificates
Authentication Methods
L2TP clients can use any of the following Authentication schemes to establish a connection:
• Check Point password
• OS password
• RADIUS
• LDAP
• TACACS
Using a username and password verifies that a user is who they claim to be. All users must be part of the
Remote Access community and be configured for Office Mode.

Certificates
During the process of establishing the L2TP connection, two sets of authentication are performed. First, the
client machine and the Security Gateway authenticate each other's identity using certificates. Then, the user
at the client machine and the Security Gateway authenticate each other using either certificates or a pre-
shared secret.
The Microsoft IPsec / L2TP client keeps separate certificates for IKE authentication of the client machine,
and for user authentication.
On the Security Gateway, if certificates are used for user authentication, then the Security Gateway can use
the same certificate or different certificates for user authentication and for the IKE authentication.
Certificates for both clients and users can be issued by the same CA or a different CA. The users and the
client machines are defined separately as users in SmartDashboard.
Certificates can be issued by:
• The Internal Certificate Authority (ICA) on the Security Management Server, or
• An OPSEC certified Certificate Authority.
Authenticating the Client Machine During IKE
The Microsoft IPsec / L2TP client machine needs a certificate to authenticate itself to the Security Gateway
during IKE negotiation.
The computer account (we call it the machine account) must use PKI and must be in the Remote Access
community. It is not affected by the authentication scheme in the Remote Access tab in the GUI. It may or
may not be a good idea to use the same certificate (and "machine" user) for all clients. You can use an
internal CA certificate with no problem for this user. It makes no difference if the authentication tab is
defined or not.
The user account is more important, because that is the basis for rule matches and logs. This may use
either MD5-challenge (passwords) or certificates. If you choose MD5-challenge, the certificate selection in
the remote access tab is irrelevant. As for the user definition, it makes no difference how, if at all, the

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 195

 Working with Remote Access VPN

authentication tab is defined. The password is always the shared secret defined in the encryption tab. Note
that this behavior differs from that of SecureClient, where passwords in the authentication tab override
shared secrets from the encryption tab.
The client machine administrator must install the certificate in the machine certificate store.

Authenticating the User

Connecting with Microsoft IPsec / L2TP clients requires that every user be authenticated. Users can be
authenticated with:
• Certificates, or
• Using an MD5 challenge, whereby the user is asked to enter a username and a password (pre-shared
secret). The user must be informed of the password "out-of-band", or
• Passwords
The user certificate can be easily added to the user certificate store. If the user certificate is on a Smart
Card, plugging it into the client machine will automatically place the certificate into the certificate store.

User Certificate Purposes

It is possible to make sure that PKI certificates are used only for a defined purpose. A certificate can have
one or more purposes, such as "client authentication", "server authentication", "IPsec" and "email signing".
Purposes appear in the Extended Key Usage extension in the certificate.
The certificates used for IKE authentication do not need any purposes. For the user authentication, the
Microsoft IPsec / L2TP client requires that
• The user certificate must have the "client authentication" purpose.
• The Security Gateway certificate must have the "server authentication" purpose.
Most CAs (including the ICA) do not specify such purposes by default. This means that the CA that issues
certificates for IPsec / L2TP clients must be configured to issue certificates with the appropriate purposes (in
the Extended Key Usage extension).
It is possible to configure the ICA on the Security Management Server so that the certificates it issues will
have these purposes. For OPSEC certified CAs, it is possible to configure the Security Management Server
to create a certificate request that includes purposes (in the Extended Key Usage extension).
It is also possible to configure the Microsoft IPsec / L2TP clients so that they do not validate the Security
Gateway certificate during the L2TP negotiation. This is not a security problem because the client has
already verified the Security Gateway certificate during IKE negotiation.

Considerations for Choosing Microsoft IPsec / L2TP Clients

Check Point Endpoint Security VPN is much more than a personal firewall. It is a complete desktop security
solution that allows the administrator to define a full desktop security policy for the client. IPsec / L2TP
clients are more basic remote clients, and for some organizations may provide an adequate set of
capabilities.

Configuring Remote Access for Microsoft IPsec / L2TP Clients

Establishing a Remote Access VPN for Microsoft IPsec / L2TP clients requires configuration to be
performed both on the Security Gateway and on the client machine. The configuration is the same as setting
up Check Point Remote Access Clients, with a few additional steps. It is highly recommended to read and
understand Introduction to Remote Access VPN before configuring Remote Access for Microsoft IPsec /
L2TP clients.
The general procedure is as follows:
1. Using SmartDashboard, configure a Remote Access environment, including generating authentication
credentials (normally certificates) for the users.
2. Configure support for Office Mode and L2TP on the Security Gateway.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 196

 Working with Remote Access VPN

3. On the client machine, place the user certificate in the User Certificate Store, and the client machine
certificate in the Machine Certificate Store.
4. On the client machine, set up the Microsoft IPsec / L2TP client connection profile.
Configuration details are described in the following sections.

Configuring a Remote Access Environment

Follow the instructions in VPN for Remote Access Configuration.

Defining the Client Machines and their Certificates

1. Define a user that corresponds to each client machine, or one user for all machines, and generate a
certificate for each client machine user. The steps are the same as those required to define users and
their certificate.
2. Add users that correspond to the client machines to a user group, and add the user group to the Remote
Access VPN community.

Configuring Office Mode and L2TP Support

1. Configure Office Mode. For detailed instructions, see Configuring Office Mode (on page 177).
2. On the Security Gateway object, IPsec VPN > Remote Access page, check Support L2TP.
3. Select the Authentication Method for the users:
• To use certificates, choose Smart Card or other Certificates (encryption enabled).
• To use a username and a shared secret (password), choose MD5-challenge.
4. For Use this certificate, select the certificate that the Security Gateway presents in order to
authenticate itself to users. This certificate is used if certificates are the chosen Authentication Method
for users, in step 3.

Preparing the Client Machines

1. In the Windows Services window of the client machine, make sure that the IPsec Policy Agent is
running. It should preferably be set to Automatic.
2. Make sure that no other IPsec Client is installed on the machine.

Placing the Client Certificate in the Machine Certificate Store

1. Log in to the client machine with administrator permissions.
2. Run the Microsoft Management Console. Click Start > Run
3. Type: MMC, and press Enter.
4. Select Console > Add/Remove Snap-In.
5. In the Standalone tab, click Add.
6. In the Add Standalone Snap-in window, select Certificates.
7. In the Certificates snap-in window, select Computer account.
8. In the Select Computer window select the computer (whether local or not) where the new certificates
have been saved.
9. Click Finish to complete the process and click Close to close the Add/Remove Snap- in window.
10. The MMC Console window is displayed, where a new certificates branch has been added to the
Console root.
11. Right-click on the Personal entry of the Certificates branch and select All Tasks > Import. A
Certificate Import Wizard is displayed.
12. In the Certificate Import Wizard, browse to the location of the certificate.
13. Enter the certificate file password.
14. In the Certificate Store window make sure that the certificate store is selected automatically based on
the certificate type.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 197

 Working with Remote Access VPN

15. Select Finish to complete the Import operation.

Using the MMC, the certificate can be seen in the certificate store for the "Local Computer".

Placing the User Certificate in the User Certificate Store

1. On the client machine, double-click on the user's certificate icon (the .p12 file) in the location where it is
saved. A Certificate Import Wizard is displayed
2. Enter the password.
3. In the Certificate Store window make sure that the certificate store is selected automatically based on
the certificate type.
4. Select Finish to complete the Import operation.
Using the MMC, the certificate can be seen in the certificate store for the "current user".

Setting up the Microsoft IPsec/L2TP Client Connection Profile

Once the Client machine's certificate and the user's certificate have been properly distributed, set up the
L2TP connection profile.
1. In the client machine, right-click on the My Network Places icon on the desktop and select Properties.
2. In the Network and Dial-up Connections window, select Make New Connection. The Network
Connection Wizard is displayed.
3. In the Network Connection Type window: On Windows 2000 machines select Connect to a private
network through the Internet. On Windows XP machines select VPN or dial-up, and in the next
window select VPN.
4. In the Destination Address window, enter the IP address or the resolvable host name of the Security
Gateway.
5. In the Connection Availability window, make the new connection available For all users or Only for
myself.
6. In the closing window, provide a name for the new connection, for example, L2TP_connection.
7. The Connect window for the new connection type is displayed.
To complete the L2TP connection configuration, proceed as follows. Note that the order is
important:
1. In the Connect window, click Properties.
2. In the Networking tab, select the L2TP server.
3. In the Security tab, choose Advanced > Settings, and select Use extensible Authentication
protocols or Allow these protocols.
If you select Use extensible Authentication protocols: Choose either MD5-challenge, or Smart Card
or other Certificates (encryption enabled). Make the same choice as made on the Security Gateway.
If you select Allow these protocols: Choose Unencrypted password (PAP).
For more information, see Configuring Office Mode and L2TP Support (on page 197).
4. Click OK to save the configured settings and to return to the Connect window.
5. In the Connect window, enter the user name and password or select a certificate.

Configuring User Certificate Purposes

A CA that issues certificates for IPsec/L2TP clients must be configured to issue certificates with the
appropriate purposes.
Alternatively, the Microsoft IPsec/L2TP Client can be set to not require the "Server Authentication" purpose
on the Security Gateway certificate.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 198

 Working with Remote Access VPN

To configure the CA to Issue Certificates with Purposes

1. If using the ICA, run the ICA Management Tool.
• Change the property IKE Certificate Extended Key Usage property to the value 1, to issue
Security Gateway certificates with the "server authentication" purpose.
• Change the property IKE Certificate Extended Key Usage to the value 2 to issue user certificates
with the "client authentication" purpose.
If using an OPSEC certified CA to issue certificates, use the DBedit command line or GuiDBedit, the
graphical Database Tool to change the value of the global property cert_req_ext_key_usage to 1.
This will cause the Security Management Server to request a certificate that has purposes
(Extended Key Usage extension) in the certificate.
2. Using SmartDashboard, issue a new certificate for the Security Gateway. (In the VPN page, in the
Certificate List section click Add. A new Certificate Properties window opens.) Look at the certificate
properties and check that the Extended Key Usage Extension appears in the certificate.
3. In the Remote Access page of the Security Gateway object, in the L2TP Support section, select the
new certificate.

To Configure the Microsoft IIPsec/L2TP Clients so they do not Check for the "Server
Authentication" Purpose
The following procedure tells the Microsoft IPsec/L2TP Client not to require the "Server Authentication"
purpose on the Security Gateway certificate.
1. In the client machine, right-click on the My Network Places icon on the desktop and select Properties.
2. In the Network and Dial-up Connections window, double click the L2TP connection profile.
3. Click Properties, and select the Security tab.
4. Select Advanced (custom settings), and click Settings.
5. In the Advanced Security Settings window, under Logon security, select Use Extensible
Authentication Protocol (EAP), and click Properties.
6. In the Smart Card or other Certificate Properties window, uncheck Validate server certificate, and
click OK.

Note - The client validates all aspects of the Security Gateway certificate, during IKE
authentication, other than the "Server Authentication" purpose.

Making the L2TP Connection

1. Click on Connect to make the L2TP connection.
2. To view the IP address assigned to the connection, either view the Details tab in the connection Status
window, or use the ipconfig /all command.

For More Information

For more information about how to configure advanced capabilities for Microsoft IPsec/L2TP clients, see
• Non-Private Client IP Addresses (on page 232).
• Enabling IP Address per User (on page 174).
• Back Connections (Server to Client) (on page 237).
The L2TP protocol is defined in RFC 2661. Encryption of L2TP using IPsec is described in RFC 3193. For
information about the L2TP protocol and the Microsoft IPsec/L2TP client, see the Network and Dial Up
Connections Help in Windows 2000 and XP.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 199

Chapter 25
Secure Configuration Verification
In This Section:
The Need to Verify Remote Client's Security Status ............................................ 200
The Secure Configuration Verification Solution .................................................... 200
Considerations regarding SCV ............................................................................. 203
Configuring SCV ................................................................................................... 203

Note - The procedures in this section are relevant for SecureClient. For other clients, see
the most updated documentation for that client
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

The Need to Verify Remote Client's Security Status

Network and Firewall administrators can easily control computers inside their organization. In a Microsoft
domain based environment, this is done by controlling the user's privileges through the network domain
controller. The administrator can disable hazardous components such as Java and ActiveX controls in
browsers, install Anti-Virus checkers and make sure they are running correctly.
In the case of remote users, the administrator's options are limited, because remote users access the
organization from outside the LAN (e.g., across the Internet), and are usually unable to connect to the
domain. The administrator cannot control and verify their configuration through the domain controller.
For example, suppose the remote user has ActiveX enabled, and connects to a website containing a
malicious ActiveX control which infects his or her computer. When the remote user connects to the
organization's LAN, the LAN becomes vulnerable as well.
Even a properly configured Desktop Security Policy, important as it is, does not afford protection against this
type of attack, because the attack does not target a vulnerability in the access control to the user's machine,
but rather takes advantage of the vulnerable configuration of applications on the client.

The Secure Configuration Verification Solution

Introducing Secure Configuration Verification
Secure Configuration Verification (SCV) enables the administrator to monitor the configuration of remote
computers, to confirm that the configuration complies with the organization's Security Policy, and to block
connectivity for machines that do not comply. SCV does not replace the Desktop Security Policy, but
complements it. SCV strengthens enterprise security by ensuring SecureClient machines are configured in
accordance with the enterprise Security Policy.
SCV is a platform for creating and using SCV checks. SCV checks include sets of conditions that define a
securely configured client system, such as the user's browser configuration, the current version of the Anti-
Virus software installed on the desktop computer, the proper operation of the personal firewall policy, etc.
These security checks are performed at pre-defined intervals by SecureClient. Depending on the results of
the SCV checks, the Security Gateway decides whether to allow or block connections from the client to the
LAN.
Check Point's SCV solution comes with a number of predefined SCV checks for the operating system and
user's browser, and it also allows OPSEC partners, such as Anti-Virus software manufacturers, to add SCV
checks for their own products.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 200

 Working with Remote Access VPN

How does SCV work?

SCV works in six steps:
1. Installing SCV plugins on the client.
2. Configuring and SCV Policy on the Security Management Server.
3. Downloading the SCV Policy to the Client.
4. Verifying the SCV Policy.
5. Runtime SCV checks.
6. Making the organizational Security Policy SCV aware.

Installing SCV Plugins on the Client

SCV checks are performed through special DLLs which check elements of the client's configuration and
return the results of these checks. An SCV application registers its SCV DLLs in the system registry.
The first step in configuring SCV is for the administrator to install the applications that provide the SCV
checks on the client. During installation, these applications register themselves as SCV plug-ins and write a
hash value of their SCV DLLs to prevent tampering.

Configuring an SCV Policy on the Security Management Server

An SCV Policy is a set of rules or conditions based on the checks that the SCV plug-ins provide. These
conditions define the requested result for each SCV check, and on the basis of the results, the client is
classified as securely configured or non-securely configured. For example, an administrator who wishes to
disallow a file-sharing application would define a rule in the SCV Policy verifying that the file-sharing
application process is not running.

Note - The SCV check described in this example is among the pre-
defined SCV checks included with Security Management Server (see
Check Point SCV Checks (on page 202)). This check must be
configured to test for the specific process.

If all the SCV tests return the required results, the client is considered to be securely configured. If even one
of the SCV tests returns an unexpected result, the client is considered to be non-securely configured.

Downloading the SCV Policy to the Client

When SecureClient downloads its Desktop Policy from the Policy Server, it downloads its SCV Policy at the
same time.

Verifying the SCV Policy

After downloading the SCV Policy, SecureClient confirms that the SCV DLL's specified in the SCV Policy
have not been tampered with by calculating their hash values and comparing the results with the hash
values specified for the DLLs when they were installed (see Installing SCV Plugins on the Client (see
"Installing SCV Plugins on the Client" on page 201)).

Runtime SCV Checks

At regular intervals (default is every 15 seconds), SecureClient performs the SCV checks specified in the
SCV Policy by invoking the SCV DLLs, and compares the results to the SCV Policy. The SCV Policy can be
configured to display a popup notification on non-securely configured clients and/or send a log to the
Security Management Server.

Making the Organizational Security Policy SCV-Aware

SecureClient is now able to determine whether the client is securely configured. Once all the organization's
clients have been configured according to the previous steps, the administrator specifies the actions to be
taken on the Security Gateway based on the client's SCV status. For example, the administrator can specify
that non-securely configured clients cannot access some or all of the resources on the corporate LAN,
protecting the organization from the dangers associated with the client's poor security configuration.
The administrator can choose whether to enforce SCV for remote clients. If SCV is enforced, only securely
configured clients are allowed access under the rule. If SCV is not enforced, all clients are allowed access
under the rule.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 201
 Working with Remote Access VPN

In simplified mode, this is configured globally. In traditional mode, this is configured individually for each rule.
See Server Side Configuration (on page 204) for more information.
When the client connects to a Security Gateway, an IKE negotiation takes place between SecureClient and
the Security Gateway. If the Security Gateway Security Policy requires an SCV check to be made, the
Security Gateway holds the connection while it checks if the client is securely configured (checked by SCV).
If the Security Gateway already knows the client's SCV status (i.e., the SCV status was checked in the last 5
minutes), then:
• If the client is securely configured, the Security Gateway allows the connection.
• If the client is not securely configured, the Security Gateway either drops the connection, or accepts and
logs it (this behavior is configurable).
If the Security Gateway does not know the client's SCV status, it initiates an SCV check by sending an
ICMP unreachable error message containing an SCV query to the client. When a client gets this SCV query,
it tries to determine its SCV status. In Connect mode, the client also connects to a Policy Server to
download an updated SCV Policy. In parallel, when the client gets the SCV query, it starts sending SCV
status replies to the Security Gateway via UDP port 18233 every 20 seconds for 5 minutes. These replies
are used as a keep-alive mechanism, in order to keep the user's connection alive in the Security Gateway
state tables while the client is trying to determine its SCV status. The keep alive packets also allow the user
to open subsequent connections in the 5 minute period in which they are sent without a need for further
SCV queries. When the client determines its SCV status, it sends an SCV reply containing the status back
to the Security Gateway via UDP port 18233. When the Security Gateway receives the SCV status of the
user, it decides how to handle the user's connection.

SCV Checks
Check Point SCV Checks
A number of SCV checks are provided as part of the SecureClient installation, including:
• SC_VER_SCV — a version check that verifies that the SecureClient version is up to date, according to
the administrator's specification.
• Network Configuration Monitor — verifies that:
• the Desktop Policy is enforced by SecureClient on all network interface cards
• non-IP protocols are not enabled on any interface
• OS Monitor — verifies the remote user's Operating System version, Service Pack, and Screen Saver
configuration (activation time, password protection, etc.).
• Hotfix Monitor — verifies that operating system security patches are installed, or not installed.
• Group Monitor — verifies whether the user had logged on the machine and that the user is a member
of certain Domain User Groups specified by the administrator.
• Process Monitor — checks whether a specified process is running on the client machine (e.g. that a file
sharing application is not running, or that Anti-Virus software is running). Process Monitor may also
check whether a process is not running.
• user_policy_scv — checks the state of the desktop policy, i.e. whether the user is logged on to a policy
server, and whether the desktop policy is recent.
• Browser Monitor — verifies the Internet Explorer version and specific IE configuration settings, such as
various Java and ActiveX options.
• Registry Monitor — verifies that a certain key or value is present in the system registry. RegMonitor
may check not only for the existence/exclusion of keys but also their content.
• ScriptRun — runs a specified executable on SecureClient machine and tests the return code of the
executable (e.g. a script that checks whether a certain file is present and sets a return code
accordingly). ScriptRun can run a script which performs additional configuration checks.
• Anti-Virus Monitor — detects whether an Anti-Virus program is running and checks its version.
Supported Anti-Virus programs: Norton, Trend Office Scan, and McAfee.
• SCVMonitor — verifies the version of the SCV product, specifically the versions of the SCV DLLs
installed on the client's machine.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 202

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• HWMonitor — verifies the CPU type, family, and model.

Third Party SCV Checks
SCV checks can be written by third party vendors using Check Point's OPSEC SCV SDK. After these
applications are installed, the administrator can use these SCV checks in the SCV Policy.

Additional Script Elements

• SCVpolicy — selects SCV checks out of the ones defined in SCVNames (see: SCVNames (on page
207)) that will run on the user's desktop.
• SCVGlobalParams — is used to define general SCV parameters.
A network administrator can easily enable a set of specific SCV checks (e.g. only check that the user's
SecureClient is enforcing a security policy) or as many SCV checks as required (e.g. all of the above SCV
checks). The SCV checks are performed independently by the SCV Dynamic Link Libraries, and
SecureClient checks their status through the SCV plugins every 15 seconds, and determines whether the
user is securely configured or not. If one or more of the tests fails, the SecureClient is considered to be non-
securely configured.

Note - To enforce a specific SCV check, set the parameters of the

check in the SCVNames section, and include the name of the check in
SCVPolicy

Considerations regarding SCV

The following sections describe things that are important to know before configuring SCV.

Planning the SCV Policy

The file $FWDIR/conf/local.scv on the Security Management Server contains a sample of a basic SCV
policy for checks that are supplied with any SCV installation. You can review this file to help you decide
which SCV tests to perform. If you need additional SCV checks for OPSEC products, such as Anti-Virus and
Endpoint Security SCV checks, visit: http://www.opsec.com.

User Privileges
To implement SCV effectively, it is suggested that you consider not to allow your remote users to have
administrative privileges on their desktops. Giving the users administrative privileges can allow them to
change system settings and cause SCV tests to fail. A desktop which fails an SCV check is a potential
security threat to the organization.
For example, as an administrator you may want to configure the user's browser not to allow him to download
Java applets from websites. A normal user will not be able to download these applets, but a user with
administrative privileges can override the browser's configuration. A properly defined SCV policy can
indicate that the browser's configuration had changed and trigger a proper action on the Security Gateway
side. However, if the user is allowed by the Security Gateway to pass to the LAN - either by a wrong
configuration of the SCV policy or lack of enforcement of the user's SCV status on the Security Gateway
side - then the user's desktop will become a potential security risk to the LAN.
The SCV policy itself is protected. Users can not change the SCV policy definition files they receive, even if
they have administrative rights. The SCV policy files supplied to the client are signed before arriving to the
client and checked against their signature by SecureClient. If the signatures do not match, the SCV check
fails.

Configuring SCV
Configuring SCV involves setting it up on the server, setting it up on the client, and configuring SCV policy.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 203

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Server Side Configuration

1. First you need to configure several general parameters regarding SCV. Open your SmartDashboard and
go to Policy > Global Properties and select the Remote Access > Secure Configuration Verification
(SCV) tab. This tab has several options:
• Apply Secure Configurations on Simplified Mode - Specifies whether all remote access rules in
the simplified policy mode should have the SCV flag turned on.
• Upon Verification failure - Specifies the action that should be performed when the client fails one
or more SCV checks. The options are to Block the client's connection or to Accept it and send a log
about the event.
• Basic configuration verification on client's machine - Specifies whether SecureClient should
perform SCV checks to determine whether the policy is installed on all network interfaces cards on
the client's desktop, and whether only TCP/IP protocols are installed on these interfaces.
• Configurations Violation Notification on client's machine - Specifies whether a log record should
be saved on the Security Management Server machine indicating that a remote user is not verified
by SCV (this is a general indication, without a specification of a certain SCV check the user's
desktop had failed).
2. Close the Global Properties screen.
3. If you are using simplified mode (the mode that supports VPN communities), skip this step. If you are
using traditional mode, edit your Security Policy Rule Base and add SCV checks for your remote access
rules (Client Encrypt or Client Auth rules). To enable SCV for a remote access rule, right click on the
action tab of the rule and choose Edit properties > Apply rule Only if Desktop Configuration is
Verified. Close the properties screen by pressing OK.
4. Edit the local.scv file in the $FWDIR/conf directory and configure the SCV policy. For more information,
see SCV Policy Syntax (on page 204) and The local.scv Sets (on page 207).
5. Install the policy - In the policy install dialog box select the Advanced Security policy for the Security
Gateways and the Desktop Security policy for the Policy Servers.

Client Side Configuration

1. If you intend to use an OPSEC SCV application, install the application on the client and enable the
application's integration with SCV (see the application's documentation for information on how to do
this).
2. Start SecureClient and connect to the Security Gateway to receive the SCV Policy. See: Desktop
Security for more information.

SCV Policy Syntax

The SCV Policy is configured by the administrator in the text file $FWDIR/conf/local.scv. This file can be
edited either manually by the administrator using a text editor or using a tool called SCVEditor, available at:
http://www.opsec.com. The local.scv file is a policy file, containing sets, subsets and expressions.

Note - In general, you can use the pre-defined checks (in the
SCVNames section of the local.scv file) as templates and list the
modified checks in the SCV Policy section, without writing new SCV
subsets.

Sets and Sub-sets

Each set has a certain purpose which was predefined for it. For example, one set can be used to define
certain parameters, another could specify certain actions that should take place in a certain event etc. Sets
are differentiated by their names and hierarchy in a recursive manner. Each set can have a sub-set, and
each sub-set can have a sub-set of its own and so on. Subsets can also contain logical expressions. Sets
and sub-sets with more than one sub-sets/conditions are delimited by left and right parentheses (), and start
with the set/sub-set name. Differentiation between sub-sets/expressions with the same hierarchy is done
using the colon :. For example:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 204

 Working with Remote Access VPN

(SetName
:SubSetName1 (
:ExpressionName1_1 (5)
:ExpressionName1_2 (false)
)
:SubSetName2 (
:ExpressionName2_1 (true)
:SubSetName2_1 (
:ExpressionName2_1_1 (10)
)
)
)
In the example above the set named SetName has two subsets: SubSetName1 and SubSetName2.
SubSetName1 has two conditions in it (ExpressionName1_1 and ExpressionName1_2). SubSetName2
has one condition (ExpressionName2_1) and one subset (SubSetName2_1) in it. SubSetName2_1 has
one condition as well (ExpressionName2_1_1).

Expressions
Expressions are evaluated by checking the value of the expression (which corresponds to an SCV check)
and comparing it with the value defined for the expression (the value in the parentheses). For example, in
the browser monitor SCV check provided with SecureClient, you can specify the following expression:

:browser_major_version (5)

This expression checks whether the version of the Internet Explorer browser installed on the client is 5.x. If
the (major) version is 5, this expression is evaluated as true, otherwise it is evaluated as false. The name of
the expression (e.g. "browser_major_version") is determined by the SCV application and is supplied by
manufacturer.
If several expressions appear one after the other, they are logically ANDed, meaning that only if all
expressions are evaluated as true, then the value of all of them taken together is true. Otherwise (if even
one of the expressions is false), the value of all of them is false. For example:
:browser_major_version (5)
:browser_minor_version (0)
These expressions are ANDed. If the version of Internet Explorer is 5 AND the minor version is 0 (i.e.
version 5.0), then the result is true, otherwise it is false. If the version of Internet Explorer is, for example,
4.0, then the first expression is false and the second one is true, and the result of both of them is false.
Sometimes, some expressions can influence the way in which others are evaluated. For example:
:browser_major_version (5)
:browser_minor_version (0)
:browser_version_operand (">=")
These expressions are ANDed, but the third expression influences the way that the first and second ones
are evaluated. In the example above, if the version of Internet Explorer is greater than or equal to (">=") 5.0,
then the result is true, otherwise it is false. If the version of Internet Explorer is, for example, 4.5, then the
result is false, if the version is 5.1 or higher than the result is true.

Logical Sections
As mentioned earlier, subsequent expressions are automatically ANDed. However, sometimes it is
necessary to perform a logical OR between expressions, instead of logical AND. This is done by using
labels:
The begin_or (orX) label - this label starts a section containing several expressions. The end of this section
is marked by a end (orX) label (X should be replaced with a number which differentiates between different
sections OR sections). All of expressions inside this section are logically ORed, producing a single value for
the section. For example:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 205

 Working with Remote Access VPN

:begin_or(or1)
:browser_major_version (5)
:browser_major_version (6)
:end(or1)
This section checks whether the version of Internet Explorer is 5 OR 6 - if it is then the result is true,
otherwise it is false.
The begin_and (andX) label - this label is similar to the begin_or (orX) label, but the expressions inside are
evaluated and logically ANDed. The end of this section is marked by a end (andX) or the end (orX) label.
As mentioned earlier, simple subsequent expressions are automatically ANDed. The reason that this label
exists is to allow nested ANDed sections inside ORed sections. For example, if an administrator considers
old browsers as secure since they do not have a lot of potentially unsafe components, and new browsers as
secure, since they contain all the latest security patches, he can define the following SCV rules:
:begin_or (or1)
:begin_and (and1)
:browser_major_version (5)
:browser_minor_version (0)
:browser_version_operand (">=")
:end (and1)
:begin_and (and2)
:browser_major_version (3)
:browser_minor_version (0)
:browser_version_operand ("<=")
:end (and2)
:end (or1)
In the example above, the first AND section checks whether the version of IE >= 5.0, the second AND
section checks whether the version of IE is <=3.0 and they are ORed. The entire example is evaluated as
true only if the version of IE is larger than (or equal to) 5.0 OR lower than (or equal to) 3.0.

Expressions and Labels with Special Meanings

There are several expressions and labels which have special meaning:
• begin_admin (admin) - this label starts a section defining several actions which are performed only if
the client is considered as non-SCVed by previous expressions in the subset (i.e. if previous
expressions in the subset have returned a value of false). The end of this section is marked by the end
(admin) label.
• send_log (type) - This expression is used as part of the begin_admin (admin) - end (admin) section,
and determines whether to send a log to the Security Management Server (and the client's diagnostic
tool) specifying that the client is not SCVed.
The word type should be replace by the type of log to send, such as log/alert. Alert means sending a
log to the Security Management Server, while log means sending the log to the remote client's
diagnostic tool.
• mismatchmessage ("Message") - This expression is used as part of the begin_admin (admin) - end
(admin) section, and specifies that a popup message should be shown on the remote user's desktop,
indicating the problem. The text in the inverted commas (Message) should be replaced by a meaningful
text which should instruct the client about the possible sources of the problem and the action he should
perform.
For example:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 206

 Working with Remote Access VPN

:browser_major_version (5)
:browser_minor_version (0)
:browser_version_operand (">=")
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("The version of your Internet Explorer browser is old.
For security reasons, users with old browsers are not allowed to access
the local area network of the organization. Please upgrade your Internet
Explorer to version 5.0 or higher. If you require assistance in upgrading
or additional information on the subject, please contact your network
administrator.")
:end (admin)
In this example, if the user's IE browser's version is lower than 5.0, an alert is sent to the Security
Management Server machine and a popup message is shown to the user with indication of the problem.

The local.scv Sets

The local.scv policy files contains one set called SCVObject. This set must always be present and contains
all the subsets which deal with the SCV checks and parameters. Currently SCVObject has 3 subsets:
• SCVNames - This section is the main SCV policy definition section, in which all of the SCV checks and
actions are defined. This is the definition part of the SCV policy, and doesn't actually determine the SCV
checks that will be performed. In this section sets of tests are defined. Later on, the administrator will
choose from these sets those he wants to run on the user's desktop.
• SCVPolicy - This section specifies the names of the SCV checks that should actually be performed on
the client's machine, from the SCV checks defined in SCVNames.
• SCVGlobalParams - This section contains some global SCV parameters.
SCVNames
In this section the administrator specifies the names and different checks for the SCV products. Here is a
general definition of an SCV check subset of SCVNames:
: (SCVCheckName1
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:Expression1 (value)
:Expression2 (value)
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("Failure Message")
:end (admin)
)
)
The test section begins with the name of the SCV check (SCVCheckName1). SCVCheckName1 defines the
name of the set of tests. It is defined in the SCV application and should be provided by the SCV
manufacturer. The type (plugin) expression specifies that the test is performed by an SCV DLL plugin. The
parameters subset is where the SCV rules and actions are defined. The type (plugin) expression and the
parameters subset should always be specified when defining a subset of SCV checks (such as
SCVCheckName1).

SCVPolicy
This section defines the names of the SCV checks that should be enforced (the names are part of the SCV
check names specified in SCVNames). This section's general structure is:
:SCVPolicy (
:(SCVCheckName1)
:(SCVCheckName2)
)
Note - there is a space between the colon (:) and the opening brace.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 207

 Working with Remote Access VPN

The Difference between SCVNames and SCVPolicy

• The SCVNames section defines the different parameters for the checks.
• The SCVPolicy section states which checks are enforced.
To enforce a specific SCV check:
• Set the check's parameters in SCVNames.
• Include the name of the check in SCVPolicy.
SCVGlobalParams
This section includes global parameters for SCV.
:SCVGlobalParams (
:enable_status_notifications (true)
:status_notifications_timeout (10)
:disconnect_when_not_verified (false)
:block_connections_on_unverified (false)
:scv_policy_timeout_hours (24)
:enforce_ip_forwarding (true)
:not_verified_script ("myscript.bat")
:not_verified_script_run_show (true)
:not_verified_script_run_admin (false)
:not_verified_script_run_always (false)
:allow_non_scv_clients (false)
:block_scv_client_connections (false)
)

A Complete Example of a local.scv File

Following is a complete example of a local.scv file.
Note that in the following example the internal syntax of some of the SCV subsets differs from the syntax
described earlier. SCV policy syntax has evolved in recent versions, while these SCV checks were written
using the old syntax. For example, in the sc_ver_scv subset, the begin_admin (admin) - end (admin)
section does not exist. In addition, the mismatchmessage expression which was in this section is replaced
with MismatchMessage (using capital letters) expression. The syntax and operation of MismatchMessage is
similar to the one specified for mismatchmessage, although it does not appear in a begin_admin (admin) -
end (admin) section.
Another difference in the sc_ver_scv subset compared to the syntax explained above concerns the
EnforceBuild_XX_Operand and SecureClient_XX_BuildNumber expressions. These expressions are not
ANDed but rather evaluated automatically in accordance with the operating system the user has. For
example, if the user has a Windows 2000 system, only the EnforceBuild_2K_Operand and
SecureClient_2K_BuildNumber expressions are evaluated, and the expressions relating to different
operating systems are not.
Some other minor changes from the described syntax appear in the local.scv policy file. You can review the
changes in the default local.scv policy file. In general, you can use the pre-defined checks (in the
SCVNames section) as templates and list the modified checks in the SCVPolicy section, without writing new
SCV subsets.

Note - To enforce a specific SCV check, set the parameters of the

check in the SCVNames section, and include the name of the check in
SCVPolicy.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 208

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Sample
(SCVObject
:SCVNames (
: (user_policy_scv
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
)
)
: (BrowserMonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:browser_major_version (5)
:browser_minor_version (0)
:browser_version_operand (">=")
:browser_version_mismatchmassage ("Please upgrade your
Internet browser.")
:intranet_download_signed_activex (disable)
:intranet_run_activex (disable)
:intranet_download_files (disable)
:intranet_java_permissions (disable)
:trusted_download_signed_activex (disable)
:trusted_run_activex (disable)
:trusted_download_files (disable)
:trusted_java_permissions (disable)
:internet_download_signed_activex (disable)
:internet_run_activex (disable)
:internet_download_files (disable)
:internet_java_permissions (disable)
:restricted_download_signed_activex (disable)
:restricted_run_activex (disable)
:restricted_download_files (disable)
:restricted_java_permissions (disable)
:send_log (alert)
:internet_options_mismatch_message ("Your Internet browser
settings do not meet policy requirements\nPlease check the following
settings:\n1. In your browser, go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Security.\n2.
For each Web content zone, select custom level and disable the following items:
DownLoad signed ActiveX, Run ActiveX Controls, Download Files and Java
Permissions.")
)
)
: (OsMonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:os_version_mismatchmessage ("Please upgrade your
operating system.")
:enforce_screen_saver_minutes_to_activate (3)
:screen_saver_mismatchmessage ("Your screen saver
settings do not meet policy requirements\nPlease check the following
settings:\n1. Right click on your desktop and select properties.\n2. Select the
Screen Saver tab.\n3. Under Wait choose 3 minutes and check the Password
Protection box.")
:send_log (log)
:major_os_version_number_9x (4)
:minor_os_version_number_9x (10)
:os_version_operand_9x (">=")
:service_pack_major_version_number_9x (0)
:service_pack_minor_version_number_9x (0)
:service_pack_version_operand_9x (">=")
:major_os_version_number_nt (4)
:minor_os_version_number_nt (0)
:os_version_operand_nt ("==")
:service_pack_major_version_number_nt (5)
:service_pack_minor_version_number_nt (0)
:service_pack_version_operand_nt (">=")
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 209
 Working with Remote Access VPN

:major_os_version_number_2k (5)
:minor_os_version_number_2k (0)
:os_version_operand_2k ("==")
:service_pack_major_version_number_2k (0)
:service_pack_minor_version_number_2k (0)
:service_pack_version_operand_2k (">=")
:major_os_version_number_xp (5)
:minor_os_version_number_xp (1)
:os_version_operand_xp ("==")
:service_pack_major_version_number_xp (0)
:service_pack_minor_version_number_xp (0)
:service_pack_version_operand_xp (">=")
)
)
: (ProcessMonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:begin_or (or1)
:AntiVirus1.exe (true)
:AntiVirus2.exe (true)
:end (or1)
:IntrusionMonitor.exe (true)
:ShareMyFiles.exe (false)
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("Please check that the following
processes are running:\n1. AntiVirus1.exe or AntiVirus2.exe\n2.
IntrusionMonitor.exe\n\nPlease check that the following process is not
running\n1. ShareMyFiles.exe")
:end (admin)
)
)
: (groupmonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:begin_or (or1)
:begin_and (1)
:"builtin\administrator" (false)
:"BUILTIN\Users" (true)
:end (1)
:begin_and (2)
:"builtin\administrator" (true)
:"BUILTIN\Users" (false)
:end (and2)
:end (or1)
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("You are using SecureClient with
a non-authorized user.\nMake sure you are logged on as an authorized user.")
:securely_configured_no_active_user (false)
:end (admin)
)
)
: (HotFixMonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:147222 (true)
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("Please install security patch
Q147222.")
:end (admin)
)
)
: (AntiVirusMonitor
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 210
 Working with Remote Access VPN

:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:type ("Norton")
:Signature (">=20020819")
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("Please update your AntiVirus
(use the LiveUpdate option).")
:end (admin)
)
)
: (HWMonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:cputype ("GenuineIntel")
:cpumodel ("9")
:cpufamily ("6")
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("Your machine must have
an\nIntel(R) Centrino(TM) processor installed.")
:end (admin)
)
)
: (ScriptRun
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:exe ("VerifyScript.bat")
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("Verification script has
determined that your configuration does not meet policy requirements.")
:end (admin)
)
)
: (RegMonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:value ("Software\TrendMicro\PC-
cillinNTCorp\CurrentVersion\Misc.\PatternVer>=414")
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("Please update your AntiVirus
(use the LiveUpdate option).")
:end (admin)
)
)
: (SCVMonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:scv_version ("54014")
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("Please upgrade your Secure
Configuration Verification products package.")
:end (admin)
)
)
: (sc_ver_scv
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:Default_SecureClientBuildNumber (52032)
:Default_EnforceBuildOperand ("==")
:MismatchMessage ("Please upgrade your SecureClient.")
:EnforceBuild_9X_Operand (">=")
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 211
 Working with Remote Access VPN

:SecureClient_9X_BuildNumber (52030)
:EnforceBuild_NT_Operand ("==")
:SecureClient_NT_BuildNumber (52032)
:EnforceBuild_2K_Operand (">=")
:SecureClient_2K_BuildNumber (52032)
:EnforceBuild_XP_Operand (">=")
:SecureClient_XP_BuildNumber (52032)
)
)
)
:SCVPolicy (
: (BrowserMonitor)
: (HWMonitor)
: (AntiVirusMonitor)
)
:SCVGlobalParams (
:enable_status_notifications (false)
:status_notifications_timeout (10)
:disconnect_when_not_verified (false)
:block_connections_on_unverified (false)
:scv_policy_timeout_hours (24)
:enforce_ip_forwarding (true)
:not_verified_script ("")
:not_verified_script_run_show (false)
:not_verified_script_run_admin (false)
:not_verified_script_run_always (false)
:not_verified_script_run_always (false)
:allow_non_scv_clients (false)
)
When using this file, it is important to maintain the same indentation/nesting format.

Common Attributes
Typically, an administrator might need to change only a few of the common parameters (SCV checks)
contained in the SCV policy file.

SCV Checks

Anti-Virus monitor
Parameters:
• Type (“av_type”)
Type of Anti-Virus. For example, “Norton”, “VirusScan”, “OfficeScan”, or “ZoneLabs”.
• Signature(x)
Required Virus definition file signature. The signature’s format depends on the Anti-Virus type. For
example, on Norton Anti-Virus the signature maybe be “>=20031020”. (The format for Norton’s AV
signature is “yyyymmdd”).
For TrendMicro Officescan, the signature maybe “<650”
For McAfee’s VirusScan, use signature (“>404291”) for a signature greater than 4.0.4291
For Zone Labs, use signature (“>X.Y.Z”) where X = Major Version, Y = Minor Version, and Z = Build
Number of the .dat signature file.
AntiVirusMonitor does not support “begin_or” and the “begin_and” syntax. See: Expressions and
Labels with Special Meanings (on page 206).

BrowserMonitor
Parameters:
• browser_major_version (5)

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 212

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Major version number of Internet Explorer. If this field does not exist in the local.scv file, or if this
value is 0, the IE’S version will not be checked as part of the BrowserMonitor check.
• browser_minor_version (0)
Internet Explorer’s minor version number.
• browser_version_operand (“>=”)
The operator used for checking the Internet Explorer’s version number.
• browser_version_mismatchmessage (“Please upgrade your Internet Browser.”)
Message to be displayed in case of a non-verified configuration for the Internet Explorer’s version.
• intranet_download_signed_activex (enable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for downloading signed ActiveX controls from
within the local Intranet.
• intranet_run_activex (enable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for running signed ActiveX controls from within
the local Intranet.
• intranet_download_files (enable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for downloading files from within the local
Intranet.
 intranet_java_permissions (low)
The maximum security level that IE Explorer should have for running java applets from within the
local Intranet.
(low) means a low security level.
• trusted_download_signed_activex (enable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for downloading signed ActiveX controls from
trusted zones.
• trusted_run_activex (enable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for running signed ActiveX controls from trusted
zones.
• trusted_download_files (enable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for downloading files from trusted zones.
• trusted_java_permissions (medium)
The maximum security level that IE should have for running java applets from trusted zones.
• internet_download_signed_activex (disable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for downloading signed ActiveX controls from
the Internet.
• Internet_run_activex (disable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for running signed ActiveX controls from the
Internet.
• internet_download_files (disable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for downloading files from the Internet.
• internet_java_permissions (disable)
The maximum security level that IE should have for running java applets from the Internet.
• restricted_download_signed_activex (disable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for downloading signed ActiveX controls from
restricted zones.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 213

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• restricted_run_activex (disable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for running signed ActiveX controls from
restricted zones.
• restricted_download_files (disable)
The maximum permission level that IE should have for downloading files from restricted zones.
• restricted_java_permissions (disable)
The maximum security level that IE should have for running java applets from restricted zones.
• send_log (type)
Determines whether to send a log to Security Management Server for specifying that the client is not
“SCVed.”
This SCV check does not support the “begin admin/end admin” parameter section.
The (type) section should be replaced by (log) or (alert)
• internet_options_mismach_message (“Your Internet browser settings do not meet policy
requirements”)
Mismatch message for the Internet Explorer settings.
BrowserMonitor can be configured to check only Internet Explorer’s version, or only the browser’s
settings for a certain zone. For example, if none of the following parameters appear:
 restricted_download_signed_activex
 restricted_run_activex
 restricted_download_files
 restricted_java_permissions
then BrowserMonitor will not check the restricted zones’ security settings. In similar fashion, if the
parameter “browser_major_version” does not appear or is equal to zero, then IE’s version number is not
checked.
BrowserMonitor does not support the “begin_or” and the “begin_and” syntax, and does not support the
admin parameters. See also: Expressions and Labels with Special Meanings (on page 206).
For the script for checking Internet Explorer Service Pack, see Script for Internet Explorer Service Pack
below.

Groupmonitor
Parameters
• “builtin\administrator” (false)
A name of a user group. The user has to belong to this group in order for the machine configuration
to be verified.
• securely_configured_no_active_user (true)
Specifies whether the machine’s configuration may be considered verified when no user is logged
on. The default value is false.

HotFixMonitor
Parameters
• HotFix_Number (true)
A number of a system Hotfix to be checked. In order for the machine to be verified, the Hotfix should
be installed, for example: “823980(true)” verifies that Microsoft’s RPC patch is installed on the
operating system.
• HotFix_Name (true)
The full name of a system HotFix to be checked. In order for the machine to be verified, the HotFix
should be installed, for example: “KB823980(true)” verifies that Microsoft’s RPC patch is installed on
the operating system.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 214

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Not all the mentioned fields for HotFixMonitor need to appear in the local.scv file. Some of them may
not appear at all, or may appear more than once. These fields may also be ORed and ANDed. In this
way, multiple Hotfixes can be checked, and the results ORed or ANDed for extra flexibility.

HWMonitor
Parameters
• cputype (“GenuineIntel”)
The CPU type as described in the vendor ID string. The string has to be exactly 12 characters long.
For example: “GenuineIntel”, or “AuthenticAMD”, or “aaa bbb ccc ” where spaces count as a
character.
• cpufamily(6)
The CPU family.
• cpumodel(9)
The CPU model.
HWMonitor does not support the “begin_or” and the “begin_and” syntax. See also: Expressions and
Labels with Special Meanings (on page 206).

OsMonitor
Parameters
• enforce_screen_saver_minutes_to_activate (3)
Time in minutes for the screen saver to activate. If the screen saver does not activate within this time
period, then the client is not considered verified. In addition, the screen saver must be password
protected.
• screen_saver_mismatchmessage (“Your screen saver settings do not meet policy
requirements”)
Mismatch message for the screen saver check. The screen saver will not be checked if the property
“enforce_screen_saver_minutes_to_activate” does not appear, or if the time is set to zero.
• send_log (type)
Determines whether to send a log to Security Management Server for specifying that the client is not
“SCVed.”
This SCV check does not support the “begin admin/end admin” parameter section.
The (type) section should be replaced by (log) or (alert)
• major_os_version_number_9x (4)
Specifies the major version required for 9x operating systems to be verified.
• minor_os_version_number_9x (10)
Specifies the minor version required for 9x operating systems to be verified.
• os_version_operand_9x (“>=”)
Operator for checking the operating system’s version on 9x.
• service_pack_major_version_number_9x (0)
Specifies the major service pack’s version required for 9x operating system’s to be verified.
• service_pack_minor_version_number_9x (0)
Specifies the minor service pack’s version required for 9x operating systems to be verified.
• service_pack_version_operand_9x (“>=”)
Operator for checking the operating system’s service pack on 9x.
• major_os_version_number_nt (4)
Specifies the major version required for Windows NT operating systems to be verified.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 215

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• minor_os_version_number_nt (10)
Specifies the minor version required for Windows NT operating systems to be verified.
• os_version_operand_nt (“>=”)
Operator for checking the operating system’s version on Windows NT.
• service_pack_major_version_number_nt (0)
Major service pack version required for Windows NT operating systems to be verified
• service_pack_minor_version_number_nt (0)
Minor service pack version required for Windows NT operating systems to be verified
• service_pack_version_operand_nt (“>=”)
Operator for checking the operating system’s service pack on Windows NT
• major_os_version_number_2k (4)
Specifies the major version required for Windows 2000 operating systems to be verified.
• minor_os_version_number_2k (10)
Specifies the minor version required for Windows 2000 operating systems to be verified.
• os_version_operand_2k (“>=”)
Operator for checking the operating system’s version on Windows 2000
• service_pack_major_version_number_2k (0)
Specifies major service pack version required for Windows 2000 operating systems to be verified.
• service_pack_minor_version_number_2k (0)
Specifies minor service pack version required for Windows 2000 operating systems to be verified.
• service_pack_version_operand_2k (“>=”)
Operator for checking the operating system’s service pack on Windows 2000
• major_os_version_number_xp (4)
Specifies the major version required for Windows XP operating systems to be verified.
• minor_os_version_number_xp (10)
Specifies the minor version required for Windows XP operating systems to be verified.
• os_version_operand_xp (“>=”)
Operator for checking the operating system’s service pack on Windows XP
• service_pack_major_version_number_xp (0)
Specifies the major service pack version required for Windows XP operating systems to be verified.
• service_pack_minor_version_number_xp (0)
Specifies the minor service pack version required for Windows XP operating systems to be verified.
• service_pack_version_operand_xp (“>=”)
Operator for checking the operating system’s service pack on Windows XP.
• os_version_mismatches (“Please upgrade your operating system”)
Message to be displayed in case of a non-verified configuration for the operating system’s
version/service pack. The operating system’s version and service pack will not be checked if none of
the parameters appear in the scv file.
• :major_os_version_number_2003 (5)
Specifies the major version required for Windows 2003 operating systems to be verified.
• :minor_os_version_number_2003 (2)

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 216

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Specifies the minor version required for Windows 2003 operating systems to be verified.
• :os_version_operand_2003 ("==")
Operator for checking the operating system’s service pack on Windows 2003
• :service_pack_major_version_number_2003 (0)
Specifies the major service pack version required for Windows 2003 operating systems to be
verified.
• :service_pack_minor_version_number_2003 (0)
Specifies the minor service pack version required for Windows 2003 operating systems to be
verified.
• :service_pack_version_operand_2003 (">=")
Operator for checking the operating system’s service pack on Windows 2003
OsMonitor can be configured to check only the screen saver’s configuration, or only the operating
system’s version and service pack. For example, if none of the following parameters appear:
• major_os_version_number_xp
• minor_os_version_number_xp
• os_version_operand_xp
• service_pack_major_version_number_xp
• service_pack_minor_version_number_xp
• service_pack_version_operand_xp
then OsMonitor will not check the system’s version and service pack on Windows XP platforms.
Similarly, if the parameter “enforce_screen_saver_minutes_to_activate” does not appear, then the
screen saver’s configuration is not checked.
OSMonitor does not support the “begin_or” and the “begin_and” syntax. See also: Expressions and
Labels with Special Meanings (on page 206).

ProcessMonitor
Parameters
• ProcessName.exe (true)
A process the administrator would like to check. If the value is true, the process needs to be running
for the machine to be verified. If the value is false, the process should not be running for the
machine to be verified.
ProcessMonitor can also be used to check for the existence/exclusion of more than one process. The
fields may be ANDed or ORed for flexibility.

RegMonitor
Parameters
• PredefinedKeys (HIVE)
Specify the registry hive from one of the following choices:
 HKEY_CURRENT_USER
 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
 HKEY_USERS
If one of the hives is not specified, then HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE is used.
To configure a check for HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, use HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes
and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes.
• value (registry_value_path)
The path of a registry DWORD, under the hive specified by the predefined keys will be checked. The
value should be an operator followed by a number, e.g. “Software\TrendMicro\PC-
cillinNTCorp\CurrentVersion\Misc.\PatternVer>=414”
The syntax for the value parameter is:
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 217
 Working with Remote Access VPN

:value (“pathOPval”)
For example:
:value (“Software\...\PaternVer>=414”)
• string (registry_string_path)
The path of a registry string, under the hive specified by the predefined keys will be checked. The
string’s value is compared to the given value, in the way that DWORDs are compared.
• keyexist (registry_key_path)
The path of a registry key to check if the key exists, under the hive specified by the predefined keys
will be checked. The key must exist if the machine is to be verified.
• keynexist (registry_key_path)
The path of a registry key to be checked for exclusion, under the hive specified by the predefined
keys will be checked. For the machine to be verified, the key should not exist.
• allow_no_user (default: true)
This parameter is valid only when a user is logged in to the machine.
Since SC services and SCV checks run also when no user is logged on, a decision should be taken
if the check passed or failed.
If no user is logged on to the machine, and a running RegMonitor check is configured to monitor
HKEY_CURRENT_USER, the behavior is according to the flag allow_no_user.
If allow_no_user is true, the check will PASS.
If allow_no_user is false, the check will FAIL.
This attribute is not, by default, included in the local.scv file. If the attribute does not exist in the file,
then the default setting used is also true.
Configuring this attribute is done via local.scv. For example:
: (RegMonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:keyexist
("HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\CheckPoint")
:allow_no_user (true)
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("mismatch
message ")
:end (admin)
)
)
Not all the mentioned fields for RegMonitor need to appear in the local.scv file. Some of them may not
appear at all, or may appear more than once. These fields may also be ORed and ANDed. In this way,
multiple registry entries can be checked, and the results ORed or ANDed for extra flexibility.
Script for Internet Explorer Service Pack
RegMonitor can be configured to check the version and service pack of Internet Explorer. The script
looks as follows:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 218

 Working with Remote Access VPN

: (RegMonitor
:type (plugin)
:parameters (
:begin_or (or1)
:keynexist
("Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer")
:string
("Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Version>=6")
:begin_and (and1)
:string
("Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Version>=5.5")
:string
("Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet
Settings\MinorVersion>=SP2")
:string
("Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet
Settings\MinorVersion<=SP9")
:end_and (and1)
:begin_and (and2)
:string
("Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Version>=5.5")
:string
("Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet
Settings\MinorVersion>=;SP2")
:string
("Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet
Settings\MinorVersion<=;SP9")
:end_and (and2)
:end_or (or1)
:begin_admin (admin)
:send_log (alert)
:mismatchmessage ("Your
IE must be at least version 5.5 with SP2.")
:end (admin)
)
)

SCVMonitor
Parameters
• scv_version(“>=541000076”)
Represents the SCV product’s build number. This is the version of the DLLs in charge of the SCV
checks. This number differs from the build number of SecureClient. SCV products can be upgraded,
and maybe updated without updating SecureClient.
The string is an operator followed by the DLL’s version number in the format “vvshhhbbb”. For example,
if you want the DLL version to be at least 54.1.0.220, the syntax should be:
scv_version (“>=541000220”)
SCVMonitor does not support the “begin_or” and the “begin_and” syntax. See also: Expressions
and Labels with Special Meanings (on page 206).

ScriptRun
Parameters
• exe (“VerifyScript.bat”)
Runs an executable. Supply the name of the executable, and the full path to the executable.
• run_as_admin (“no”)
Determines whether the verification script is run with administrator privileges. The default is “no”.
The only other value is “yes”.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 219

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• run_timeout (10)
Time (in seconds) to wait for the executable to finish. If the executable does not finish within the set
time, the process is considered as a failure, and the machine categorized as “not verified”. The
default value is zero, which is the same as “no timeout”.
ScriptRun does not support the “begin_or” and the “begin_and” syntax. See also: Expressions and
Labels with Special Meanings (on page 206).

sc_ver_scv
Parameters
• Default_SecureClientBuildNumber (52032)
Build number for SecureClient. This build number is checked (with the specified operator) only if no
specific build number is to be checked for a particular platform.
• Default_EnforceBuildOperand (“==”)
Operator for comparing the local.scv’s build number with the client build number.
• MismatchMessage (“Please upgrade your SecureClient”)
Mismatch message to be displayed when the SecureClient build does not match the local.scv’s
configuration.
• EnforceBuild_9x_Operand (“>=”)
Operator for comparing the local.scv’s build number with the client build number on Windows 9x
platforms.
• SecureClient_9x_BuildNumber (52030)
SecureClient build number for windows 9x platforms.
• EnforceBuild_NT_Operand (“==”)
Operator for comparing the local.scv’s build number with the client build number on WindowsNT
platforms.
• SecureClient_NT_BuildNumber (52030)
SecureClient build number for WindowsNT platforms.
• EnforceBuild_2K_Operand (“>=”)
Operator for comparing the local.scv’s build number with the client build number on Window 2000
platforms.
• SecureClient_2K_BuildNumer (52030)
SecureClient build number for Windows 2000 platforms.
• EnforceBuild_XP_Operand (“>=”)
Operator for comparing the local.scv’s build number with the client build number on Windows XP
platforms.
• SecureClient_XP_Buildnumber (52030)
SecureClient build number for Windows XP platforms.
sc_ver_scv does not support the “begin_or” and the “begin_and” syntax. See also: Expressions and
Labels with Special Meanings (on page 206).

user_policy_scv
Parameters
• logged_on_to_policy_server (true/false)
Specifies whether the user has to be logged on to a Policy Server to be considered SCVed.
• policy_refresh_rate (“168”)

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 220

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Time, in hours, for which the desktop policy remains valid. After 168 hours the desktop policy is not
considered valid, and the user is no longer SCVed. If this parameter is not specified, the policy is not
checked for freshness.
• mismatchmessage (“Place a message here”)
The message displayed when the user_policy_scv check fails.
• dont_enforce_while_connecting
If this parameter is present, the user is considered SCVed while connecting to the Security Gateway.
The user is considered SCVed only for the duration of the connect process.

SCVGlobalParams
Parameters
For all boolean parameters (true or false), the values should not be enclosed in quotation marks.
• enable_status_notifications (true/false)
If “true”, SecureClient displays a balloon window when the Desktop is not SCVed. On windows 9x
and NT, where balloons are not supported, popups appear.
• status_notifications_timeout ()
The number of seconds the balloon window (see previous parameter) will be displayed.
• disconnect_when_not_verified (true/false)
If “true”, SecureClient will disconnect from the site when the Desktop is not SCVed.
• block_connections_on_unverified (true/false)
If “true”, SecureClient will drop all open connections when the Desktop is not SCVed.

Note - This parameter, if true, blocks all connections to the machine,

not just those connections to and from the VPN site.

• scv_policy_timeout_hours ()
The period (in hours) during which the SCV policy is considered valid since the last logon to the
Policy Server. When this timeout is about to expire SecureClient will attempt to logon to the Policy
Server to get a new SCV policy.
Possible values are between 1 and 504 hours(21 days). The default value is 168 hours (one week).
If you set the value to 0, the SCV policy never expires (no time-out).
• enforce_ip_forwarding (true/false)
If “true” the IP Forwarding between network interface cards on the user’s desktop must be disabled
for the user to be considered SCVed.
• ip_forwarding_mismatchmessage (“Message string placed here”)
The value is a string displayed when ip forwarding is enabled. For example:
ip_forwarding_mismatchmessage (“Please....etc”)
This is relevant only if ip forwarding is part of the SCV checks, that is, if the parameter is defined as
True.
• not_verified_script (“script_name.bat”)
The name of executable that will be run when the Desktop is not SCVed. The next three parameters
provide more options related to the running of the executable.
• not_verified_script_run_show (true/false)
If “true”, the executable’s progress will be displayed in an onscreen window.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 221

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• not_verified_script_run_admin (true/false)
If “true”, the executable will run with administrator privileges.
• not_verified_script_run_always (true/false)
If “true”, the executable will run every time the Desktop is not SCVed. If “false”, it will run once per
SecureClient session.
• :allow_non_scv_clients (true/false)
If “true”, the client will send a verified state to the enforcing Security Gateway even if the OS does
not support SCV.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 222

Chapter 26
VPN Routing - Remote Access
In This Section:
The Need for VPN Routing ................................................................................... 223
Check Point Solution for Greater Connectivity and Security ................................ 223
Configuring VPN Routing for Remote Access VPN .............................................. 226

The Need for VPN Routing

There are a number of scenarios in which a Security Gateway or remote access clients cannot connect
directly to another Security Gateway (or clients). Sometimes, a given Security Gateway or client is incapable
of supplying the required level of security. For example:
• Two Security Gateways with dynamically assigned IP addresses (DAIP Security Gateways). Hosts
behind either Security Gateway need to communicate; however, the changing nature of the IP
addresses means the two DAIP Security Gateways cannot open VPN tunnels. At the moment of tunnel
creation, the exact IP address of the other is unknown.
• Remote access client users wish to have a private conversation using Voice-over-IP (VoIP) software or
utilize other client-to-client communication software such as Microsoft NetMeeting. Remote access
clients cannot open connections directly with each other, only with configured Security Gateways.
In all cases, a method is needed to enhance connectivity and security.

Check Point Solution for Greater Connectivity and Security

VPN routing provides a way of controlling how VPN traffic is directed. VPN routing can be implemented with
Security Gateway modules and remote access clients. Configuration for VPN routing is performed either
directly through SmartDashboard (in simple cases) or by editing the VPN routing configuration files on the
Security Gateways (in more complex scenarios).

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 223

 Working with Remote Access VPN

In the figure above, one of the host machines behind Security Gateway A needs to connect with a host
machine behind Security Gateway B. For either technical or policy reasons, Security Gateway A cannot
open a VPN tunnel with Security Gateway B. However, both Security Gateways A and B can open VPN
tunnels with Security Gateway C, so the connection is routed through Security Gateway C.
As well as providing enhanced connectivity and security, VPN routing can ease network management by
hiding a complex network of Security Gateways behind a single Hub.

Hub Mode (VPN Routing for Remote Clients)

VPN routing for remote access clients is enabled via Hub Mode. In Hub mode, all traffic is directed through a
central Hub. The central Hub acts as a kind of router for the remote client. Once traffic from remote access
clients is directed through a Hub, connectivity with other clients is possible as well as the ability to inspect
the subsequent traffic for content.
When using Hub mode, enable Office mode. If the remote client is using an IP address supplied by an ISP,
this address might not be fully routable. When Office mode is used, rules can be created that relate directly
to Office mode connections.

Note - Office mode is not supported in SecuRemote.

Allowing Clients to Route all Traffic Through a Security Gateway

In the following figure, the remote client needs to connect with a server behind Security Gateway 2.
Company policy states that all connections to this server must be inspected for content. For whatever
reason, Security Gateway 2 cannot perform the required content inspection. When all the traffic is routed
through Security Gateway 1, connections between the remote client and the server can be inspected.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 224

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Suppose the same remote client needs to access an HTTP server on the Internet. The same company
policy regarding security still applies.

The remote client's traffic is directed to the Security Gateway where it is directed to the UFP (URL Filtering
Protocol) server to check the validity of the URL and packet content, since the Security Gateway does not
possess URL-checking functionality. The packets are then forwarded to the HTTP server on the Internet.
NATing the address of the remote client behind the Security Gateway prevents the HTTP server on the
Internet from replying directly to the client. If the remote client's address is not NATed, the remote client will
not accept the clear reply from the HTTP server.

Remote Client to Client Communication

Remote client to client connectivity is achieved in two ways:
• By routing all the traffic through the Security Gateway.
• Including the Office Mode range of addresses in the VPN domain of the Security Gateway.
Routing all Traffic through the Security Gateway
Two remote users use VoIP software to hold a secure conversation. The traffic between them is directed
through a central Hub, as shown in the following figure.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 225

 Working with Remote Access VPN

For this to work:

• Allow VPN clients to route traffic through this gateway must be enabled on the Security Gateway.
• The remote client must be configured with a profile that enables all traffic to be routed through the
Security Gateway.
• Remote clients are working in connect mode.
If the two remote clients are configured for Hub mode with different Security Gateways, the routing takes
place in three stages - each remote client to its designated Security Gateway, then between the Security
Gateways:

In the figure above, remote client 1 is configured for Hub mode with Security Gateway A. Remote client 2 is
configured for Hub mode with Security Gateway B. For the connection to be routed correctly:
• Office mode must be enabled.
• VPN configuration files on both Security Gateways must include the Office Mode address range used by
the other. In Figure 24-5, the VPN configuration file on Security Gateway A directs all traffic aimed at an
Office Mode IP address of Security Gateway B towards Security Gateway B. A connection leaves
Remote Client1 and is sent to Security Gateway A. From gateway A the connection is redirected to
Security Gateway B. Security Gateway B once more redirects the traffic towards Remote Client2. The
reply from Remote Client2 follows the same path but in reverse.
• Office mode addresses used by both Security Gateways must be non-overlapping.

Configuring VPN Routing for Remote Access VPN

Common VPN routing scenarios can be configured through a VPN star community, but not all VPN routing
configuration is handled through SmartDashboard. VPN routing between Security Gateways (star or mesh)
can be also be configured by editing the configuration file $FWDIR/conf/vpn_route.conf.
VPN routing cannot be configured between Security Gateways that do not belong to a VPN community.

Enabling Hub Mode for Remote Access clients

1. On the Remote Access page of the Security Gateway properties window, Hub Mode configuration
section, select Allow SecureClient to route all traffic through this Security Gateway.
2. On the Properties window of the Remote Access community, Participating Security Gateways page,
set the Security Gateway that functions as the "Hub".
3. On the Participant User Groups page, select the remote clients.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 226

 Working with Remote Access VPN

4. Create an appropriate access control rule in the Security Policy Rule Base. VPN routing traffic is
handled in the Security Policy Rule Base as a single connection, matched to one rule only.
5. Configure the profile on the remote client to route all communication through the designated Security
Gateway.

Configuration of Client to Client Routing by Including the Office Mode

Range of Addresses in the VPN Domain of the Security Gateway
To configure VPN routing for remote access clients via the VPN domain, add the Office
mode range of addresses to the VPN domain of the Security Gateway:
1. In SmartDashboard, create an address range object for the Office Mode addresses.
2. Create a group that contains both the VPN domain and Office mode range.
3. On the General properties window of the Security Gateway object > Topology page > VPN domain
section, select Manually defined.
4. Select the group that contains both the VPN domain of the Security Gateway and the Office mode
addresses.
The remote clients must connect to the site and perform a site update before they can communicate with
each other.

Client to Client via Multiple Hubs Using Hub Mode

The figure below shows two remote clients each configured to work in Hub mode with a different Security
Gateway:

Remote Client 1 works in Hub mode with Hub 1. Remote Client 2 works in Hub mode with the Hub 2. In
order for VPN routing to be performed correctly:
• Remote clients must be working in Office mode
• Office mode address range of each Security Gateway must be included in the vpn_route.conf file
installed on the other Security Gateway.
Destination Next hop router interface Install On

Hub1_OfficeMode_range Hub1 Hub2

Hub2_OfficeMode_range Hub2 Hub1

When Remote Client 1 communicates with Remote Client 2:

• The traffic first goes to the Hub 1, since Remote Client 1 is working in Hub mode with Hub 1.
• Hub 1 identifies Remote Client 2's IP address as belonging to the Office mode range of Hub 2.
• The vpn_route.conf file on Hub 1 identifies the next hop for this traffic as Hub 2.
• The traffic reaches the Hub 2; Hub 2 redirects the communication to Remote Client 2.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 227
 Working with Remote Access VPN

Chapter 27
Link Selection for Remote Access Clients
In This Section:
Overview ............................................................................................................... 228
Configuring Link Selection for Remote Access Only ............................................ 228

Overview
Link Selection is a method used to determine which interface to use for incoming and outgoing VPN traffic
and the best possible path for the traffic. Using Link Selection, you choose which IP addresses are used for
VPN traffic on each Security Gateway.
Load Sharing and Service Based Link Selection are not supported when the peer is a Remote Access
Client. If the Probing Redundancy mode configuration is Load Sharing and the peer is a remote access
client, High Availability will be enforced for the client's tunnel.
For more information on Link Selection, see Link Selection (on page 98).

Configuring Link Selection for Remote Access Only

Link selection is configured on each Security Gateway in the Security Gateway Properties > IPSec VPN >
Link Selection window. The settings apply to
• Security Gateway to Security Gateway connections, and to
• remote access client to Security Gateway connections.
You can configure Link Selection for remote users separately. These settings override the settings
configured on the Link Selection page. For more about Link Selection options, see Link Selection (on page
98).
To configure separate Link Selection settings for remote access VPN:
1. Using GuiDBedit, the Check Point Database Tool, select the Security Gateway object.
2. Change the value apply_resolving_mechanism_to_SR to true on the Security Gateway object.
3. Edit the ip_resolution_mechanism attribute to determine how remote access clients resolve the IP
address of the local Security Gateway. Add one of the following:
• mainIpVpn - Always use the main IP address specified in the IP Address field on the General
Properties page of the Security Gateway
• singleIpVpn - The VPN tunnel is created with the Security Gateway using an IP address set in
single_VPN_IP_RA
• singleNATIpVPN - The VPN tunnel is created using a NATed IP address set in
single_VPN_IP_RA
• topologyCalc - Calculate the IP address used for the VPN tunnel by network topology based on
the location of the remote peer
• oneTimeProb - Use one time probing to determine which link will be used.
• ongoingProb - Use ongoing probing to determine which link will be used.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 228

 Working with Remote Access VPN

4. If you are using ongoing or one time probing, also edit these parameters:
• interface_resolving_ha_primary_if – The primary IP address used for one-time / ongoing
probing.
• use_interface_IP – Set to true if all IP addresses defined in topology tab should be probed. Set
to false if the manual list of IP addresses should be probed.
• available_VPN_IP_list - A List of IP addresses that should be probed. (This list is used only if
the value of use_interface_IP is false).
5. Save changes.
6. To use multiple external links with remote access clients, in SmartDashboard > Gateway Properties >
Office Mode, under Multiple Interfaces, select Support connectivity enhancement for gateways
with multiple external interfaces.
7. Install policy on the gateway.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 229

Chapter 28
Using Directional VPN for Remote Access
In This Section:
Directional VPN in RA Communities ..................................................................... 230
Configuring Directional VPN with Remote Access Communities ......................... 230

Directional VPN in RA Communities

With Directional VPN configured for Remote Access communities, the option exists to reject connections to
or from a particular network object.
Source Destination VPN Service Action

Any Any Remote_Access_Community Any drop

=> MyIntranet

Any Any Remote_Access_Community Any accept

=> Any Traffic

Connections are not allowed between remote users and hosts within the "MyIntranet" VPN community.
Every other connection originating in the Remote Access Community, whether inside or outside of the VPN
communities, is allowed.

User Groups as the Destination in RA communities

User groups can be placed in the destination column of a rule. This makes:
• Configuring client to client connections easier
• Configuring "back connections" between a remote client and a Security Gateway possible.
Source Destination VPN Service Action

Any Remote_Users@Any Any Traffic => Any accept

Remote_Access_Community

To include user groups in the destination column of a rule:

• The rule must be directional
• In the VPN column, the Remote Access community must be configured as the endpoint destination

Configuring Directional VPN with Remote Access

Communities
To configure Directional VPN with Remote Access communities:
1. In Global Properties > VPN page > Advanced > Select Enable VPN Directional Match in VPN
Column.
2. Right-click inside the VPN column of the appropriate rule, and select Edit... or Add Direction from the
pop-up menu.
The VPN Match Conditions window opens.
3. Click Add.
The Directional VPN Match Conditions window opens.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 230

 Working with Remote Access VPN

4. From the drop-down box on the right, select the source of the connection.
5. From the drop-down box on the left, select the connection's destination.
6. Click OK.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 231

Chapter 29
Remote Access Advanced Configuration
In This Section:
Non-Private Client IP Addresses .......................................................................... 232
Preventing a Client Inside the Encryption Domain from Encrypting ..................... 233
Authentication Timeout and Password Caching ................................................... 236
Secure Domain Logon (SDL) ................................................................................ 236
Back Connections (Server to Client) ..................................................................... 237
Auto Topology Update (Connect Mode only) ........................................................ 237
How to Work with Non-Check Point Firewalls ...................................................... 238
Resolving Internal Names with the SecuRemote DNS Server ............................. 238

Note - The procedures in this section are relevant for SecureClient. For other clients, see
the most updated documentation for that client
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

Non-Private Client IP Addresses

Suppose a Remote Access Client user connects from behind a NAT device, using a non-private IP address
that belongs to another organization. During the life of the connection, the Security Gateway routes all traffic
intended for that non-private IP address to the client user, even traffic intended for the real owner of the IP
address.

Solving Remote Access Issues

Set the vpn_restrict_client_phase2_id in the Objects_5_0.C file to the appropriate value, as
follows:
value meaning

om_only Clients behind NAT devices can only connect using Office Mode.

private_and_om Clients can connect using either:

• using Office Mode, or
• when using private IP addresses (where the meaning of "private" is
specified in the NAT page of the Global Properties window)
none This setting (the default) does not address the problem described above.

Note - If the user is restricted to Office Mode or to the use of a private IP address, and
attempts another type of connection, the connection will be dropped and a log will be
sent to the SmartView Tracker.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 232

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Preventing a Client Inside the Encryption Domain from

Encrypting
The Problem
If a Remote Access Client located inside the VPN domain of one Security Gateway opens a connection to a
host inside the VPN domain of another Security Gateway, the connection will be encrypted twice (once by
the client and again by the Security Gateway) and decrypted only once (by the peer Security Gateway).

The Solution
To prevent this from happening, configure the client not to encrypt if both the client and the host (the end-
points of the connection) are in the VPN domains of Security Gateways managed by the same Security
Management Server.
To do this, enable the send_clear_traffic_between_encryption_domains property in
objects_5_0.C.

Note - If you enable this feature, ensure that a VPN is defined between the Security
Gateways. This feature is disabled when more than one site is defined on the client.

When the Client Has a Private Address

If the send_clear_traffic_between_encryption_domains property is enabled, a problem can arise
when the Security Gateway's VPN domain includes private addresses, where the meaning of "private" is
specified in the Non Unique IP Address Ranges page of the Global Properties window.
If the client connects from outside the VPN domain (for example, from a hotel) and is assigned (by the ISP
or a NAT device) a private IP address which happens to be in the Security Gateway's VPN domain, then the
client will not encrypt when connecting to the VPN domain, and the connection will be dropped because it is
in the clear.
You can configure the client to encrypt this traffic as follows:
1. To encrypt traffic from private addresses, enable the send_clear_except_for_non_unique
property in objects_5_0.C.
2. To encrypt traffic from specific IP addresses, proceed as follows:
3. Define a group consisting of those addresses.
4. Enable the send_clear_except_for_specific_addresses property in objects_5_0.C.
5. Set send_clear_except_for_address_group to the name of the group defined in step 1.

Note - This feature is disabled when more than one site is defined on
the client.

Working in Connect Mode While Not Connected

For users connected in Connect Mode, you can reduce the frequency of authentication by enabling the
allow_clear_traffic_while_disconnected property in objects_5_0.C. The client will then not
encrypt traffic to the peer encryption domain when not connected. This will prevent unnecessary
authentication when connecting to unencrypted services in the peer encryption domain.
For example, if the site includes both private and public HTTP servers, there is no need to encrypt traffic to
the public site. To prevent a user from unnecessarily authenticating only because she is an internal user,
configure the following two rules in the Desktop Policy:
Source Destination Service Action

encryption domain encryption domain Any Accept

Any encryption domain Any Encrypt

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 233

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Note - If you enable this feature, you must ensure that a VPN is defined between the
Security Gateways. This feature applies only to Connect Mode. This feature is disabled
when more than one site is defined in the client.

Authentication Timeout Interval

To specify the length of time between re-authentications, select Policy> Global Properties - Remote
Access and in the Authentication Timeout section, enter a value in Validation timeout. Alternatively,
check Use default value.
For Connect Mode, the countdown to the timeout begins from the time that the Client is connected.

Password Caching
When the timeout expires, the user will be asked to authenticate again. If password-caching is enabled,
clients will supply the cached password automatically and the authentication will take place transparently to
the user. In other words, the user will not be aware that re-authentication has taken place.
Password caching is possible only for multiple-use passwords. If the user's authentication scheme
implement one-time passwords (for example, SecurID), then passwords cannot be cached, and the user will
be asked to re-authenticate when the authentication time-out expires. For these schemes, this feature
should not be implemented.
Password caching is specified in the client's Authentication window.

Enabling and Disabling Secure Domain Logon

To enable Secure Domain Logon (SDL), select Enable Secure Domain Logon from the Passwords
menu.
Note the following:
• If you are using WINS (see WINS (Connect Mode Only (see "WINS (Connect Mode Only)" on page
235))), configure WINS before enabling SDL.
• Do not change the machine domain configuration when Secure Domain Logon is enabled.
Domain Controller Name Resolution
If clients are configured in Connect Mode and Office Mode, clients automatically resolve the NT domain
name using dynamic WINS.
Otherwise, clients resolve the NT domain name using either LMHOSTS or WINS.

LMHOSTS
The LMHOSTS name resolution service can be used in both LAN and dial-up configurations as follows:
Enter the relevant information (see below) the $FWDIR/conf/dnsinfo.C file on the Security Gateway,
and install the policy.
(
:LMdata(
:(
:ipaddr (<IP address>)
:name (<host name>)
:domain (<domain name>)
)
:(
:ipaddr (<IP address>)
:name (<host name>)
:domain (<domain name>)
)
)
)
When the topology is updated, the name resolution data will be automatically transferred to the dnsinfo
entry of the userc.C file and then to its LMHOSTS file.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 234

 Working with Remote Access VPN

WINS (Connect Mode Only)

The WINS name resolution service can be used in dial-up configurations only. It is not supported on Win 9x
platforms.
To use the WINS, proceed as follows on the virtual adapter:

Important - You must do this before enabling SDL. See Enabling

and Disabling Secure Domain Logon (on page 234).

1. Specify the primary and, optionally, the secondary WINS servers protected by the Security Gateway.
2. Reboot the machine.

Configuring the SecuRemote DNS Server

1. Create a new SecuRemote DNS Server from the Objects Tree. Select Servers and OPSEC and right-
click Servers > New > SecuRemote DNS.
2. In the SecuRemote DNS Properties window
• General tab — Configure the general settings of the <tp_eps_ecr> DNS Server as well as the host
on which the SecuRemote DNS Server.
• Domains tab — Add new domains or edit and remove existing domains.

3. In the Domain tab, define the domain suffix and the matching rule. Names in the domain that
correspond to the rule will be resolved by the SecuRemote DNS Server. All other names will be resolved
by the SecuRemote client's default DNS server.
• Specify the Domain Suffix for which the SecuRemote DNS Server will resolve the internal names
(for example, checkpoint.com).
• Select Match only *.suffix to specify that the maximum number of labels resolved will be 1.
For example, if Domain Suffix is "checkpoint.com" and Match only *.suffix is selected (that is, the
maximum prefix label count is in effect 1) then the SecuRemote DNS Server will be used to resolve
"www.checkpoint.com" and "whatever.checkpoint.com" but not "www.internal.checkpoint.com."
• Select Match up to...labels preceding the suffix to increase the number of labels to be matched.
For example, if Domain Suffix is "checkpoint.com" and Match up to...labels preceding the suffix
is selected and set to 3, then the SecuRemote DNS Server will be used to resolve
"www.checkpoint.com" and "www.internal.checkpoint.com" but not
"www.internal.inside.checkpoint.com".

Additional Considerations
Split DNS is disabled in the following cases:
• In Connect mode, while disconnected.
To override, set disable_split_dns_when_disconnected in the SecuRemote / SecureClient
userc.C file to false.
• In connect mode, while connected in Office Mode.
To override, set disable_split_dns_in_om in the SecuRemote / SecureClient userc.C file to
false.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 235

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Authentication Timeout and Password Caching

The Problem
Users consider multiple authentications during the course of a single session to be a nuisance. At the same
time, these multiple authentications are an effective means of ensuring that the session has not been
hijacked (for example, if the user steps away from the client for a period of time). The problem is finding the
correct balance between convenience and security.

The Solution
Multiple authentication can be reduced by two means:
• Increasing the authentication timeout interval
• Caching the user's password

Secure Domain Logon (SDL)

The Problem
When a SecuRemote / SecureClient user logs on to a domain controller, the user has not yet entered his or
her SecuRemote / SecureClient credentials and so the connection to the domain controller is not encrypted.

The Solution
When the Secure Domain Logon (SDL) feature is enabled, then after the user enters the OS user name and
password (but before the connection to the domain controller is started), SecuRemote client User
Authentication window is displayed. When the user enters the SecuRemote / SecureClient credentials, the
connection to the domain controller takes place over an encrypted tunnel.

Configuring SDL Timeout

Because SDL depends on the synchronization of concurrent processes, flexibility in defining timeouts is
important.
The SDL Timeout feature of Secure Domain Logon allows you to define the period during which a user must
enter his or her domain controller credentials. When the allocated time expires and no cached information is
used (if applicable), the logon fails.
The timeout is controlled by the sdl_netlogon_timeout (<value in seconds>) parameter in the file
Objects_5_0.C.

Note - This feature is not applicable if Auto Local Logon is enabled (Connect Mode Only).

Cached Information
When the SecuRemote / SecureClient machine successfully logs on to a domain controller, the user's profile
is saved in cache. This cached information will be used if subsequent logons to the domain controller fail, for
whatever reason.
To configure this option in the client registry, proceed as follows:
1. Go to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon.
2. Create a new key CachedLogonCount with the valid range of values from 0 to 50. The value of the key
is the number of previous logon attempts that a server will cache.
A value of 0 disables logon caching and any value above 50 will only cache 50 logon attempts.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 236

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Configuring Secure Domain Logon

1. Configure the SecuRemote client to use LMHOSTS (all platforms) or WINS (all platforms except Win
9x).
2. For Win NT and Win 2000, configure the SDL timeout.
3. Define the site where the domain controller resides and download/update the topology.
4. If the client is not already a domain member, configure the machine as a domain member.
5. For Win NT and 2000:
• Enable Auto Local Logon (optional)
• Enable Secure Domain Logon
6. Reboot the computer and logon.

Using Secure Domain Logon

After you have rebooted the computer:
1. When the Windows NT Logon window is displayed, enter the operating system credentials.
2. Click OK.
The SecuRemote Logon window is displayed.
3. Enter the SecuRemote credentials in the defined time (see Configuring SDL Timeout (on page 236)).
If you fail to logon and no cached information is used, wait one minute and try again.
If SDL is already configured on the client, the administrator can customize SecuRemote / SecureClient
installation packages with SDL enabled by default, thereby relieving the user of the need to configure SDL
manually. This can be done in two ways:
• Create a self-extracting client package using the SecureClient Packaging Tool (see Packaging
SecureClient (on page 183)) and select Enable Secure Domain Logon (SDL) in the Operating
System Logon window or
• Edit the product.ini file in the SecuRemote installation package by setting the value of EnableSDL to 1.
See Userc.C and Product.ini Configuration Files (on page 243) for more information.

Back Connections (Server to Client)

Back connections (connections from the server to the client) are required by certain applications, such as
Xterm. These connections do not have to be explicitly defined in the Rule Base. To achieve this, when a
user logs on to a site, the username and IP address are stored in an authentication database for 15 minutes
(this time frame is configurable). During this time, all back connections from server to client are allowed.
After this time, back connections are sent in clear.

Sending Keep-Alive Packets to the Server

To enable the 15 minute interval, configure back connections so that Keep Alive transmissions are sent by
the client to the server. This is especially necessary when a NAT device is used.
By sending Keep Alive packets, the IP Address maintained in the authentication database is constantly
renewed. In the Remote Access page of the Global Properties window, check Enable back connections
(from Security Gateway to client) and specify a value for Send Keep-Alive packet to the Security
Gateway.

Auto Topology Update (Connect Mode only)

You can configure clients to automatically update a site's topology either when starting SecuRemote or just
before the IKE key exchange in the Remote Access page of the Global Properties window.
In this window, the system administrator can:
• Update topology every ... hours — The site's topology will be updated before the next key exchange if
the defined period has elapsed since the last topology update.
The following features become available if Update topology every ... hours is enabled:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 237

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• Automatic update — If enabled, the site will be updated after the key exchange (according to the value
of Update topology every ... hours). This will avoid prompting the user to update sites.
• Upon VPN-1 SecuRemote / SecureClient startup — If enabled, the user will be prompted to update
the topology when the SecuRemote client starts. If the user is not connected to the network when the
SecuRemote client starts, he or she can reject the prompt. In this case the topology will be automatically
updated after the next key exchange with the site.

How to Work with non-Check Point Firewalls

If a SecuRemote / SecureClient is located behind a non-Check Point firewall, the following ports must be
opened on the firewall to allow SecuRemote / SecureClient traffic to pass:
port explanation

UDP port 500 Always, even if using IKE over TCP

TCP port 500 Only if using IKE over TCP

IP protocol 50 ESP Unless always using UDP encapsulation

UDP port 2746 Only if using MEP, interface resolving or interface High Availability

UDP port 259 Only if using MEP, interface resolving or interface High Availability

Resolving Internal Names with the SecuRemote DNS Server

The Problem
The SecuRemote / SecureClient must resolve the names of internal hosts (behind the Security Gateway)
with non-unique IP addresses using an internal DNS server.

The Solution
The simplest solution is to use Connect Mode and Office Mode. Otherwise, use the split DNS feature by
defining a SecuRemote DNS Server.
The SecuRemote DNS Server is an object that represents an internal DNS server that can be used to
resolve internal names with unregistered, (RFC 1981-style) IP addresses. It is best to encrypt the DNS
resolution of these internal names. Not all DNS traffic should be encrypted, as this would mean that every
DNS resolution would require authentication.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 238

Chapter 30
Multiple Entry Point for Remote Access VPNs
In This Section:
The Need for Multiple Entry Point Security Gateways .......................................... 239
The Check Point Solution for Multiple Entry Points .............................................. 239
Disabling MEP....................................................................................................... 241
Configuring MEP ................................................................................................... 241
Configuring Preferred Backup Security Gateway ................................................. 242
Disabling MEP....................................................................................................... 242

Note - The procedures in this section are relevant for SecureClient. For other clients, see
the most updated documentation for that client
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk67820).

The Need for Multiple Entry Point Security Gateways

The Security Gateway provides a single point of entry to the internal network. It is the Security Gateway that
makes the internal network "available" to remote machines. If the Security Gateway fails, the internal
network is no longer available. It therefore makes good sense to have Multiple Entry Points (MEP) to the
same network.

The Check Point Solution for Multiple Entry Points

In a MEPed environment, more than one Security Gateway is both protecting and giving access to the same
VPN domain. How a remote user selects a Security Gateway in order to reach a destination IP address
depends on how the MEPed Security Gateways have been configured, which in turn depends on the
requirements of the organization.
For more information, see Multiple Entry Point VPNs (on page 117).
The Check Point solution for multiple entry points is based on a proprietary Probing Protocol (PP) that
tests Security Gateway availability. The MEPed Security Gateways do not have to be in the same location;
they can be widely-spaced, geographically.

Note - In a MEPed Security Gateway environment, the only remote

client supported is the Check Point SecuRemote / SecureClient.

SecureClient Connect Profiles and MEP

There are three methods used to choose which Security Gateway will be used as the entry point for any
given connection:
• First to reply. In a First to Reply MEP environment, SecureClient attempts to connect to the Security
Gateway configured in the profile. If the configured Security Gateway does not reply, the first Security
Gateway to respond is chosen.
• Primary/Backup. With this method, SecureClient attempts to connect to the Primary Security Gateway
first. If the Primary Security Gateway does not reply, SecureClient attempts to connect to the Backup
Security Gateway. If the Backup Security Gateway does not reply, there are no further attempts to
connect.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 239

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• Random Selection. In a Load Sharing MEP environment, SecureClient randomly selects a Security
Gateway and assigns the Security Gateway priority. The remote peer stays with this chosen Security
Gateway for all subsequent connections to host machines within the VPN domain. Load distribution
takes place on the level of "different clients", rather than the level of "endpoints in a connection". In
addition, SecureClient ignores whatever Security Gateway is configured as the "connect to Security
Gateway" in the profile.

Preferred Backup Security Gateway

Preferred Backup Security Gateway allows remote hosts to choose which Security Gateway in the MEP
configuration will be the backup Security Gateway. All other Security Gateways in the MEP configuration will
be ignored should the first two Security Gateways become unavailable.

In this scenario:
• The VPN Domain is behind three Security Gateways: A, B and C.
• Security Gateway A is the Primary Security Gateway.
• Security Gateway B is the Backup Security Gateway when Security Gateway A is not available.
• Should Security Gateway A and Security Gateway B become unavailable, the remote host will not
attempt to connect to Security Gateway C.

Visitor Mode and MEP

Since the RDP Security Gateway discovery mechanism used in a MEPed environment runs over UDP, this
creates a special challenge for SecureClient in Visitor Mode, since all traffic is tunneled over a regular TCP
connection.
In a MEPed environment:
• The RDP probing protocol is not used; instead, a special Visitor Mode handshake is employed.
• When a MEP failover occurs, SecureClient disconnects and the user needs to reconnect to the site in
the usual way.
• In a Primary-Backup configuration, the connection will failover to the backup Security Gateway should
the primary Security Gateway become unavailable. Even if the Primary Security Gateway is restored,
the connection does not return to the primary Security Gateway.
• All the gateways in the MEP:
Must support visitor mode.
The user must be working with a Visitor Mode enabled profile.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 240

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Routing Return Packets

To make sure return packets are routed correctly, the MEPed Security Gateway makes use of IP pool NAT.

IP Pool NAT
IP pool NAT is a type of NAT in which source IP addresses from remote VPN domains are mapped to an IP
address drawing from a pool of registered IP addresses. In order to maintain symmetric sessions using
MEPed Security Gateways, the MEPed Security Gateway performs NAT using a range of IP addresses
dedicated to that specific Security Gateway and should be routed within the internal network to the
originating Security Gateway. When the returning packets reach the Security Gateway, the Security
Gateway restores the original source IP address and forwards the packets to the source.

Note - When Office Mode is enabled, there is no need to configure IP

Pool NAT since Office Mode dynamically assigns IP's to remote hosts.

Disabling MEP
When MEP is disabled, MEP RDP probing and fail over will not be performed. As a result, remote hosts will
connect to the Security Gateway defined without considering the MEP configuration.

Configuring MEP
To configure MEP, decide on the MEP selection method:
• First to Respond
• Primary/Backup
• Load Distribution

First to Respond
When more than one Security Gateway leads to the same (overlapping) VPN domain, they are considered
MEPed by the remote peer, and the first Security Gateway to respond to the probing protocol is chosen. To
configure first to respond, define that part of the network that is shared by all the Security Gateways into a
single group and assign that group as the VPN domain.
On the Properties window of each Security Gateway network object, Topology page > VPN Domain
section, select Manually defined, and define the same VPN domain for all Security Gateways.

Primary-Backup
1. In the Global Properties window, VPN > Advanced page, select Enable Backup Security Gateway.
2. In the network objects tree, Groups section, create a group consisting of the Security Gateways that act
as backup Security Gateways.
3. On the VPN page of the network object selected as the Primary Security Gateway, select Use Backup
Security Gateways, and select the group of backup Security Gateways from the drop-down box. This
Security Gateway now functions as the primary Security Gateway for a specific VPN domain.
4. Define the VPN for the backup Security Gateway(s). Backup Security Gateways do not always have a
VPN domain of their own. They simply back-up the primary.
• If the backup Security Gateway does not have a VPN domain of its own, the VPN domain should
include only the backup Security Gateway itself:
 On the Properties window of the backup network object, Topology page > VPN Domain
section, select Manually defined.
 Select a group or network that contains only the backup Security Gateway.
• If the backup does have a VPN domain:
 Verify that the IP address of the backup Security Gateway is not included in the VPN domain
of the primary.
 For each backup Security Gateway, define a VPN domain that does not overlap with the
VPN domain of any other backup Security Gateway.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 241
 Working with Remote Access VPN

Note - There must be no overlap between the VPN domain of the primary Security Gateway and the
VPN domain of the backup Security Gateway(s); that is, no IP address can belong to both.
5. Configure IP pool NAT to handle return packets. See: Configuring Return Packets (on page 242).

Load Distribution
1. In the Global Properties window, Remote Access > VPN Basic page, Load distribution section,
select Enable load distribution for Multiple Entry Point configurations (Remote Access
connections).
2. Define the same VPN domain for all Security Gateways.
Checking this option also means that load distribution is dynamic, that is the remote client randomly selects
a Security Gateway.

Configuring Return Packets

Return packets are handled with IP pool NAT addresses belonging to the Security Gateway.

Configuring IP pool NAT

In Global Properties > NAT page, select Enable IP Pool NAT for SecuRemote / SecureClient and
Security Gateway to Security Gateway connections. Then:
1. For each Security Gateway, create a network object that represents the IP pool NAT addresses for that
Security Gateway. The IP pool can be a network, group, or address range. For an address range, for
example:
• On the network objects tree, right-click Network Objects branch > New > Address Range... The
Address Range Properties window opens.
• On the General tab, enter the first IP and last IP of the address range.
• Click OK. In the network objects tree, Address Ranges branch, the new address range appears.
2. On the Security Gateway object where IP pool NAT translation is performed, Security Gateway
Properties window, NAT page, IP Pools (for Security Gateways) section, select either (or both):
• Use IP Pool NAT for VPN client connections.
• Use IP Pool NAT for Security Gateway to Security Gateway connections.
• In the Allocate IP Addresses from field, select the address range you created.
• Decide after how many minutes unused addressees are returned to the IP pool.
• Click OK.
3. Edit the routing table of each internal router, so that packets with an IP address assigned from the NAT
pool are routed to the appropriate Security Gateway.

Configuring Preferred Backup Security Gateway

In SmartDashboard:
1. Click Manage > Remote Access > Connection Profiles.
2. Select existing profile and click Edit or click New > Connection Profile.
The Connection Profile Properties opens.
3. In the Connect to Security Gateway and Backup Security Gateway fields, use the drop down menu
to select the Security Gateways that will function as the primary and backup Security Gateways for this
profile.
4. Click OK.

Disabling MEP
Disabling MEP is configured by setting the following command to true in DBedit, the Check Point database
tool:
• desktop_disable_mep

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 242

Chapter 31
Userc.C and Product.ini Configuration Files
In This Section:
Introduction to Userc.C and Product.ini ................................................................ 243
Userc.C File Parameters ....................................................................................... 244
Product.ini Parameters ......................................................................................... 251

Note - This section is only relevant for SecureClient.

Introduction to Userc.C and Product.ini

The VPN administrator can use the Packaging Tool to produce customized SecuRemote/SecureClient
packages for distribution to end-users. The Packaging Tool changes the behavior of
SecuRemote/SecureClient by changing the values of the properties in the Userc.C and Product.ini files
contained in the package.
However, not all of the properties in these files can be changed using the Packaging Tool. It is possible to
changes the behavior of SecuRemote/SecureClient by manually editing the Userc.C and Product.ini
files in the SecuRemote/SecureClient package, before distributing the package to end users.

The Userc.C File

The Userc.C configuration text file contains has three sections. Global, Managers, and Security Gateways.
• Global— Properties that are not specific to the site (managed by a single Security Management server)
or to the peer Security Gateway. It does not change on the client machine. To change the Global
Properties section of the objects database, do not make any manual changes to the Global section of
userc.C. Either edit the SmartDashboard Global Properties, or use the DBedit command line or the
graphical Database Tool on the Security Management server.
• Managers — Properties that apply per Security Management server. Updated whenever the end user
performs a Site Update.
• Security Gateway— Properties that are specific to a particular Security Gateway. Updated whenever
the end user performs a Site Update.
The section of the file where each parameter resides is indicated in the Userc.C file parameter tables
(below), in the column labeled Location in Userc.C.

Structure of Userc.C
The Userc.C configuration text file contains has three sections. Global, Managers, and Security Gateways.
• Global— Properties that are not specific to the site (managed by a single Security Management server)
or to the peer Security Gateway. It does not change on the client machine. To change the Global
Properties section of the objects database, do not make any manual changes to the Global section of
userc.C. Either edit the SmartDashboard Global Properties, or use the DBedit command line or the
graphical Database Tool on the Security Management server.
• Managers — Properties that apply per Security Management server. Updated whenever the end user
performs a Site Update.
• Security Gateway— Properties that are specific to a particular Security Gateway. Updated whenever
the end user performs a Site Update.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 243
 Working with Remote Access VPN

The section of the file where each parameter resides is indicated in the Userc.C file parameter tables
(below), in the column labeled Location in Userc.C.

How Userc.C Is Automatically Updated

When the Security Policy is installed on the Security Gateways, the objects database is also installed on the
Security Gateways. The part of the database that relates to remote clients is sent to the Topology Server on
the Security Gateway. When the clients perform a Site Update, they are actually downloading the Topology
information from the Topology server, which updates the Managers and Security Gateway sections of
userc.C on the clients. The file is stored on the client machine in the SecuRemote\database directory.
The parameters appear in the options section.

How to Manually Edit Userc.C

Do not make any manual changes to the Global section of userc.C.
Manually edit the Managers and Security Gateway sections of userc.C as follows:
1. Extract userc.C from the original SecuRemote/SecureClient tgz format installation package.
2. Edit the userc.C parameters, as needed.
Important - SecuRemote/SecureClient performs minimal syntax checking for the userc.C file. If a
parameter is edited incorrectly, the file may become corrupted, and sites may need to be redefined.
3. Recreate the tgz file.

The Product.ini file

The Product.ini configuration text file contains mostly properties that relate to the package installation.
The properties are fixed. The Product.ini file is read only upon installation of the
SecuRemote/SecureClient.
To change products.ini use the Packaging Tool, or if necessary, edit the file manually as
follows:
1. Extract products.ini from the original SecuRemote/SecureClient tgz format installation package.
2. Perform the required manual editing of products.ini.
3. Recreate the tgz file. This is the SecuRemote/SecureClient package for end-users.

Userc.C File Parameters

The following lists describe the parameters included in the Userc.C configuration file, arranged by the
features that the parameters relate to.

SecureClient
Note - Bold indicates the default value. Global, Managers, or Security
Gateway indicates the location in Userc.C. See The Userc.C File (on
page 243). Do not manually edit Global properties.

• default_ps (n.n.n.n) — Specifies the IP address of the default Policy Server. If this property exists,
SecureClient will automatically log on to the Policy Server (with IP n.n.n.n) when it is launched, relieving
the user of the need to manually log on to the Policy Server — Global.
• manual_slan_control (true, false) — Disabling this property will remove the Disable Policy menu
items from the Policy menu — Global.
• allow_clear_in_enc_domain (true, false) — If enabled, unencrypted connections will be accepted
by SecureClient NG over Encrypt desktop rules and by SecureClient 4.1 running Encrypted Only or
Outgoing and Encrypted policy, as long as both the source and the destination IP addresses are in the
encryption domain of a single Security Gateway — Global.
• disable_stateful_dhcp (true, false) — As long as this attribute is false, DHCP packets will be
allowed by SecureClient regardless of the enforced Desktop Security policy. If you set this attribute to
true, DHCP will be allowed only if the Desktop Security policy allows it explicitly. This requires
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 244
 Working with Remote Access VPN

SecureClient version 4.1 to run a policy of Allow All and SecureClient NG to have DHCP enabled
through specific rules — Global.
• block_conns_on_erase_passwords (true, false) — If true, the Close VPN option will replace Erase
Password in the SecureClient's Passwords menu and the button will appear in the toolbar. Selecting
Close VPN or clicking the above button will result in blocking all encrypted connections — Managers.
• enable_automatic_policy_update (true, false) — Specifies whether Automatic Policy Update is
enabled or not — Managers.
• silent_policy_update (true, false) — If true, the client will not prompt the user to update the policy
upon client startup, even if the time specified in automaic_policy_update_frequency has passed. The
client will still attempt to update the policy after successful key exchange — Managers.
• PS_HA (true, false) — Use backup Policy Servers on logon failure — Managers.
• PS_LB (true, false) — If true will randomize policy server — list so not all clients will try to connect to
the same policy server — Managers.
• LB_default_PS (true, false) — If true, when default_ps(x.x.x.x) is set it will go to a random Policy
Server in the same site (found by examining topology) — Managers.
• no_policy (true, false) — Indicates disable policy state — Global.
• policy_expire (60) — Timeout of policy, in minutes. This property can also be controlled in
SmartDashboard — Managers.
• retry_frequency (30) — If logged in to a Policy Server, but failed to re-logon after half the expiry
time, this parameter (in seconds) specifies the amount of time before retrying logon. On each attempt all
Policy Servers are tried — Managers.
• automaic_policy_update_frequency (10080) — Controls how frequently (in seconds)
SecureClient should update policy files — Managers.
• suppress_all_balloons (true, false) - which controls all balloon messages. If the flag is set to true,
no message balloons are displays. If false, all balloons are displayed. Note that the balloon's messages
will still appear in the .tde files and will be logged in the Status Dialog's MessageViewer.
• sdl_browse_cert (true, false) - When set to false, the browse certificate in "change authentication" is
disabled. When set to true, the browse dialog in SDL mode is restricted, you can only browse files, not
create, change or launch applications.
• disconnect_when_in_enc_domain (true, false)- If the client is connected to a site, and an interface
appears with an IP address located within one of the Security Gateway's VPN domains, the client is
disconnected. A message balloon explains why.
• open_full_diagnostic_tool (true, false) - When set to false, SC will open only log-view of
diagnostic. When set to true, SC will open full diagnostic. In any case, the full diagnostic tool will open
from the start menu.
• tt_failure_show_notification (true, false) - If fail_connect_on_tt_failure is false, (meaning
that a connection will succeed even though tt failed) then a string notification of tt-failure will show in the
connection progress details because of this flag.
• simplified_client_route_all_traffic (true, false) - This attribute determines whether the
Simplified Client performs connections using route-all-traffic or not.
• scv_allow_sr_clients (true, false)- If set to true, SecuRemote clients, which by default are not
SCV verified, will send a verified state to the enforcing Security Gateway.
• use_profile_ps_configuration (true, false) - Set to true to enable remote users to connect to
one Security Gateway and logon to a Policy Server behind another Security Gateway.
• force_route_all_in_profile (true, false) — If set to true, profiles created by the user will have
the "route all traffic" option selected and grayed in the profile creation/edit dialog. - Global
• enable_mode_switching (true, false) - If set to true, client has the option to switch between
Extended View and Compact View.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 245

 Working with Remote Access VPN

HotSpot Registration
• enabled (true, false) - Set to true to enable a user to perform Hotspot registration.
• log (true, false) - Set to true to send logs with the list of IP addresses and ports accessed during
registration.
• connect_timeout (600) - Maximum number of seconds to complete registration.
• max_ip_count (5) - Maximum number of IP addresses allowed during registration.
• block_hotspot_after_connect (true, false) - If set to true upon successful connect, the recorded
ports and addresses will not remain open.
• max_trials (0) - This value represents the maximum number of unsuccessful hotspot registration
attempts that an end user may perform. Once this limit is reached, the user will not be allowed to
attempt registration again. The counter is reset upon reboot, or upon a successful VPN connect. In
addition, if you modify the max_trials value, the modification will take affect only upon successful
connect, or reboot.
If the max_trials value is set to 0, an unlimited number of trials is allowed.
• local subnets (true, false) - Restrict access to local subnets only.
• ports (80, 443, 8080) - Restrict access to specific ports.

Encryption
Note - indicates the default value. Global, Managers, or Security
Gateway indicates the location in Userc.C. See The Userc.C File (on
page 243). Do not manually edit Global properties.

• use_cert (true, false) — Specifies whether Use Certificate will be checked in the IKE Authentication
window — Global.
• use_entelligence (true, false) — Specifies whether SecuRemote should attempt to use the Entrust
Entelligence toolkit, if installed — Global.
• entrust_inifile — Full path to a non-default entrust.ini file, to be used by
SecuRemote/SecureClient when working with entrust certificates — Global.
• certfile — Name of the last certificate used — Global.
• gettopo_port (264) — Which port to use for topology update — Global.
• pwd_erase_on_time_change (true, false) — Performs Erase Passwords when the user changes
the system clock — Global.
• force_udp_encapsulation (true, false) — Indicates whether UDP encapsulation is used
(transparent, and active profile in connect mode). Also used in Connect Mode to create the default
profile — Global.
• support_tcp_ike (true, false) — Indicates whether TCP over IKE is used (transparent, and active
profile in connect mode). Also used in Connect Mode to create the default profile — Global.
• support_tcp_ike (true/false/use_site_default) — Determine whether or not to attempt IKE over
TCP — Security Gateway.
• support_ip_assignment (true, false) — Indicates whether Office Mode is used (transparent, and
active profile in connect mode). Also used in connect mode to create the default profile — Global.
• ChangeUDPsport (true, false) — If the value of both flags ChangeUDPsport and
force_udp_encapsulation is true, a random source port is used for IKE packets, and another random
source port is used for UDP encapsulation packets — Global.
• uencapport (2746) — Specifies the port to be used on the UDP encapsulated packets when using
UDP encapsulation — Security Gateway.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 246

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• ChangeIKEPort (true, false) — If true, do not bind to port 500. Instead, use router port and use
address translation to make it seem as if the connection originated from port 500. This parameter allows
other client applications (such as IPSO and Microsoft) to use that port. Note if the port is taken, another
port will be used — Global.
• send_clear_traffic_between_encryption_domains (true, false) — if true and the source and
the destination are behind encryption domains (not same domains), packets will be sent clear. This
feature is enabled only if a single site is defined — Managers.
• send_clear_except_for_non_unique (true, false) — If true,
send_clear_traffic_between_encryption_domains will not function for IP addresses which
are defined as NAT private addresses.
• send_clear_except_for_specific_addresses (true, false)— If true,
send_clear_traffic_between_encryption_domains will not function for IP addresses which are defined in
send_clear_except_for_address_group — Managers.
• send_clear_except_for_address_group — Address group specification for
send_clear_except_for_specific_addresses — Managers.
• dns_encrypt (true, false) — Overwrites the encrypting attribute received in the topology in the
dnsinfo section.
• disable_split_dns_when_in_om (true, false) — Disable split DNS when in Office Mode — Global.
• disable_split_dns_when_disconnected (true, false) — Disable split DNS when disconnected —
Global.
• disconnect_on_IKE_SA_expiry (true, false) — In connect mode, if the IKE timeout expires and this
property is true, disconnect instead of erasing the passwords — Global.
• renew_users_ica_cert (true, false) — Specifies whether users be able to renew their certificates
(explicitly or implicitly) — Managers.
• renew_users_ica_cert_days_before (1-1000) 60 — How many days before expiration to start
and perform an implicit renewal — Managers.
• upgrade_fp1_and_below_users_ica_cert (true, false) — Whether or not to implicitly renew
certificates that were issued before NG FP2 — Managers.
• ike_negotiation_timeout (36) — Determines the maximum time in seconds that the IKE engine
will wait for a response from the peer before timing out. This is the maximum interval between
successive packets, and not the maximum negotiation lifetime — Managers.
• phase2_proposal (large, small) — Determines the size of the proposal sent by the client in Quick
Mode, packet 1. This property is for backwards compatibility. NG FP3 and higher clients use
phase2_proposal_size — Managers.
• phase2_proposal_size (large, small) — Determines the size of the proposal sent by NG FP3 or
higher clients in Quick Mode, packet 1. If the value is missing the value of phase2_proposal is taken
instead. NG FP3 clients will try a large proposal after a small proposal attempt fails — Managers.
• vpn_peer_ls (true, false) — In a MEP fully overlapping encryption domain configuration, if this
property is TRUE, a Security Gateway will be chosen randomly between the MEP Security Gateways
and will be given priority — Managers.
• ike_support_dos_protection (true, false) — Determines whether the client is willing to respond to
a DoS protection request, by restarting Main Mode using a stateless protection. Equivalent to the
SmartDashboard Global Property: Support IKE DoS Protection from unidentified Source — Managers.
• sr_don't_check_crl (true, false) — Do not check the CRL of the certificate — Managers.
• crl_start_grace (610200) — SecuRemote/SecureClient may accept CRLs that are not yet valid —
Managers.
• crl_end_grace (1209600) — SecuRemote/SecureClient may accept CRLs that have recently expired
— Managers.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 247

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• site_default_tcp_ike (true, false) — Determines the site default for attempting IKE over TCP.
Each Security Gateway has a property: "supports_tcp_ike" (true, false or use_site_default). If the value
is set to 'use_site_default' then the management property site_default_tcp_ike is used by the client to
determine whether to attempt IKE over TCP or not — Managers.
• suppress_ike_keepalive (true, false) — If the IPsec keepalive is turned on, and the value of the
property "suppress_ike_keepalive" is false, empty UDP packets will be sent to the Security Gateway
(destination port 500). The UDP keepalive packets are sent only if there is an IKE SA with the peer and
if UDP encapsulation was chosen — Managers.
• default_phase1_dhgrp — This field indicates which DH group to use for IKE phase 1 before the
client has a topology. If the flag does not exist, group 2 will be used — Global.
• to_expire (true, false) — Whether or not to have a timeout for the phase2 IKE authentication. This
property can also be controlled in SmartDashboard — Managers.
• expire (120) — Timeout of IKE phase2. This property can also be controlled in SmartDashboard —
Managers.
• ICA_ip_address — The IP address of the Internal CA — Global.
• allow_capi (true, false) — Allow the disabling of CAPI storage to Internal CA registration — Global.
• allow_p12 (true, false) — Allow the disabling of p12 file storage to Internal CA registration — Global.
• trust_whole_certificate_chain (true, false) — This attribute improve connectivity where there
is a Certificate hierarchy, and the CA trusted by the Security Gateway is a subordinate CA (not
necessarily a direct subordinate) of the client trusted CA. Without this flag, both the Security Gateway
and the client must trust exactly the same CA — Global.
• is_subnet_support (true, false) — If turned on, IPsec SA will be valid for a subnet, otherwise it will
be valid for a specific address — Security Gateway.
• ISAKMP_hybrid_support (true, false) — If turned on, when the authentication pop up appears, the
user will have the option to choose between Hybrid mode and certificates as an authentication mode.
(Otherwise the user will have the option to choose between certificates and pre-shared secret) —
Security Gateway.
• resolve_multiple_interfaces (true, false) — If 'resolve_interface_ranges' (static interface
resolving) is disabled or failed, and this property is turned on, then dynamic interface resolving will be
done when addressing this Security Gateway. In this case the interfaces of the Security Gateway will be
probed once — Security Gateway.
• interface_resolving_ha (true, false) — If dynamic interface resolving is used (see
resolve_multiple_interfaces) and this property is turned on- the interfaces of the Security Gateway will
be probed per connection to see if they are live — Security Gateway.
• isakmp.ipcomp_support (true, false) — If the peer Security Gateway is a least NG and the client is
SecureClient (and not SecuRemote) then: — If the client is in "send small proposal" mode and this
property is turned on then IP compression will be proposed. (If the client is in "send large proposal"
mode then IP compression will be offered regardless of the value of this property) — Security Gateway.
• supports_tcp_ike (use_site_default) — If IKE over TCP is configured on the client AND either this
property is 'true' or it's 'use_site_default' and site_default_tcp_ike is 'true', then IKE phase 1 will be done
over TCP — Security Gateway.
• supportSRIkeMM (true, false) — When the authentication method is PKI, if this property is false, Main
mode is not supported — Security Gateway.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 248

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Multiple Entry Point

Note - Bold indicates the default value. Global, Managers, or Security
Gateway indicates the location in Userc.C. See The Userc.C File (on
page 243). Do not manually edit Global properties.

resolver_ttl (10) — Specifies how many seconds SecuRemote will wait before deciding that a Security
Gateway is down — Global.
active_resolver (true, false) — Specifies whether SecuRemote should periodically check the Security
Gateway status. Active Security Gateway resolving may cause the dial-up connection to try to connect to an
ISP. Turning this property off will avoid problems associated with this behavior — Global.
resolver_session_interval (30) — Specifies for how many seconds the Security Gateway status (up
or down) remains valid — Global, Managers.

Encrypted Back Connections

Note - Bold indicates the default value. Global, Managers, or Security
Gateway indicates the location in Userc.C. See The Userc.C File (on
page 243). Do not manually edit Global properties.

• keep_alive (true, false) — Specifies whether the Security Gateway will maintain session key
information for the Client, to allow encrypted back connections at any time. This property can also be
controlled in SmartDashboard — Global, Managers.
• keep_alive_interval (20) — When keep_alive is true, SecuRemote will ping the Security Gateway
every n seconds, where n is the number specified by the keep_alive_interval property. This property can
also be controlled in SmartDashboard — Global.

Topology
Note - Bold indicates the default value. Global, Managers, or Security
Gateway indicates the location in Userc.C. See The Userc.C File (on
page 243). Do not manually edit Global properties.

• topology_over_IKE (true, false) — Specifies whether New Site in SecuRemote will use IKE to
authenticate the user. If this property is set to true, IKE will be used, either using Hybrid Authentication
(i.e., any authentication method chosen in the Authentication tab of the user properties) or using
certificates. If this property is set to False, SSL will be used (as in version 4.1), and users will need IKE
pre-shared secret or certificate configured to define a new site — Global, Managers.
• encrypt_db (true, false) — Specifies whether the topology information in userc.C is maintained in
encrypted format — Global.
• silent_topo_update (true, false) — Used for backwards compatibility, when working with servers
that do not pass the property per site. This property can also be controlled in SmartDashboard —
Global, Managers.
• silent_update_on_connect (true, false) — Tries to perform an update with the Security Gateway to
which a connection is being attempted, before connecting (applies to IPSO clients) — Global.
• update_topo_at_start (true, false) — If the timeout expires, update the topology upon start up of
the SecuRemote/SecureClient GUI application — Global, Managers.

NT Domain Support
Note - Bold indicates the default value. Global, Managers, or Security
Gateway indicates the location in Userc.C. See The Userc.C File (on
page 243). Do not manually edit Global properties.

• no_clear_tables (true, false) — Setting this property to true will enable the opening of new
encrypted connections with the Encryption Domain after SecuRemote/SecureClient has been closed by
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 249
 Working with Remote Access VPN

logoff or shutdown, as long as encryption keys have been exchanged, and are still valid. This may be
necessary when using a Roaming Profile with NT domains, since the PC tries to save the user's profile
on the Domain Controller during logoff and shutdown, after SecuRemote/SecureClient has been closed
by Windows. This feature should be used in conjunction with "keep_alive" (see Encrypted Back
Connections (on page 249)), to ensure that valid encryption keys exist at all times — Global.
• connect_domain_logon (true, false) — Global. Setting this attribute to true enables clients using
Connect Mode to log on to a Domain Controller via SDL. The user should do the following in order to
logon to the Domain Controller:
a) Log on to the local Windows machine.
b) Connect to the organization.
c) Logoff and log back on (within five minutes after logoff) to the protected Domain Controller, using the
encrypted connection.

Note -
• Enabling this setting will keep the client Connected to the
organization for five minutes after the user logs off Windows.

• This feature was introduced before SDL in connect mode was

introduced. In versions where SDL is supported, this property is
used only for domain roaming profile support.
• sdl_main_timeout (60000) — In connect mode this property specifies the amount of time to wait for
user to successfully connect or cancel the connect dialog — Global.

Miscellaneous
Note - Bold indicates the default value. Global, Managers, or Security
Gateway indicates the location in Userc.C. See The Userc.C File (on
page 243). Do not manually edit Global properties.

• enable_kill (true, false) — Specifies whether the user can Stop SecuRemote/SecureClient. If this
option is set to false, Stop VPN-1 SecuRemote or Stop VPN-1 SecureClient does not appear in the File
menu or when right-clicking on the system tray icon — Global.
• use_ext_auth_msg (true, false) — Specifies whether SecuRemote/SecureClient will show custom
messages in the authentication window upon success or failure. The messages should be placed in a
file named AuthMsg.txt located in the SecuRemote directory (typically in Program Files\CheckPoint).
See the AuthMsg.txt file in the SecuRemote package for more details — Global.
• use_ext_logo_bitmap (true, false) — Specifies whether SecuRemote/SecureClient will show a
custom bitmap in the authentication window. The file should be named logo.bmp and should be placed
in the SecuRemote directory (usually located under Program Files\CheckPoint) — Global.
• guilibs — Used to specify SAA DLL, and is documented in this context — Global.
• pwd_type (now, later) — Used internally to indicates now or later auth dialog state. Do not modify —
Global.
• connect_mode_erase_pwd_after_update (true, false) — Erase password after a site update in
Connect Mode. Used with silent_update_on_connect — Global.
• disable_mode_transition (true, false) — Do not enable user to switch between modes via GUI or
command line — Global.
• connect_api_support (true, false) — Indicates SecuRemote/SecureClient mode. Set to true in order
to work with the Connect API — Global.
• connect_mode — Indicates SecuRemote/SecureClient mode. True for connect mode — Global.
• allow_clear_traffic_while_disconnected (true, false) — Topology is not loaded when
disconnected, ensuring that there are no popups on the LAN when disconnected — Global.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 250

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• stop_connect_when_silent_update_fails (true, false) — If trying to connect in

silent_update_on_connect mode, and the topology update fails, the connection will fail — Global.
• go_online_days_before_expiry (0) — The number of days before Entrust automatic key rollover
(certificate renewal). Zero equals never — Global.
• go_online_always (true, false) — When true, will attempt the LDAP (entrust.ini) protocol after
successful IKE negotiation — Global.
• implicit_disconnect_threshold (900) — When losing connectivity on physical adapter,
SecuRemote/SecureClient keeps the connected state for the amount of time (in seconds) specified by
implicit_disconnect_threshold. If the time elapses, or if connectivity resumes with a different IP address,
SecuRemote/SecureClient disconnects. This is useful in network environments with frequent network
disconnection, such as wireless — Global.
• active_test — Active tests configuration — Global.
• log_all_blocked_connections — Used internally to indicates the mode, and reflects the state of
the GUI checkbox. Do not modify — Global.
• cache_password — Used internally to save the state of the checkbox called "Remember password, as
per site settings". Do not modify — Global.
• dns_xlate (true, false) — Turn off the split DNS feature. May be needed in versions prior to NG FP3.
In later versions, split DNS is not used by default when in Office Mode — Global.
• FTP_NL_enforce (0, 1, 2) — Indicates the strictness of the FTP inspection (0 -no check, 1- default
check: Multiple newline characters allowed, 2-strict check: no multiple newline characters allowed —
Global.
• show_disabled_profiles (true, false) — In connect mode, if the IKE timeout expires and this
property is TRUE, disconnect instead of erasing the passwords — Global.
• post_connect_script — Specify full path for a script that SecuRemote/SecureClient will run after a
connection has been established (Connect Mode only) — Managers.
• post_connect_script_show_window (true, false) — Specifies whether or not the post-connect
script will run in a hidden window — Managers.
• list_style — How the site icons are presented in the main frame window — Global.
• mac_xlate (true, false) — Needs to be set to true to support Split DNS where traffic to the "real" DNS
server may not be routed the same way as traffic to the "split" DNS server. The most common scenario
is "real" DNS server on the same subnet as the client. Split DNS modifies the IP destination of the
packet, but not the MAC destination. With mac_xlate set to true, the MAC destination address is set to
the address of the default Security Gateway — Global.
• mac_xlate_interval — How frequently a check is made for the default Security Gateway's MAC
address (see mac_xlate) — Global.
• sda_implicit (true, false) — The working mode of the Software Distribution Agent (SDA). True =
implicit, false = explicit — Global, Managers.
• sda_imlicit_frequency — The frequency (in minutes) with which the Software Distribution Agent
(SDA) connects to ASD server to check for updates — Global, Managers.
• sr_build_number, sr_sw_url_path, sr_sw_url_path_9x, sr_build_number_9x,
sr_sw_url_path_nt,sr_build_number_nt, sr_sw_url_path_w2k,sr_build_number_w2k
— On the Security Management server machine, the names are desktop_sw_version,
desktop_build_number, etc. These attributes help SecureClient decide if it needs to upgrade itself —
Managers.
• install_id_nt,install_id_9x,install_id_w2k — Installation IDs — Managers.

Product.ini Parameters
The following are the parameters included in the Product.ini configuration file.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 251

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Parameter (bold indicates the Meaning

default)
OverwriteConfiguration=0/1 Sets the value for Update or Overwrite choice during upgrade. The
default value (0) means Update is chosen.

ShowUpdateOverwrite=0/1 Show the Update or Overwrite window to the user during

installation. If the window is not shown to the user, the value placed
in OverwriteConfiguration will be used.

PathAskUser=0/1 Show the Choose Installation Destination window to the user

during installation. If the window is not shown to the user, the
default value chosen by InstallShield will be used (usually this will
be C:\Program Files\CheckPoint\SecuRemote).

DesktopSecurityAskUser=0/1 Show the Desktop Security window to the user during installation.
If the window is not shown to the user, the value placed in
DesktopSecurityDefault will be used.

DesktopSecurityDefault=0/1 Sets the value for Desktop Security installation. A value of 1 means
that SecureClient will be installed, while a value of 0 means that
SecuRemote will be installed.

InstallDialupOnly=0/1 Sets the value for binding to All Adapters or to Dialup Adapters
only. A value of 0 means that the installation will bind to All
Adapters.

ShowNetworkBindings=0/1 Show the Adapter Bindings window to the user during installation. If
the window is not shown to the user, the value placed in
InstallDialupOnly will be used.

ShowReadmeFile=0/1 Show the Readme window to the user - this window asks the user
whether he/she would like to view the readme file before finishing
the installation. A value of 0 means that the window will not be
shown to the user, and the readme file will not be read during
installation.

ShowBackgroundImage=0/1 Determine whether the background image will be displayed during

installation.

ShowSetupInfoDialogs=0/1 Determine whether informative InstallShield dialogs (which require

no user interaction) will be displayed.

DisableCancelInstall=0/1 An option to disable the Cancel operation from the installation

dialogs.

ShowRestart=0/1 Determine whether Do you want to restart dialog will be shown.

RestartAfterInstall=0/1 0 - Do no restart after installation, 1- Restart after installation.

ShowRebootWarning=0/1 Suppress the message "The installation will complete after reboot".

IncludeBrandingFiles=0/1 Determines whether the files authmsg.txt and logo.bmp (used for
customizing the Authentication dialog) will be copied during
installation. See the userc.C options section for more details on
use_ext_auth_msg and use_ext_logo_bitmap.

EnableSDL=0/1 Sets the value of Secure Domain Logon (SDL) during installation.
If the value is 1, SDL will be enabled during installation.

SdlNetlogonTimeout (Seconds/0) Set timeout for the operating system Net Logon, if 0 do not change
the current value.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 252

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Parameter (bold indicates the Meaning

default)
Support3rdPartyGina=0/1 SecuRemote Client NG allows using third party GINA DLLs for
authentication. If this property is not selected, the Windows GINA
DLL will be used by default. Enabling this property may conflict with
SDL operation if a third party GINA DLL is used.

EnablePolicyView=0/1 Enable the Policy View in the SecureClient Diagnostics application.

EnableLogView=0/1 Enable the Log View in the SecureClient Diagnostics application.

EnableDiagnosticsView=0/1 Enable the Diagnostics View in the SecureClient Diagnostics

application.

ShowKernelInstallation=0/1 Determines whether or not the driver installation dialog is displayed.

OverwriteEntINI=0/1 Determines whether existing entrust.ini files will be overwritten by

the entrust.ini files in the installation. A value of 1 indicates that the
existing entrust.ini file will be overwritten.

DefaultPath (Full path) Default: C:\Program Files\CheckPoint\SecuRemote.

ConnectMode=0/1 Set default client mode: 0 - transparent, 1- connect mode.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 253

Chapter 32
SSL Network Extender
In This Section:
Introduction to the SSL Network Extender ............................................................ 254
How the SSL Network Extender Works ................................................................ 255
Commonly Used Concepts ................................................................................... 255
Special Considerations for the SSL Network Extender ........................................ 256
Configuring the SSL Network Extender ................................................................ 258
SSL Network Extender User Experience .............................................................. 264
Troubleshooting SSL Network Extender ............................................................... 270

Introduction to the SSL Network Extender

Whenever users access the organization from remote locations, it is essential that not only the usual
requirements of secure connectivity be met but also the special demands of remote clients. These
requirements include:
• Connectivity: The remote client must be able to access the organization from various locations, even if
behind a NATing device, Proxy or Firewall. The range of applications available must include web
applications, mail, file shares, and other more specialized applications required to meet corporate
needs.
• Secure connectivity: Guaranteed by the combination of authentication, confidentiality and data integrity
for every connection.
• Usability: Installation must be easy. No configuration should be required as a result of network
modification. The given solution should be seamless for the connecting user.
To resolve these issues, a secure connectivity framework is needed to ensure that remote access to the
corporate network is securely enabled.
The SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Network Extender is a simple-to-implement remote access solution. A thin
client is installed on the user's machine. (The SSL Network Extender client has a much smaller size than
other clients.) It is connected to an SSL enabled web server that is part of the Enforcement Module. By
default, the SSL enabled web server is disabled. It is activated by using the SmartDashboard, thus enabling
full secure IP connectivity over SSL. The SSL Network Extender requires a server side configuration only,
unlike other remote access clients. Once the end user has connected to a server, the thin client is
downloaded as an ActiveX component, installed, and then used to connect to the corporate network using
the SSL protocol.
It is much easier to deploy a new version of the SSL Network Extender client than it is to deploy a new
version of other conventional clients.

Note - If the Mobile Access blade is active on a Security Gateway,

SSL Network Extender works through Mobile Access and not IPsec
VPN. In this case, SSL Network Extender must be configured through
the Mobile Access blade. If you already had SSL Network Extender
configured on an IPsec VPN Security Gateway and then you enable
the Mobile Access blade, you must reconfigure SSL Network Extender
for the Mobile Access blade.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 254

 Working with Remote Access VPN

How the SSL Network Extender Works

The SSL Network Extender solution comprises a thin client installed on the user's Desktop/Laptop and an
SSL enabled web server component, integrated into the Security Gateway.
To enable connectivity for clients using the SSL Network Extender - a Security Gateway must be configured
to support SecuRemote / SecureClient, in addition to a minor configuration specific to SSL Network
Extender.
The SSL Network Extender may be installed on the user's machine by downloading it from a Security
Gateway, R55 HFA10 (or higher).

Commonly Used Concepts

This section briefly describes commonly used concepts that you will encounter when dealing with the SSL
Network Extender. It is strongly recommended that you review the "Remote Access VPN" section of this
book before reading this guide.

Remote Access VPN

Refers to remote users accessing the network with client software such as SecuRemote / SecureClient, SSL
clients, or third party IPsec clients. The Security Gateway provides a Remote Access Service to the remote
clients.

Remote Access Community

A Remote Access Community, a Check Point concept, is a type of VPN community created specifically for
users that usually work from remote locations, outside of the corporate LAN.

Office Mode
Office Mode is a Check Point remote access VPN solution feature. It enables a Security Gateway to assign
a remote client an IP address. This IP address is used only internally for secure encapsulated
communication with the home network, and therefore is not visible in the public network. The assignment
takes place once the user connects and authenticates. The assignment lease is renewed as long as the
user is connected. The address may be taken either from a general IP address pool, or from an IP address
pool specified per user group, using a configuration file.

Visitor Mode
Visitor Mode is a Check Point remote access VPN solution feature. It enables tunneling of all client-to-
Security Gateway communication through a regular TCP connection on port 443. Visitor mode is designed
as a solution for firewalls and Proxy servers that are configured to block IPsec connectivity.

Endpoint Security on Demand

Endpoint Security on Demand (ESOD) may be used to scan endpoint computers for potentially harmful
software before allowing them to access the internal application. When end users access the SSL Network
Extender for the first time, they are prompted to download an ActiveX component that scans the end user
machine for Malware. The scan results are presented both to the Security Gateway and to the end user.
SSL Network Extender access is granted/denied to the end user based on the compliance options set by the
administrator.

ESOD Policy per User Group

Since there are many different kinds of threats to your network's security, different users may require
different configurations in order to guard against the increasing number and variety of threats. The ability to
configure a variety of ESOD policies enables the administrator to customize the software screening process
between different user groups.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 255

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Screened Software Types

ESOD can screen for the Malware software types listed in the following table:
Software Type Description

Worms Programs that replicate over a computer network for the purpose of
disrupting network communications or damaging software or data.

Trojan horses Malicious programs that masquerade as harmless applications.

Hacker tools Tools that facilitate a hacker's access to a computer and/or the
extraction of data from that computer.

Keystroke loggers Programs that record user input activity (that is, mouse or keyboard
use) with or without the user's consent. Some keystroke loggers
transmit the recorded information to third parties.

Adware Programs that display advertisements, or records information about

Web use habits and store it or forward it to marketers or advertisers
without the user's authorization or knowledge.

Browser plug-ins Programs that change settings in the user's browser or adds
functionality to the browser. Some browser plug-ins change the default
search page to a pay-per-search site, change the user's home page, or
transmit the browser history to a third party.

Dialers Programs that change the user's dialup connection settings so that
instead of connecting to a local Internet Service Provider, the user
connects to a different network, usually a toll number or international
phone number.

3rd party cookies Cookies that are used to deliver information about the user's Internet
activity to marketers.

Other undesirable software Any unsolicited software that secretly performs undesirable actions on
a user's computer and does not fit any of the above descriptions.

Special Considerations for the SSL Network Extender

This section lists SSL Network Extender special considerations, such as pre-requisites, features and
limitations:

Pre-Requisites
The SSL Network Extender pre-requisites are listed below:

Client-side Pre-Requisites
The SSL Network Extender client-side pre-requisites are listed below:
• Remote client must be running the following:
• Windows 2000 Pro
• Windows XP Home Edition and Pro
• Windows Vista
• Linux RHEL 3.0
• Linux Suse 9 and up
• Red Hat Linux 7.3
• Mac OSX Tiger

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 256

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• Remote client must use the following. Each must allow ActiveX or Java Applet.
• Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher
• FireFox
• Safari
• First time client installation, uninstall and upgrade requires administrator privileges on the client
computer.
Server-Side Pre-Requisites
The SSL Network Extender server-side pre-requisites are listed below:
• The SSL Network Extender is a server side component, which is part of a specific Enforcement Module,
with which the SSL Network Extender is associated. It may be enabled on the Security Gateway,
already configured to serve as a Remote Access SecureClient Security Gateway.
• The specific Security Gateway must be configured as a member of the Remote Access Community, and
configured to work with Visitor Mode. This will not interfere with SecureClient functionality, but will allow
SecureClient users to utilize Visitor Mode.
• The same access rules are configured for both SecureClient and SSL Network Extender users.
• If you want to use Endpoint Security on Demand, you should install the ESOD server or the ESOD
configuration tool. Customers can download the ESOD server from
http://www.checkpoint.com/products/clientless/index.html along with its documentation.

Features
The SSL Network Extender features are listed below:
• Easy installation and deployment.
• Intuitive and easy interface for configuration and use.
• The SSL Network Extender mechanism is based on Visitor Mode and Office Mode.
• Automatic proxy detection is implemented.
• Small size client: Download size of SSL Network Extender < 400K; after installation, size of SSL
Network Extender on disk is approximately 650K.
• All Security Gateway authentication schemes are supported: Authentication can be performed using a
certificate, Check Point password or external user databases, such as SecurID, LDAP, RADIUS and so
forth.
• At the end of the session, no information about the user or Security Gateway remains on the client
machine.
• Extensive logging capability, on the Security Gateway, identical to that in VPN-1 SecuRemote /
SecureClient.
• High Availability Clusters and Failover are supported.
• SSL Network Extender Upgrade is supported.
• The SSL Network Extender supports the RC4 encryption method.
• Users can authenticate using certificates issued by any trusted CA that is defined as such by the system
administrator in SmartDashboard.
• SSL Network Extender is now supported on IPSO.
• Endpoint Security on Demand prevents threats posed by Malware types, such as Worms, Trojan horses,
Hacker's tools, Key loggers, Browser plug-ins, Adwares, Third party cookies, and so forth.
• SSL Network Extender can be configured to work in Hub Mode. VPN routing for remote access clients is
enabled via Hub Mode. In Hub mode, all traffic is directed through a central Hub.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 257

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Configuring the SSL Network Extender

The following sections describe how to configure the server. Load Sharing Cluster Support, customizing the
Web GUI, upgrading the SSL Network Extender client and Installation for Users without Administrator
privileges are also discussed.

Configuring the Server

Before configuring the server, verify that you have a valid license for the SSL Network Extender.
Use cpconfig to verify that you have a valid license for the SSL Network Extender. Check Point software
is activated with a License Key. You can obtain this License Key by registering the Certificate Key that
appears on the back of the software media pack, in the Check Point Support Center
(http://supportcenter.checkpoint.com).

Server-Side Configuration
The SSL Network Extender requires only server side configuration

Configuring the Security Gateway as a Member of the Remote Access Community

1. Open SmartDashboard, select the Security Gateway object on the Network Object tab of the Objects
Tree.
The General Properties window is displayed.
2. Verify that the IPsec VPN blade is selected and click OK.
3. Select VPN in the objects tree on the left hand side.
4. Verify that the module participates in the Remote Access Community. If not, add the module to the
Remote Access Community.
5. In the Topology Tab of the Security Gateway Properties page, configure the VPN Domain for SSL
Network Extender, in the same way that you configure it for SecureClient.
Note - You can use the VPN Domain to configure SSL Network Extender to work in Hub Mode. All traffic
is then directed through a central Hub. You can also use the "Set domain for Remote Access
Community ..." button on the same tab to create different encryption domain for Remote Access clients
that connect to the Security Gateway (see Configuring Selective Routing).
6. Configure Visitor Mode, as described in the "Resolving Connectivity Issues" chapter. Configuring Visitor
Mode doesn't interfere with regular SecureClient users' functionality. It merely allows SecureClient users
to enable Visitor Mode. (For a description of Visitor Mode, refer to Visitor Mode (on page 277).)
Note - The SSL Network Extender uses TCP 443 (SSL) to establish a secure connection with VPN. The
IPSO platform uses TCP 443 (SSL) for remote administration purposes. Another port may be assigned
to the SSL Network Extender, however, this is not recommended, as most proxies do not allow ports
other than 80 and 443. Instead, it is strongly recommended that you assign the IPSO platform web user
interface to a port other than 443.
7. To change a Voyager port on an IPSO platform, run:
voyager –e x –S <port number> (x represents the encryption level.)
For more information, run: voyager –h
8. Select IPSec VPN > Office Mode.
9. Configure Office Mode, as described in the "Office Mode" chapter. (For a description, refer to Office
Mode (on page 169).)
Note - Office Mode support is mandatory on the Security Gateway side
10. Configure Users and Authentication.

Configuring the Gateway to Support the SSL Network Extender

Note - If the Mobile Access blade is active on a Security Gateway,
SSL Network Extender works through Mobile Access and not IPsec
VPN. In this case, SSL Network Extender must be configured through
the Mobile Access blade. If you already had SSL Network Extender
configured on an IPsec VPN Security Gateway and then you enable
the Mobile Access blade, you must reconfigure SSL Network Extender
for the Mobile Access blade.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 258

 Working with Remote Access VPN

To configure the SSL Network Extender:

Note - You must configure each Security Gateway that will be using
the SSL Network Extender

1. Select Remote Access > SSL Network Extender.

2. Select SSL Network Extender.
3. Select the server side certificate with which the Security Gateway will authenticate from the drop-down
list.
4. Click OK.

Configuring the SSL Network Extender

1. Select Policy > Global Properties > Remote Access > SSL Network Extender. The SSL Network
Extender Global Properties window is displayed.
2. Select the user authentication method, employed by the SSL Network Extender, from the drop-down list.
The options are:
• Certificate: The system will authenticate the user only via a certificate. Enrollment is not allowed.
• Certificate with enrollment: The system will authenticate the user only via a certificate. Enrollment
is allowed. If the user does not have a certificate, he/she can enroll using a registration key, received
previously from the system administrator.
• Legacy: (Default) The system authenticates the user via his/her Username and Password.
• Mixed: The system attempts to authenticate the user via a certificate. If the user does not have a
valid certificate, the system attempts to authenticate the user via his/her Username and Password.

Management of Internal CA Certificates

If the administrator has configured Certificate with Enrollment as the user authentication scheme, the user
can create a certificate for his/her use, by using a registration key, provided by the system administrator.
To create a user certificate for enrollment:
1. Follow the procedure described in "The Internal Certificate Authority (ICA) and the ICA Management
Tool" in the R76 Security Management Server Administration Guide
(http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22920).
Note - In this version, enrollment to an External CA is not supported.
2. Browse to the ICA Management Tool site, https://<mngmt IP>:18265, and select Create Certificates.
3. Enter the user's name, and click Initiate to receive a Registration Key, and send it to the user.
When the user attempts to connect to the SSL Network Extender, without having a certificate, the
Enrollment window is displayed, and he/she can create a certificate for his/her use by entering the
Registration Key, received from the system administrator.
For a description of the user login experience, refer to Downloading and Connecting the Client (on page
264).
Note - The system administrator can direct the user to the URL, http://<IP>/registration.html, to allow
the user to receive a Registration Key and create a certificate, even if they do not wish to use the SSL
Network Extender, at this time.
4. You can determine whether the SSL Network Extender will be upgraded automatically, or not. Select the
client upgrade mode from the drop-down list. The options are:
• Do not upgrade: Users of older versions will not be prompted to upgrade.
• Ask user: (Default) Ask user whether or not to upgrade, when the user connects.
• Force upgrade: Every user, whether users of older versions or new users will download and install
the newest SSL Network Extender version.
Note - The Force Upgrade option should only be used in cases where the system administrator is sure
that all the users have administrator privileges. Otherwise, the user will not be able to connect to and
use the SSL Network Extender.
For a description of the user upgrade experience, refer to Downloading and Connecting the Client (on
page 264).
5. You can determine whether the SSL Network Extender client will support the RC4 encryption method,
as well as 3DES. (RC4 is a faster encryption method.) Select the supported encryption method from the
drop-down list. The options are:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 259

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• 3DES only: (Default) The SSL Network Extender client supports 3DES, only.
• 3DES or RC4: The SSL Network Extender client supports the RC4 encryption method, as well as
3DES.
6. You can determine whether the SSL Network Extender will be uninstalled automatically, when the user
disconnects. Select the desired option from the drop-down list. The options are:
• Keep installed: (Default) Do not uninstall. If the user wishes to uninstall the SSL Network Extender,
he/she can do so manually.
• Ask user whether to uninstall: Ask user whether or not to uninstall, when the user disconnects.
• Force uninstall: Always uninstall automatically, when the user disconnects.
For a description of the user disconnect experience, refer to Uninstall on Disconnect (on page 268).
Note - The Uninstall on Disconnect feature will not ask the user whether or not to uninstall, and will not
uninstall the SSL Network Extender, if a user has entered a suspend/hibernate state, while he/she was
connected.
7. You can determine whether Endpoint Security on Demand will be activated, or not. When ESOD is
activated, users attempting to connect to the SSL Network Extender will be required to successfully
undergo an ESOD scan before being allowed to access the SSL Network Extender. Select the desired
option from the drop-down list. The options are:
• None
• Endpoint Security on Demand

Fetching the xml Configuration File

After installing the ESOD server and configuring it, you must fetch the xml config file from
the ESOD server by performing the following steps:
1. Open a browser on any machine.
2. Browse to http://<site ip>/<site name or virtual directory>/sre/ report.asp and save the displayed
XML file to disk, using Save As.
3. Copy the XML file to $FWDIR/conf/extender/request.xml on the Security Gateway.

Upgrading ESOD
Note - At present, the Dynamic ESOD Update feature is not
supported.

You can manually upgrade ESOD as follows:

1. Replace the ICSScanner.cab file, under $FWDIR/conf/extender, with the new package.
2. Edit the file ics.html, under $FWDIR/conf/extender, as follows:
3. Search for #Version= and replace the current value with the new version.
4. Save.

Configuring ESOD Policies

On the Security Management Server:

Note - Make sure that Endpoint Security on Demand is enabled in the

Global Properties > Remote Access > SSL Network Extender
page.

1. Navigate to the $FWDIR/lib directory.

2. Backup the vpn_table.def file.
3. Change the file name vpn_table_HFA.def to vpn_table.def.
On the Security Gateway:
1. Using the ESOD server, or ESOD configuration Tool (which can be downloaded from the Check Point
download center), create xml policy files for each group and place them in $FWDIR/conf/extender.
2. You can create a default policy file, named request.xml. This is only optional, and will be used when no
group is given.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 260

 Working with Remote Access VPN

3. In the $FWDIR/conf folder, create a file called ics.group. This should be a text file, in which, each
row lists a group name and its policy xml file.
Example of ics.group file:
Group1 group1.xml
Group2 group2.xml
Group3 defGroup.xml
Group4 defGroup.xml
Important notes about the ics.group file:
• The group name must be the same as its name in SmartDashboard.
• Several groups can register to the same xml file.
• Each group must appear only once in the ics.group file.
• Only groups that are listed in the ics.group file will use their specific xml files. Groups that are not
listed in the ics.group file will try to use the default policy, located in the request.xml file. If
the request.xml file does not exist, an error will be returned.
• The default xml file, request.xml, cannot appear in the ics.group file.
4. After creating the ics.group file (or after any change has been made), install policy.
5. Run cpstop and then cpstart on the Security Gateway.
6. Each user should be assigned the specific URL that matches his group. The URL should be in the
format: https://hostIP/<groupName>_ics.html
For example, all users belonging to "group1" will surf to the assigned URL:
https://10.10.10.10/group1_ics.html.
For troubleshooting tips, see Troubleshooting (see "Troubleshooting SSL Network Extender" on page 270).

Load Sharing Cluster Support

The SSL Network Extender provides Load Sharing Cluster Support.
To provide Load Sharing Cluster Support:
1. Double-click the Security Gateway Cluster Object on the Network Object tab of the Objects Tree.
The Security Gateway Cluster Properties window is displayed.
Note - A Load Sharing Cluster must have been created before you can configure use of sticky decision
function.
2. Select Cluster XL. The Cluster XL tab is displayed.
3. Click Advanced. The Advanced Load Sharing Configuration window is displayed.
4. Select Use Sticky Decision Function. When the client connects to the cluster, all its traffic will pass
through a single Security Gateway. If that member Security Gateway fails, the client will reconnect
transparently to another cluster member and resume its session.
5. Select Security Gateway Cluster Object > Remote Access > Office Mode. When defining Office
Mode, for use with Load Sharing Clusters, only the Manual (using IP pool) method is supported.

Customizing the SSL Network Extender Portal

You can modify the SSL Network Extender Portal by changing skins and languages.

Configuring the Skins Option

To configure the Skins Option:
The skin directory is located under $FWDIR/conf/extender on the SSL Network Extender Security
Gateways.
There are two subdirectories. They are:
• chkp: contains skins that Check Point provides by default. At upgrade, this subdirectory may be
overwritten.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 261

 Working with Remote Access VPN

• custom: contains skins defined by the customer. If custom does not exist yet, create it. At upgrade, this
subdirectory is not overwritten. New skins are added in this subdirectory.
Disabling a Skin
1. Enter the specific skin subdirectory, under custom, that is to be disabled and create a file named
disable. This file may be empty.
2. If the specific skin does not exist under custom, create it and then create a file within it named disable.
3. Install Policy. The next time that the user connects to the SSL Network Extender portal, this skin will not
be available to him/her.
Example
cd $FWDIR/conf/extender/skin/custom
mkdir skin1
touch disable
Install Policy.

Creating a Skin
1. Enter the custom subdirectory.
2. Create a folder with the desired skin name.
Note - Verify that this name is not already used in chkp. If it is, the new skin definition will override the
existing skin definition (as long as the new skin definition exists). Once you have deleted the new skin
definition, the chkp skin definition will once again be used.
Each skin folder must contain the following five style sheets:
• help_data.css: The main OLH page uses this style sheet.
• help.css: The inner frame on the OLH page uses this style sheet.
• index.css: The ESOD pages, and the main SSL Network Extender portal page use this style
sheet.
• style.css: All login pages use this style sheet.
• style_main.css: The main SSL Network Extender Connection page, Proxy Authentication page
and Certificate Registration page use this style sheet.
Note - It is recommended that you copy the aforementioned files from another chkp skin, and then
modify them as desired.
3. Install Policy after creating the new skin.
Example
Add your company logo to the main SSL Network Extender portal page.
cd $FWDIR/conf/extender/skin/custom
mkdir <skin_name>
cd <skin_name>
copy ../../chkp/skin2/* .
Place logo image file in this directory
Edit index.css.
Goto .company_logo and replace the existing URL reference with a reference to the new logo image file.
Save.
Install Policy.

Note - No spaces are allowed in the <skin_name>

Configuring the Languages Option

To configure the Languages Option:
The languages directory is located under $FWDIR/conf/extender on the SSL Network Extender
Security Gateways.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 262

 Working with Remote Access VPN

There may be two subdirectories. They are:

• chkp: contains languages that Check Point provides by default. At upgrade, this subdirectory may be
overwritten.
• custom: contains languages defined by the customer. If custom does not exist yet, create it. At
upgrade, this subdirectory is not overwritten. New languages are added in this subdirectory.
Disabling a Language
1. Enter the specific language subdirectory, under custom, that is to be disabled (if it exists) and create a
file named disable. This file may be empty.
2. If the specific language does not exist under custom, create it and then create a file within it named
disable.
3. Install Policy. The next time that the user connects to the SSL Network Extender portal, this language
will not be available to him/her.

Adding a Language
1. Enter the custom subdirectory.
2. Create a folder with the desired language name.
Note - Verify that this name is not already used in chkp. If it is, the new language definition will override
the existing language definition (as long as the new language definition exists). Once you have deleted
the new language definition, the chkp language definition will once again be used.
3. Copy the messages.js file of an existing chkp language to this folder.
4. Edit the messages.js file and translate the text bracketed by quotation marks.
5. Save.
6. Install Policy after adding the new language.
Example
cd $FWDIR/conf/extender/language
mkdir custom
cd custom
mkdir <language_name>
cd <language_name>
copy ../../chkp/english/messages.js
Edit the messages.js file and translate the text bracketed by quotation marks.
Save.
In custom/english/messages.js, add a line as follows:
<language_name>="translation of language_name";
Install Policy.

Note - No spaces are allowed in the <language_name>

Modifying a Language
1. Enter the custom subdirectory.
2. Create a folder with a language name that matches the chkp language folder to be modified.
3. Create an empty messages.js file, and insert only those messages that you want to modify, in the
following format:
<variable_name>="<desired text>";

Note - For reference, refer to the messages.js file, located in

chkp/<language>.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 263

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Installation for Users without Administrator Privileges

The SSL Network Extender usually requires Administrator privileges to install the ActiveX component. To
allow users that do not have Administrator privileges to use the SSL Network Extender, the Administrator
can use his/her remote corporate installation tools (such as, Microsoft SMS) to publish the installation of the
SSL Network Extender, as an MSI package, in configuring the SSL Network Extender.
To prepare the SSL Network Extender MSI package:
1. Move the extender.cab file, located in $FWDIR/conf/extender, to a Windows machine and open
the file using WinZip.
2. Extract the cpextender.msi, and use as an MSI package, for remote installation.
On Windows Vista, Mac and Linux, it is possible to install SSL Network Extender for users that are not
administrators, if the user knows the admin password. In this case, perform a regular SSL Network Extender
installation and supply the administrator password when asked.

SSL Network Extender User Experience

This section describes the user experience, including downloading and connecting the SSL Network
Extender client, importing a client certificate, and uninstalling on disconnect.

Configuring Microsoft Internet Explorer

Check Point SSL Network Extender uses ActiveX controls and cookies to connect to applications via the
Internet. These enabling technologies require specific browser configuration to ensure that the applications
are installed and work properly on your computer. The Trusted Sites Configuration approach includes the
SSL Network Extender Portal as one of your Trusted Sites. This approach is highly recommended, as it
does not lessen your security. Please follow the directions below to configure your browser.

Trusted Sites Configuration

1. In Internet Explorer, select Tools > Internet Options > Security.
2. Select Trusted sites.
3. Click Sites.
4. Enter the URL of the SSL Network Extender Portal and click Add.
5. Click OK twice.

About ActiveX Controls

ActiveX controls are software modules, based on Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) architecture.
They add functionality to software applications by seamlessly incorporating pre-made modules with the
basic software package.
On the Internet, ActiveX controls can be linked to Web pages and downloaded by an ActiveX-compliant
browser. ActiveX controls turn Web pages into software pages that perform like any other program.
The SSL Network Extender can use ActiveX control in its applications. To use ActiveX you must download
the specific ActiveX components required for each application. Once these components are loaded, you do
not need to download them again unless upgrades or updates become available. If you do not want to use
an ActiveX component you may work with a Java Applet.

Note - You must have Administrator rights to install or uninstall

software on Windows XP Professional, as well as on the Windows
2000 operating systems.

Downloading and Connecting the Client

The following section discusses how to download and connect the SSL Network Extender.
To Download the Client:
1. Using Internet Explorer, browse to the SSL Network Extender portal of the Security Gateway at
https://<GW name or IP>. The following Security Alert message may be displayed

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 264

 Working with Remote Access VPN

The site's security certificate has been issued by an authority that you have not designated as a trusted
CA. Before you connect to this server, you must trust the CA that signed the server certificate. (The
system administrator can define which CAs may be trusted by the user.) You can view in the certificate
in order to decide if you wish to proceed.
Note - The administrator can direct the user to the URL, http://< mngmt IP>:18264, to install this
CA certificate, thereby establishing trust, and avoiding future displays of this message.
2. Click Yes.
If Endpoint Security on Demand is enabled, the ESOD web page is displayed.
If this is the first time that the user is scanned with ESOD, the user should install the ESOD ActiveX
object.
If this is the first time that ESOD is used, the following Server Confirmation window appears. The user
is asked to confirm that the listed ESOD server is identical to the organization's site for remote access.
3. Click one of the following:
• No: an error message is displayed and the user is denied access.
• Yes: the ESOD client continues the software scan. Moreover, if the Save this confirmation for
future use check box is selected, the Server Confirmation window will not appear the next time
the user attempts to login.
Once the user has confirmed the ESOD server, an automatic software scan takes place on the client's
machine. Upon completion, the scan results and directions on how to proceed are displayed as shown
below.

ESOD not only prevents users with potentially harmful software from accessing your network, but also
requires that they conform to the corporate Anti-Virus and firewall policies, as well. A user is defined as
having successfully passed the ESOD scan only if he/she successfully undergoes scans for Malware,
Anti-Virus, and Firewall. Each malware is displayed as a link, which, if selected, redirects you to a data
sheet describing the detected malware. The data sheet includes the name and a short description of the
detected malware, what it does, and the recommended removal method/s.
The options available to the user are configured by the administrator on the ESOD server. The options
are listed in the following table:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 265

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Scan Option Description

Scan Again Allows a user to rescan for malware. This option is used in order to
get refreshed scan results, after manually removing an undesired
software item.

Cancel Prevents the user from proceeding with the portal login, and closes
the current browser window.

Continue Causes the ESOD for Mobile Access client to disregard the scan
results and proceed with the log on process.

To continue with the download:

1. From the Scan Results, select a different language from the list. If you change languages, while
connected to the SSL Network Extender portal, you will be informed that if you continue the process you
will be disconnected, and must reconnect.
2. From the Scan Results, you can select a different skin from the Skin drop-down list . You can change
skins, while connected to the SSL Network Extender portal.
3. Click Continue.
• If the configured authentication scheme is User Password Only, an SSL Network Extender Login
window is displayed. Enter the User Name and Password and click OK.
Note - If user authentication has been configured to be performed via a 3rd party authentication
mechanism, such as SecurID or LDAP, the Administrator may require the user to change his/her
PIN, or Password. In such a case, an additional Change Credentials window is displayed, before the
user is allowed to access the SSL Network Extender.
• If the configured authentication scheme is Certificate without Enrollment, and the user already has
a certificate. If the user does not already have a certificate, access is denied.
• If the configured authentication scheme is Certificate with Enrollment, and the user does not
already have a certificate, the Enrollment window is displayed:

4. Enter the Registration Key and select PKCS#12 Password.

5. Click Ok. The PKCS#12 file is downloaded.
At this point the user should open the file and utilize the Microsoft Certificate Import wizard as follows.
Note - It is strongly recommended that the user set the property Do not save encrypted pages to disk
on the Advanced tab of the Internet Properties of Internet Explorer. This will prevent the certificate
from being cached on disk.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 266

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Importing a Client Certificate with the Microsoft Certificate Import Wizard to Internet
Explorer
Importing a client certificate to Internet Explorer is acceptable for allowing access to either a home PC with
broadband access, or a corporate laptop with a dial-up connection. The client certificate will be automatically
used by the browser, when connecting to an SSL Network Extender Security Gateway.
To import a client certificate:
1. Open the downloaded PKCS#12 file. The following Certificate Import Wizard opens.
2. Click Next. The File to Import window appears:
The P12 file name is displayed.
3. Click Next. The Password window appears:
It is strongly recommended that the user enable Strong Private Key Protection. The user will then be
prompted for consent/credentials, as configured, each time authentication is required. Otherwise,
authentication will be fully transparent for the user.
4. Enter your password, click Next twice. If the user enabled Strong Private Key Protection, the following
Importing a New Private Exchange Key window appears:
• If you click OK, the Security Level is assigned the default value Medium, and the user will be asked
to consent each time the certificate is required for authentication.
• If you click Set Security Level, the Set Security Level window appears. Select either High or
Medium and click Next.
5. Click Finish. The Import Successful window appears.
6. Click OK.
7. Close and reopen your browser. You can now use the certificate that has now been imported for logging
in.
8. If you are connecting to the SSL Security Gateway for the first time, a VeriSign certificate message
appears, requesting the user's consent to continue installation.
• If you connect using Java Applet, a Java security message will appear. Click Yes.
• If the system administrator configured the upgrade option, the following Upgrade Confirmation
window is displayed:
If you click OK, you must re-authenticate and a new SSL Network Extender version is installed.
• If you click Cancel, the client connects normally. (The Upgrade Confirmation window will not be
displayed again for a week.) The SSL Network Extender window appears. A Click here to
upgrade link is displayed in this window, enabling the user to upgrade even at this point. If you click
on the Click here to upgrade link, you must re-authenticate before the upgrade can proceed.
9. At first connection, the user is notified that the client will be associated with a specific Security Gateway.
Click Yes.
The server certificate of the Security Gateway is authenticated. If the system Administrator has sent the
user a fingerprint, it is strongly recommended that the user verify that the root CA fingerprint is identical
to the fingerprint, sent to him/her.
The system Administrator can view and send the fingerprint of all the trusted root CAs, via the
Certificate Authority Properties window in SmartDashboard.
10. If the user is using a proxy server that requires authentication, the Proxy Authentication pop-up is
displayed. The user must enter his/her proxy username and password, and click OK.
11. If you are connected with Windows Vista, a Windows Firewall message will appear. Click Unblock.
You may work with the client as long as the SSL Network Extender Connection window, shown below,
remains open, or minimized (to the System tray).
Once the SSL Network Extender is initially installed, a new Windows service named Check Point SSL
Network Extender and a new virtual network adapter are added. This new network adapter can be seen
by typing ipconfig /all from the Command line.
Note - The settings of the adapter and the service must not be changed. IP assignment, renewal and
release will be done automatically.
Note - The Check Point SSL Network Extender service is dependent on both the virtual network adapter
and the DHCP client service. Therefore, the DHCP client service must not be disabled on the user's
computer.
Both the virtual network adapter and the Check Point SSL Network Extender service are removed during
the product uninstall.
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 267
 Working with Remote Access VPN

There is no need to reboot the client machine after the installation, upgrade, or uninstall of the product.
12. When you finish working, click Disconnect to terminate the session, or when the window is minimized,
right-click the icon and click Disconnect. The window closes.

Uninstall on Disconnect
If the administrator has configured Uninstall on Disconnect to ask the user whether or not to uninstall, the
user can configure Uninstall on Disconnect as follows.
To set Uninstall on Disconnect:
1. Click Disconnect. The Uninstall on Disconnect window is displayed, as shown in the following figure.
2. Click Yes to Uninstall.
If you select Cancel, the SSL Network Extender will not be uninstalled.
If you click Yes, the Uninstall on Disconnect window will be displayed the next time the user connects
to the SSL Network Extender.

Using SSL Network Extender on Linux / Mac Operating Systems

There are two methods to access Network Applications using Linux.:
• Java
• Command Line
Java
1. When connecting for the first time, the SSL Network Extender installation archive package is
downloaded.
This process is similar to the Windows Java installation.
2. If the user does not have root permissions, the user is prompted to enter a root password in order to
install the package. Enter the password and press Enter.
After the installation is finished, the applet will try to connect.
If it is the first time, the following window is displayed:
If the system Administrator has sent the user a fingerprint, it is strongly recommended that the user
verify that the server certificate fingerprint is identical to the Root CA Fingerprint seen in the window.
3. Click Yes to confirm.

Command Line
To download the SSL Network Extender installation archive package:
1. In the Network Applications Settings window, click on click here in the sentence For Linux
command line SSL Network Extender installation click here. The Shell archive package is
downloaded to the users home directory.
Before running the installation script, make sure execute permissions are available on the file. Use the
command chmod + x snx_install.sh to add execution permissions.
2. Download and select the SSL Network Extender manual installation.
• Download MSI installation package for Windows
• Download command line SSL Network Extender for Linux
• Download command line SSL Network Extender for Macintosh
3. Select the operating system.
The Shell archive package is downloaded to the user's home directory.
4. Run snx_install.sh.
If the user does not have root permissions, the user is prompted to enter a root password in order to
install the package. Enter the password and press Enter.
To disconnect after installation, run Server_1:/ snx -d.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 268

 Working with Remote Access VPN

SSL Network Extender Command Attributes

Attributes Description

snx -f <configuration file> Run SSL Network Extender using parameters defined in a
configuration file other than the default name or location.

snx -d Disconnect from Mobile Access

snx -s <server> Specify server IP or hostname

snx -u <username> Specify a valid user

snx -c <certificate file> Specify which certificate is used to authenticate.

snx -l <CA directory> Define the directory where CA's certificates are stored.

snx -p <port> Change the HTTPS port. (default port is TCP 443).

snx -g Enable debugging. snx.elg log file is created.

snx -e <cipher> Force a specific encryption algorithm. Valid values - RC4 and
3DES.

Configuration File Attributes

It is possible to predefine SSL Network Extender attributes by using a configuration file (.snxrc) located in
the users home directory. When the SSL Network Extender command SSL Network Extender is executed,
the attributed stored in the file are used by the SSL Network Extender command. To run a file with a
different name execute the command snx -f <filename>.

Attributes Description

server Change the HTTPS port. (default port is TCP 443).

sslport Change the HTTPS port. (default port is TCP 443).

username Specify a valid user

certificate Specify which certificate is used to authenticate

calist Define the directory where CA's certificates are stored.

reauth Enable reauthentication. Valid values -{yes, no}

debug Enable debugging. snx.elg log file is created. Valid values

{yes, no}. To activate debugging when running java, create a
.snxrc file with the line debug yes in the home directory.

cipher Force a specific encryption algorithm. Valid values: RC4 and

3DES

proxy_name Define a Proxy hostname

proxy_port Define a proxy port

proxy_user Define a proxy user

proxy_pass Define a password for proxy authentication

Note - Proxy information can only be configured in the configuration file and not directly
from the command line.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 269

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Removing an Imported Certificate

If you imported a certificate to the browser, it will remain in storage until you manually remove it. It is strongly
recommended that you remove the certificate from a browser that is not yours.
To remove the imported certificate:
1. In the Internet Options window of your browser, access the Content tab.
2. Click Certificates. The Certificates window is displayed:
3. Select the certificate to be removed, and click Remove.

Troubleshooting SSL Network Extender

The following sections contain tips on how to resolve issues that you may encounter when using SSL
Network Extender.

SSL Network Extender Issues

1. All user's packets destined directly to the external SSL Network Extender Security Gateway will
not be encrypted by the SSL Network Extender.
If there is a need to explicitly connect to the gateway through the SSL tunnel, connect to the internal
interface, which is part of the encryption domain.
2. The SSL Network Extender gateway allows users to authenticate themselves via certificates.
Therefore, when connecting to the SSL Network Extender gateway, the following message may
appear: "The Web site you want to view requests identification. Select the certificate to use when
connecting."
In order not to display this message to the users, two solutions are proposed:
On the client computer, access the Internet Explorer. Under Tools > Options > Security tab, select
Local intranet > Sites. You can now add the SSL Network Extender gateway to the Local intranet zone,
where the Client Authentication pop-up will not appear. Click Advanced, and add the gateway external
IP or DNS name to the existing list.
On the client computer, access the Internet Explorer. Under Tools > Options > Security tab, select
Internet Zone > Custom Level. In the Miscellaneous section, select Enable for the item Don't prompt
for client certificate selection when no certificates or only one certificate exists. Click OK. Click
Yes on the Confirmation window. Click OK again.
Note - This solution will change the behavior of the Internet Explorer for all Internet sites, so if better
granularity is required, refer to the previous solution.
3. If the client computer has SecuRemote client / SecureClient software installed, and is configured
to work in 'transparent mode', and its encryption domain contains SSL Network Extender
gateway, or otherwise overlaps with the SSL Network Extender encryption domain, the SSL
Network Extender will not function properly.
To resolve this, disable the overlapping site in SecuRemote client / SecureClient.
4. If the client computer has SecuRemote client / SecureClient software installed, and is configured
to work in 'connect mode', and its encryption domain contains SSL Network Extender gateway,
or otherwise overlaps with the SSL Network Extender encryption domain, the SSL Network
Extender will not function properly.
To resolve this, verify that the flag allow_clear_traffic_while_disconnected is True (which is the
default value).
5. SSL Network Extender connections cannot pass SCV rules. SecureClient users must be
differentiated from SSL Network Extender users in order to allow the SecureClient connections
to pass the SCV rules.
One way to do this is to use the SCV capabilities in the Rule Base. In Traditional Mode you can
configure two types of rules, by selecting the Apply Rule Only if Desktop Configuration Options are
verified. The selected (SCV) rules will pass only SecureClient connections, while the rules that were not
selected will pass SecureClient and SSL Network Extender connections. When using Simplified Mode,
the Administrator may specify services that will be excluded from SCV checking. Both SecureClient and
SSL Network Extender clients attempting to access such services will be allowed access, even when not
SCV verified. SCV will not be enforced on specified services for both types of clients.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 270

 Working with Remote Access VPN

ESOD Issues
1. User did not pass the scan (a 'Continue' button is not displayed).
The user probably did not match the policy requirements.
• If using "ESOD per User Group" feature – Verify that the user is using the correct policy.
• According to the policy, Explain the user how to remove the elements that are blocking him.
2. User cannot access the given URL for his specific group.
• Make sure that the group listed in the URL is listed in the ics.group file, with the correct xml file.
• Make sure that the xml file that is assigned to the group exists in $FWDIR/conf/extender.
• Make sure Install Policy has been made since the ics.group file has changes.
3. User has passed the ESOD scan, but gets a "Wrong ESOD Scan" error when trying to connect.
This means that the user has passed the scan intended for a group that he does not belong to.
• Verify that the user is using the correct URL.
• Look at the SmartView Tracker. The log should state which xml file the user used for the scan.
• Make sure that this file is the same as the user's group file. If not, direct the user to the correct URL.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 271

Chapter 33
Resolving Connectivity Issues
In This Section:
The Need for Connectivity Resolution Features ................................................... 272
Check Point Solution for Connectivity Issues ....................................................... 272
Overcoming NAT Related Issues.......................................................................... 272
Overcoming Restricted Internet Access ............................................................... 277
Configuring Remote Access Connectivity ............................................................. 279

The Need for Connectivity Resolution Features

While there are a few connectivity issues regarding VPN between Security Gateways, remote access clients
present a special challenge. Remote clients are, by their nature, mobile. During the morning they may be
located within the network of a partner company, the following evening connected to a hotel LAN or behind
some type of enforcement or NATing device. Under these conditions, a number of connectivity issues can
arise:
• Issues involving NAT devices that do not support fragmentation.
• Issues involving service/port filtering on the enforcement device

Check Point Solution for Connectivity Issues

Check Point resolves NAT related connectivity issues with a number of features:
• IKE over TCP
• Small IKE phase II proposals
• UDP encapsulation
• IPsec Path Maximum Transmission Unit (IPsec PMTU)
Check Point resolves port filtering issues with Visitor Mode (formally: TCP Tunneling).

Other Connectivity Issues

Other connectivity issues can arise, for example when a remote client receives an IP address that matches
an IP on the internal network. Routing issues of this sort are resolved using Office mode. For more
information see: Office Mode (on page 169).
Other issues, such as Domain Name Resolution involving DNS servers found on an internal network
protected by a Security Gateway, are resolved with Split DNS. For more information on Split DNS see:
Remote Access Advanced Configuration (on page 232).

Overcoming NAT Related Issues

NAT related issues arise with hide NAT devices that do not support packet fragmentation.
When a remote access client attempts to create a VPN tunnel with its peer Security Gateway, the IKE or
IPsec packets may be larger than the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) value. If the resulting packets are
greater than the MTU, the packets are fragmented at the Data Link layer of the Operating System's TCP/IP
stack.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 272

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Problems arise when the remote access client is behind a hide NAT device that does not support this kind of
packet fragmentation:

Hide NAT not only changes the IP header but also the port information contained in the UDP header. In
Figure 31-1, the UDP packet is too long so the remote client fragments the packet. The first fragment
consists of the IP header plus the UDP header and some portion of the data. The second fragment consists
of only the IP header and the second data fragment. The NATing device does not know how to wait for all
the fragments, reassemble and NAT them.
When the first fragment arrives, the NAT device successfully translates the address information in the IP
header, and port information in the UDP header and forwards the packet. When the second fragment
arrives, the NATing device cannot translate the port information because the second packet does not
contain a UDP header; the packet is dropped. The IKE negotiation fails.

During IKE phase I

To understand why large UDP packets arise, we need to take a closer look at the first phase of IKE. During
IKE phase I, the remote access client and Security Gateway attempt to authenticate each other. One way of
authenticating is through the use of certificates. If the certificate or Certificate Revocation List (CRL) is long,
large UDP packets result, which are then fragmented by the operating system of the remote client.

Note - If the VPN peers authenticate each other using pre-shared

secrets, large UDP packets are not created; however, certificates are
more secure, and thus recommended.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 273

 Working with Remote Access VPN

IKE Over TCP

IKE over TCP solves the problem of large UDP packets created during IKE phase I. The IKE negotiation is
performed using TCP packets. TCP packets are not fragmented; in the IP header of a TCP packet, the DF
flag ("do not fragment") is turned on. A full TCP session is opened between the peers for the IKE negotiation
during phase I.

During IKE phase II

A remote access client does not have a policy regarding methods of encryption and integrity. Remote
access clients negotiate methods for encryption and integrity via a series of proposals, and need to
negotiate all possible combinations with the Security Gateway. This can lead to large UDP packets which
are once again fragmented by the remote client's OS before sending. The NAT device in front of the remote
client drops the packet that has no UDP header (containing port information). Again, the IKE negotiation
fails.
Why not use IKE over TCP again, as in phase I?
IKE over TCP solves the fragmentation problem of long packets, but in phase II there are times when the
Security Gateway needs to initiate the connection to the remote client. (Only the remote client initiates
phase I, but either side can identify the need for a phase II renewal of keys; if the Security Gateway
identifies the need, the Security Gateway initiates the connection.)
If the Security Gateway initiates the connection, the Security Gateway knows the IP address of the NATing
device, but cannot supply a port number that translates to the remote client behind the NATing device. (The
port number used during previous connections is only temporary, and can quickly change.) The NATing
device cannot forward the connection correctly for the remote client; the connection initiated by the Security
Gateway fails.
It is possible to use IKE over TCP, but this demands a TCP connection to be always open; the open session
reserves the socket on the Security Gateway, taking up valuable system resources. The more reasonable
solution is to keep open the port on the NATing device by sending UDP "keep alive" packets to the Security
Gateway, and then performing IKE phase II in the usual way. However, there is still a need to shorten the
UDP packets to prevent possible fragmentation.

Small IKE Phase II Proposals

Both Security Gateway and remote peer start the IKE negotiation by proposing a small number of methods
for encryption and integrity. The more common methods are included in the small proposals.
If proposals match between the remote client and the Security Gateway, the proposed methods are used; if
no match is found, a greater number of proposals are made. Usually a match is found with the small
proposals, and fragmentation is no longer an issue. However, there are cases where a match is not found,
and a larger number of proposals need to be made. (This will most likely happen in instances where the
remote Security Gateway uses AES-128 for encryption, and AES-128 is not included in the small
proposals.)
A greater number of proposals can result in larger UDP packets. These larger packets are once again
fragmented at the Data Link Layer of the TCP/IP stack on the client, and then discarded by the hide NAT
device that does not support fragmentation. In the case of AES-128, this method of encryption can be
included in the small proposals by defining AES-128 as the preferred method.

During IPsec
NAT Traversal (UDP Encapsulation for Firewalls and Proxies)
Having successfully negotiated IKE phases I and II, we move into the IPsec stage. Data payloads encrypted
with (for example) 3DES and hashed (for integrity) with MD5, are placed within an IPsec packet. However,
this IPsec packet no longer contains a TCP or UDP header. A hide NAT device needs to translate the port
information inside the header. The TCP/UDP header has been encrypted along with the data payload and
can no longer be read by the NATing device.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 274

 Working with Remote Access VPN

A port number needs to be added; UDP Encapsulation is a process that adds a special UDP header that
contains readable port information to the IPsec packet:

The new port information is not the same as the original. The port number 2746 is included in both the
source and destination ports. The NAT device uses the source port for the hide operation but the destination
address and port number remains the same. When the peer Security Gateway sees 2746 as the port
number in the destination address, the Security Gateway calls a routine to decapsulate the packet.

IPsec Path Maximum Transmission Units

IPsec Path MTU is a way of dealing with IPsec packet fragmentation. The Data Link layer imposes an upper
limit on the size of the packets that can be sent across the physical network, the Maximum Transmission
Unit, or MTU. Before sending a packet, the TCP/IP stack of the operating system queries the local interface
to obtain its MTU. The IP layer of the TCP/IP stack compares the MTU of the local interface with the size of
the packet and fragments the packet if necessary.
When a remote client is communicating across multiple routers with a Security Gateway, it is the smallest
MTU of all the routers that is important; this is the path MTU (PMTU), and for remote access clients there is
a special IPsec PMTU discovery mechanism to prevent the OS of the client from fragmenting the IPsec
packet if the IPsec packet is too large.
However, the PMTU between the remote client and the Security Gateway will not remain constant, since
routing across the Internet is dynamic. The route from Security Gateway to client may not be the same in
both directions, hence each direction may have its own PMTU. VPN handles this in two ways:
• Active IPsec PMTU
• Passive IPsec PMTU

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 275

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Active IPsec PMTU

After IKE phase II but before the IPsec stage, the remote access client sends special discovery IPsec
packets of various sizes to the Security Gateway. The DF (do not fragment) bit on the packet is set. If a
packet is longer than any router's MTU, the router drops the packet and sends an ICMP error message to
the remote client. From the largest packet not fragmented, the remote client resolves an appropriate PMTU.
This PMTU is not conveyed directly to the OS. Unknown to the operating system, during the TCP three-way
handshake, the Maximum Segment Size (MSS) on the SYN and SYN-ACK packets are changed to reflect
the PMTU. This is known as Active IPsec PMTU.

Passive IPsec PMTU

Passive IPsec PMTU solves the problem of dynamic Internet routing. Passive IPsec PTMU is a process that
occurs when either side receives an ICMP error message resulting from a change in the routing path. Since
routes change dynamically on the Internet, if a different router needs to fragment the packet that has the DF
bit set, the router discards the packet and generates an ICMP "cannot fragment" error message. The error
message is sent to the VPN peer that sent the packet. When the peer receives this error message, the peer
decreases the PMTU and retransmits.

Note - From the system administrator perspective, there is nothing to

configure for PMTU; the IPsec PMTU discovery mechanism, both
active and passive, runs automatically.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 276

 Working with Remote Access VPN

NAT and Load Sharing Clusters

In the following figure, the remote client is behind a NATing device and connecting to a load-sharing cluster:

For the connection to survive a failover between cluster members, the "keep alive" feature must be enabled
in Global Properties > Remote Access > Enable Back connections from gateway to client
This is also true if the NATing is performed on the Security Gateway cluster side.

Overcoming Restricted Internet Access

When a user connects to the organization from a remote location such as hotel or the offices of a customer,
Internet connectivity may be limited to web browsing using the standard ports designated for HTTP, typically
port 80 for HTTP and port 443 for HTTPS. Since the remote client needs to perform an IKE negotiation on
port 500 or send IPsec packets (which are not the expected TCP packets; IPsec is a different protocol), a
VPN tunnel cannot be established in the usual way. This issue is resolved using Visitor Mode, formally
known as TCP Tunneling.

Visitor Mode
Visitor Mode tunnels all client-to-Security Gateway communication through a regular TCP connection on
port 443.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 277

 Working with Remote Access VPN

All required VPN connectivity (IKE, IPsec, etc.) between the Client and the Server is tunneled inside this
TCP connection. This means that the peer Security Gateway needs to run a Visitor Mode (TCP) server on
port 443.

Note -
• Even if the remote location's gateway in the figure above is not a Check Point
product (a Security Gateway from another vendor) Visitor mode will still tunnel a
connection through it.
• While in Visitor Mode, you cannot define a new site.
• Topology update takes place only if the last connection used a profile that
enabled Visitor Mode.
Number of Users
To obtain optimal performance of the Visitor Mode server:
• Minimize the number of users allowed Visitor Mode if performance degrades
• Increase the number of sockets available on the OS by editing the appropriate values, for example the
socket descriptor on Linux systems
Allocating Customized Ports
The organization decides that it would like to use a customized port for the Visitor Mode Server other than
the typically designated port 443. In this scenario, another port that is mutually agreed upon by all the
remote locations and the home organization, can be used for Visitor Mode. This solution works well with
business partners; the partner simply agrees to open a port for the visitor Mode connections. If the chosen
port is not represented by a pre-defined service in SmartDashboard, this service must be created in order
for the port to be used. If a port has been mutually agreed upon, and there is a proxy, configure the proxy to
allow traffic destined to this port.

Note - All partner Security Gateways must agree on the same

allocated port, since the visitor Mode server on the peer gateway will
be listening on only one port.

Visitor Mode and Proxy Servers

Visitor Mode can still be utilized in instances where the remote location runs a proxy server. In this scenario,
the remote user enables Visitor Mode connections to pass through the proxy server.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 278

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Visitor Mode When the Port 443 is Occupied By an HTTPS Server

If the designated port is already in use, for example reserved for HTTPS connections by a Server at the
organization's Security Gateway, a log is sent "Visitor Mode Server failed to bind to xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:yy
(either port was already taken or the IP address does not exist)" to Security Management Server.
If the peer Security Gateway is already running a regular HTTP server that also listens on the standard
HTTPS port 443, then it must be set up with two external interfaces, both of which have public IP addresses
— one for the HTTP server, and one for the Visitor Mode server. This second routable address can be
achieved in two ways:
• installing an additional network interface for the Visitor Mode server, or
• by utilizing a virtual IP on the same network interface which is blocking the port.
On the Security Gateway object running the Visitor Mode server, General Properties > Remote Access
page > there is a setting for Allocated IP address. All the available IP addresses can be configured to
listen on port 443 for Visitor Mode connections.

Visitor Mode with SecurePlatform /IPSO

SecurePlatform running on Linux and IPSO boxes are installed with a pre-configured HTTPS server; the
server runs on the Security Gateway and listens on port 443. Installing an additional network interface or
utilizing a virtual IP for the Visitor Mode server is not relevant since these HTTPS servers automatically bind
to all available IP addresses.
In this case, it is preferable to reserve 443 for Visitor Mode, since users connecting, for example, from a
hotel, may only be allowed to connect via ports 80 and 443. These pre-configured HTTPS servers need to
be allocated ports that do not conflict with the Visitor Mode server.

Visitor Mode in a MEPed Environment

Visitor Mode also works in a MEPed environment. For more information, see: Visitor Mode and MEP (on
page 240).

Interface Resolution
For interface resolution in a Visitor Mode environment, it is recommended to use static IP resolution or
dedicate a single interface for Visitor Mode.

Note - Visitor mode is only supported for Internet Explorer 4.0 and up

Configuring Remote Access Connectivity

The following section describe how to configure Remote Access connectivity in SmartDashboard and
DBedit.

Configuring IKE Over TCP

1. For the Security Gateway, open Global Properties > Remote Access page > VPN-Basic sub-page >
IKE over TCP section. Select Gateways support IKE over TCP.
2. Enable IKE over TCP in a connection profile; the remote user works in connect mode to automatically
receive the profile. To configure:
a) From the file menu, Manage > Remote Access > Connection profiles... the Connection Profiles
window opens. Click New...
b) Connection Profile Properties window opens. On the Advanced tab, select Support IKE over
TCP.
If the user is not working in connect mode, the user has to manually enable IKE over TCP on the client.
When IKE over TCP is enabled on the Security Gateway, the Security Gateway continues to support IKE
over UDP as well. For remote clients, IKE over TCP is supported only for as long as the client works with a
profile that enables IKE over TCP.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 279

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Configuring Small IKE phase II Proposals

Small phase II IKE proposals always include AES-256, but not AES-128. Suppose you want to include AES-
128 in the small proposals:
1. Open the command line database editing tool DBedit. There are two properties that control whether
small proposals are used or not, one for pre-NG with Application Intelligence, the other for NG with
Application Intelligence.
• phase2_proposal - determines whether an old client (pre-NG with Application Intelligence) will try
small proposals - default "false".
• phase2_proposal_size - determines whether a new client (for NG with Application Intelligence) will
try small proposals - default "true".
2. In Global Properties > Remote Access page > VPN -Advanced subpage > User Encryption
Properties section, select AES-128. This configures remote users to offer AES-128 as a small proposal.

Configuring NAT Traversal (UDP Encapsulation)

Note - NAT Traversal (UDP Encapsulation) currently does not support IPv6.

To configure Nat Traversal on a Security Gateway:

1. In SmartDashboard > General Properties > Remote Access page > NAT Traversal section, select
Support NAT traversal mechanism (UDP encapsulation).
2. From the Allocated port drop-down box, select a port. VPN1_IPSec_encapsulation is the default.
3. IKE phase II proposals are offered both with and without UDP encapsulation when dealing with remote
access. (There is no UDP encapsulation between Security Gateways). There is no need to enable UDP
on the client unless you want to shorten the existing small IKE phase II proposals. Enable UDP
encapsulation in a connection profile; the remote user works in connect mode to automatically receive
the profile. To configure:
a) From the file menu, Manage > Remote Access > Connection profiles... the Connection Profiles
window opens. Click New....
b) Connection Profile Properties window opens. On the Advanced tab, select Force UDP
Encapsulation.
If the user is not working in connect mode, the user has to manually enable UDP Encapsulation on the
client. On the client's file menu, Tools > Advanced IKE Settings, select Force UDP Encapsulation.
Selecting UDP encapsulation on the Security Gateway means that the Security Gateway supports both
encapsulated VPN traffic and traffic that is not encapsulated.

Configuring Visitor Mode

Visitor Mode requires the configuration of both the Server and the Client. See also: Visitor Mode and MEP
(on page 240).

Server Configuration
To enable the TCP tunneling feature on the Security Gateways:
On the Security Gateway object running the Visitor Mode Server, IPsec VPN > Remote Access > Visitor
Mode Configuration section, select Support Visitor Mode.
• If port 443 is the assigned port for TCPT server, do not change the tcp https default in the Allocated
Port section.
• If a customized port (other than the default port) is agreed upon, from the drop-down menu select the
service that corresponds to this port. If the chosen port is not represented by a pre-defined service in
SmartDashboard, create this service. If Mobile Access is enabled on the gateway, this setting cannot be
changed.
• In Allocated IP Address the default is All IPs. To avoid port conflicts, select the appropriate routable
valid IP for the Visitor Mode server. If the server has Dynamic Interface Resolving Configuration...
enabled (on the VPN - Advanced page) it is recommended to allocate a specific address for visitor
mode instead of All IPs. If Mobile Access is enabled on the gateway, this setting cannot be changed
VPN Administration Guide R76 | 280
 Working with Remote Access VPN

Note - When Visitor Mode is activated on the gateway, the RDP

interface discovery mechanism does not work. A Visitor Mode
handshake is used instead.

These settings configure a Visitor Mode server to run on the Security Gateway.

Visitor Mode and Gateway Clusters

Cluster support is limited. The High Availability and Load Sharing solutions must provide "stickiness". That
is, the visitor mode connection must always go through the same cluster member.
Failover from cluster member to cluster member in a High Availability scenario is not supported.

Enabling Visitor Mode Using a Connection Profile

Create a customized connection profile for Visitor Mode users. This profile enables the Visitor Mode feature
on the Client side.
To create the profile:
1. In SmartDashboard, Manage > Remote Access > Connection profiles... the Connection Profiles
window opens.
2. Click New... to create a new connection profile or Edit... to alter an existing profile. The Connection
Profile Properties window opens.
3. On the Advanced tab, select Visitor Mode.
On the remote client, configure the user to work in connect mode.

Configuring Remote Clients to Work with Proxy Servers

1. In SecureClient, select Detect Proxy from Internet Explorer Settings

In previous versions, the proxy had to be manually defined.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 281

 Working with Remote Access VPN

2. Enter a username and password for proxy authentication. This information is later transferred with the
"connect" command to the proxy server.

Now SecureClient can read any of the Visitor Mode settings, but only if:
• SecureClient is connected to a LAN or WLAN (not dial-up)
• Secure Domain Logon (SDL) is not enabled.
Note - Visitor mode attempts to connect to the proxy server without
authenticating. If a user name and password is required by the proxy,
the error message "proxy requires authentication appears".

Windows Proxy Replacement

If SecureClient is on a LAN\WLAN and a proxy server is configured on the LAN, SecureClient replaces the
proxy settings so that new connections are not sent to the VPN domain via the proxy but go directly to the
LAN\WLAN's Security Gateway. This feature works with and without Visitor Mode. SecureClient must be on
a WAN\WLAN and not using a dial-up connection.
When SC replaces the proxy file, it generates a similar plain script PAC file containing the entire VPN
domain IP ranges and DNS names (to be returned as "DIRECT"). This file is stored locally, since the
windows OS must receive this information as a plain script PAC file. This file replaces the automatic
configuration script as defined in Internet Explorer:

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 282

 Working with Remote Access VPN

Special Considerations for Windows Proxy Replacement

Sensitive information regarding the site's IP Address and DNS settings are contained in the SecureClient
userc.C file. For this reason, the file is obfuscated by an algorithm that hides the real content (but does not
encrypt it). When the proxy replacement feature is used, the same information is written to the plain text
PAC file. For this reason, administrators should be aware that the Windows Proxy Replacement feature
exposes the VPN domain by writing Site IP addresses and DNS settings as Java Script code in this plain
text PAC file, which can be viewed by any end user.

Configuring windows Proxy Replacement

Windows proxy replacement is configured either on the Security Gateway or on the SecureClient client.

On the Security Gateway:

1. Global Properties > SmartDashboard Customization
2. Click Configure
The Advanced Configuration window opens:

3. Select either:
• ie_proxy_replacement. If option is selected, windows proxy replacement is always performed, even
if visitor mode is not enabled.
• ie_proxy_replacement_limit_to_tcpt. If this option is selected, then proxy replacement takes place
only when visitor mode is enabled.
When SecureClient performs an update, the policy regarding windows proxy replacement is downloaded
and put into effect.

On SecureClient
Alternatively, these two properties can be set in the userc.C file on the remote client:

:ie_proxy_replacement (true)
:ie_proxy_replacement_limit_to_tcpt (true)

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 283

Appendix A
VPN Command Line Interface
In This Appendix
VPN Commands ................................................................................................... 284
SecureClient Commands ...................................................................................... 285
Desktop Policy Commands ................................................................................... 286

VPN Commands
These commands relate to VPN and are also documented in the R76 Command Line Interface Reference
Guide (http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?ID=22909).
VPN Command Line interface

Command Description

VPN This command and subcommands are used for working with various
aspects of VPN. VPN commands executed on the command line generate
status information regarding VPN processes, or are used to stop and start
specific VPN services.

vpn compreset This command resets the compression/decompression statistics to zero.

vpn compstat This command displays compression/decompression statistics.

vpn crl_zap This command is used to erase all Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) from
the cache.

vpn crlview This command retrieves the Certificate Revocation List (CRL) from various
distribution points and displays it for the user.

vpn debug This command instructs the VPN daemon to write debug messages to the
log file: $FWDIR/log/vpnd.elg.

vpn drv This command installs the VPN kernel (vpnk) and
connects it to the Firewall kernel (fwk), attaching the
VPN driver to the Firewall driver.

vpn export_p12 This command exports information contained in the network objects
database and writes it in the PKCS#12 format to a file with the p12
extension.

vpn macutil This command is related to Remote Access VPN, specifically Office mode,
generating a MAC address per remote user. This command is relevant only
when allocating IP addresses via DHCP.

vpn mep_refresh This command causes all MEP tunnels to fail-back to the best available
gateway, providing that backup stickiness has been configured.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 284

 VPN Command Line Interface

Command Description

vpn nssm_toplogy This command generates and uploads a topology (in NSSM format) to a
IPSO NSSM server for use by IPSO clients.

vpn overlap_encdom This command displays all overlapping VPN domains. Some IP addresses
might belong to two or more VPN domains. The command alerts for
overlapping encryption domains if one or both of the following conditions
exist:
• The same VPN domain is defined for both Security Gateways
• If the gateway has multiple interfaces, and one or more of the interfaces
has the same IP address and netmask.

vpn sw_topology This command downloads the topology for a SofaWare Security Gateway.

vpn ver This command displays the VPN major version number and build number.

vpn tu This command launches the TunnelUtil tool which is used to control VPN
tunnels.

SecureClient Commands
The following commands relate to SecureClient.
SecureClient command line interface

Command Explanation

SCC VPN commands executed on SecureClient are used to generate status

information, stop and start services, or connect to defines sites using
specific user profiles.

scc connect This command connects to the site using the specified profile, and waits for
the connection to be established. In other words, the OS does not put this
command into the background and executes the next command in the
queue.

scc connectnowait This command connects asynchronously to the site using the specified
profile. This means, the OS moves onto the next command in the queue
and this command is run in the background.

scc disconnect This command disconnects from the site using a specific profile.

scc erasecreds This command unsets authorization credentials.

scc listprofiles This command lists all profiles.

scc numprofiles This command displays the number of profiles.

scc restartsc This command restarts SecureClient services.

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 285

 VPN Command Line Interface

scc passcert This command sets the user's authentication credentials when
authentication is performed using certificates.

scc setmode <mode> This command switches the SecuRemote client / SecureClient mode.

scc setpolicy This command enables or disables the current default security policy.

scc sp This command displays the current default security policy.

scc startsc This command starts SecureClient services.

scc status This is command displays the connection status.

scc stopsc This command stops SecureClient services.

scc suppressdialogs This command enables or suppresses dialog popups. By default,

suppressdialogs is off.

scc userpass This commands sets the user's authentication credentials -- username, and
password.

scc ver This command displays the current SecureClient version.

scc icacertenroll This command enrolls a certificate with the internal CA, and currently
receives 4 parameters - site, registration key, filename and password.
Currently the command only supports the creation of p12 files.

scc sethotspotreg This command line interface now includes HotSpot/Hotel registration
support.

Desktop Policy Commands

The following command lines relate to the Desktop Policy.
Desktop Policy command line interface

Command Description

dtps ver This command displays the policy server version.

dtps debug [on|off] This command starts or stops the debug printouts to
$FWDIR/log/dtps.elg

fwm psload <path to desktop policy This command loads the Desktop Policy onto the module.
file> <target> The target is the name of the module where the Desktop
Policy is being loaded and should be entered as it appears in
SmartDashboard. This command should be run from the
management.
For example: fwm psload $FWDIR/conf/Standard.S
Server_1

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 286

 VPN Command Line Interface

Command Description

fwm sdsload <path to SDS objects file> This command loads the SDS database onto the module. The
<target> target is the name of the module where the SDS objects file is
being loaded and should be entered as it appears in
SmartDashboard. This command should be run from the
management.
For example: fwm sdsload $FWDIR/conf/SDS_objects.C
Server_1

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 287

Appendix B
VPN Shell
In This Appendix
Configuring a Virtual Interface Using the VPN Shell............................................. 288

Configuring a Virtual Interface Using the VPN Shell

The VPN Shell, used for creating Virtual VPN Tunnel Interfaces, is composed of menus and commands.
The shell can be used interactively or as a single command line. Invoking the command - vpn shell -
without any other arguments starts the interactive shell. Adding arguments after vpn shell is interpreted as
a direct command and executed.
VPN shell — starts the interactive mode
• The basic format of the command is: [path/path/path arguments], for example interface/add takes
you directly to the menu for adding numbered interfaces.
• Within the VPN shell, command line completion is available, for example i/a/n is completed to
interface/add/numbered and executed provided there are not two commands starting with the same
letter.
• Use Control-D to exit the VPN shell/end of line (when including vpn shell commands in a script)
VPN shell is not supported in Gaia. Use show vpn, add vpn, and delete vpn.
Expressions and meanings for the VPN shell are shown in the following table:
VPN Shell Commands/Arguments

Expression Meaning

? Shows available commands

/ Returns to the top of the main menu

.. (two dots) Moves up one menu level

/quit Exists the VPN shell

show/interface/summary Shows summary of all interfaces or of a specific

interface

show/interface/detailed Shows summary of all interfaces or of a specific

interface with greater detail

interface/add/numbered Adds a numbered interface (Local IP, remote IP, peer

name and interface name required)

interface/add/unnumbered Adds an unnumbered interface (Peer name and

interface name required)

interface/modify/peer/mtu Modify the MTU of an interface by peer name

interface/modify/peer/netmask Modify the netmask of an interface by peer name

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 288

 VPN Shell

Expression Meaning

interface/modify/ifname/mtu Modify the MTU of an interface by given interface name

interface/modify/ifname/netmask Modify the netmask of an interface by given interface

name

interface/delete/peer Delete interface by given peer name

interface/delete/ifname Delete interface by given interface name

interface/show/summary Shows summary of all interfaces or of a specific

interface

interface/show/detailed Shows summary of all interfaces or of a specific

interface with greater detail

tunnels/show/IKE/all Displays all valid SA's

tunnels/show/IKE/peer Displays valid SA for a specific peer (gateway IP

address required)

tunnels/show/IPSec/all Displays all IPsec tunnels

tunnels/show/IPSec/peer Displays IPsec tunnels for a specific peer

tunnels/delete/IKE/peer Deletes valid SA's for a specific peer (Security Gateway

IP address required)

tunnels/delete/IKE/user Deletes valid SA's for a specific user (internal IP address

and user name required)

tunnels/delete/IKE/all Deletes all valid SA's

tunnels/delete/IPSec/peer Deletes IPsec tunnels for a specific peer (gateway IP

address required)

tunnels/delete/IPSec/user Deletes IPsec tunnels for a specific user (internal IP

address and user name required)

tunnels/delete/IPSec/all Deletes all IPsec tunnels

tunnels/delete/all Deletes all SA's and IPsec tunnels

VPN Administration Guide R76 | 289

 C
CA Certificate Rollover • 37
Index CA Certificate Rollover CLI • 38
CA Located on the LAN • 30
CA of An External Security Management Server
A • 29
A Closer Look • 170 CA Services Over the Internet • 30
A Complete Example of a local.scv File • 208 Cached Information • 236
About ActiveX Controls • 264 Certificate Recovery and Renewal • 37
Accepting all Encrypted Traffic • 49 Certificate Revocation (All CA Types) • 37
Access Control and VPN Communities • 48 Certificates • 195
Access Control for Remote Access Community Check Point GO • 149
• 153 Check Point Mobile for Android • 148
Active IPsec PMTU • 276 Check Point Mobile for iPhone and iPad • 148
Add and Remove Files in Package • 186 Check Point Mobile for Windows • 147
Add Rules Allowing Communication Inside the Check Point Mobile VPN for iOS Devices • 148
VPN Domain • 142 Check Point Remote Access Solutions • 144
Adding a Language • 263 Check Point SCV Checks • 202
Adding Matching Criteria to the Validation Check Point Solution for Connectivity Issues •
Process • 38 272
Adding Scripts to a Package • 185 Check Point Solution for Greater Connectivity
Additional Considerations • 235 and Security • 223
Additional Script Elements • 203 Checking the Syntax • 179
Advanced Features • 155 Choosing a Topology • 45
Advanced IKE DoS Attack Protection Settings • Choosing the Authentication Method • 132
24 Choosing the Certificate Authority • 132
Advanced Permanent Tunnel Configuration • 80 Client Properties • 26
Advanced Settings • 123 Client Side Configuration • 192, 204
After Running the Wizard • 142 Client to Client via Multiple Hubs Using Hub
Allocating Customized Ports • 278 Mode • 227
Allowing Clients to Route all Traffic Through a Client-Based vs. Clientless • 13, 144
Security Gateway • 224 Client-Security Gateway Authentication
Allowing Firewall Control Connections Inside a Schemes • 153
VPN • 55 Client-side Pre-Requisites • 256
Alternatives to SecuRemote/SecureClient • 155 Command Line • 268
Anti-Spoofing • 172 Common Attributes • 212
Assigning IP Addresses • 171 Commonly Used Concepts • 255
Associating a RADIUS Server with Security Completing the Configuration • 63
Gateway • 159 Confidentiality • 40
Auth+Encrypt Rules • 142 Configurable Objects in a Direction • 95
Authenticating the Client Machine During IKE • Configuration File Attributes • 269
195 Configuration of Client to Client Routing by
Authenticating the User • 196 Including the Office Mode Range of
Authentication • 40 Addresses in the VPN Domain of the Security
Authentication Between Community Members • Gateway • 227
42 Configuration of PKI Operations • 35
Authentication Methods • 195 Configuration via Editing the VPN Configuration
Authentication of Users • 195 File • 58
Authentication Timeout and Password Caching Configuring a Loopback Interface • 75
• 236 Configuring a Meshed Community Between
Authentication Timeout Interval • 234 Internally Managed Gateways • 50
Auto Topology Update (Connect Mode only) • Configuring a Remote Access Environment •
237 197
Automatic Enrollment with the Certificate Configuring a Star VPN Community • 51
Authority • 33 Configuring a Virtual Interface Using the VPN
Automatic RIM • 82 Shell • 288
Automatically Renewing a Users' Certificate • Configuring a VPN using a Pre-Shared Secret •
135
166
Avoiding Double Authentication for Policy Configuring a VPN with External Security
Server • 191 Gateways Using PKI • 51
Configuring a VPN with External Security
B Gateways Using Pre-Shared Secret • 53
Configuring Advanced IKE Properties • 26
Back Connections (Server to Client) • 237 Configuring an SCV Policy on the Security
By VPN Domain • 120 Management Server • 201
Configuring Anti-Spoofing on VTIs • 75 Configuring the Languages Option • 262
Configuring Authentication • 154 Configuring the SecuRemote DNS Server • 235
Configuring Authentication for NT groups and Configuring the Security Gateway as a Member
RADIUS Classes • 164 of the Remote Access Community • 258
Configuring Certificates Using Third Party PKI • Configuring the Server • 258
163 Configuring the Skins Option • 261
Configuring CRL Grace Period • 39 Configuring the SSL Network Extender • 258,
Configuring Desktop Security • 191 259
Configuring Directional VPN Between Configuring Traditional Mode VPNs • 132
Communities • 97 Configuring Trusted Links • 111
Configuring Directional VPN with Remote Configuring Tunnel Features • 80
Access Communities • 230 Configuring Unnumbered VTIs • 76
Configuring Directional VPN Within a Configuring User Certificate Purposes • 198
Community • 96 Configuring Visitor Mode • 280
Configuring Domain Based VPN • 58 Configuring VPN Between Internal Gateways
Configuring ESOD Policies • 260 using ICA Certificates • 133
Configuring Explicit MEP • 127 Configuring VPN Routing and Access Control
Configuring IKE Over TCP • 279 on Security Management Server A • 60
Configuring Implicit First to Respond • 127 Configuring VPN Routing and Access Control
Configuring Implicit Load Distribution • 128 on Security Management Server B • 61
Configuring Implicit MEP • 127 Configuring VPN Routing for Remote Access
Configuring Implicit Primary-Backup • 127 VPN • 226
Configuring IP Assignment Based on Source IP Configuring VPN Routing for Security Gateways
Address • 178 through SmartDashboard • 58
Configuring IP pool NAT • 242 Configuring VPN with Externally Managed
Configuring IP Pool NAT • 129 Gateways Using Certificates • 134
Configuring IP Selection by Remote Peer • 98 Configuring VTIs in a Clustered Environment •
Configuring Link Selection for Remote Access 69
Only • 228 Configuring VTIs in a Gaia Environment • 72
Configuring MEP • 126, 241 Configuring windows Proxy Replacement • 283
Configuring Microsoft Internet Explorer • 264 Configuring Wire Mode • 92
Configuring MSI Packaging • 185 Confirming a VPN Tunnel Successfully Opens •
Configuring Multiple Hubs • 60 51
Configuring NAT Traversal (UDP Connect Mode • 190
Encapsulation) • 280 Connection Mode • 152
Configuring Numbered VTIs • 67 Connectivity Features • 151
Configuring OCSP • 39 Considerations for Choosing Microsoft IPsec /
Configuring Office Mode • 177 L2TP Clients • 196
Configuring Office Mode and L2TP Support • Considerations for VPN Creation • 132
197 Considerations regarding SCV • 203
Configuring On Demand Links • 114 Conversion of Auth+Encrypt Rules • 141
Configuring Outgoing Route Selection • 100 Conversion of Client Encrypt Rules • 141
Configuring Preferred Backup Security Gateway Conversion of Encrypt Rule • 139
• 242 Converting a Traditional Policy to a Community
Configuring Remote Access Connectivity • 279 Based Policy • 137
Configuring Remote Access for Microsoft IPsec Creating a New Package Profile • 184
/ L2TP Clients • 196 Creating a P12 Certificate File • 162
Configuring Remote Access VPN • 160 Creating a Preconfigured Package • 184
Configuring Remote Clients to Work with Proxy Creating a Skin • 262
Servers • 281 Creating and Configuring the Security Gateway
Configuring Return Packets • 242 • 163
Configuring RIM • 86 Creating Certificate Registration Key • 162
Configuring RIM in a Meshed Community: • 86 Creating Remote Access VPN Certificates for
Configuring RIM in a Star Community: • 86 Users • 161
Configuring RIM on Gaia • 87 CRL • 34
Configuring SCV • 203 CRL Cache Usage • 39
Configuring SDL Timeout • 236 CRL Grace Period • 35
Configuring Secure Domain Logon • 237 CRL Prefetch-Cache • 34
Configuring Service Based Link Selection • 107 Custom Scripts • 84
Configuring Site to Site VPNs • 49 Customizing the SSL Network Extender Portal •
Configuring Small IKE phase II Proposals • 280 261
Configuring Source IP Address Settings • 102
Configuring the 'Accept VPN Traffic Rule' • 59 D
Configuring the Gateway to Support the SSL Debug • 186
Network Extender • 258
Page 292
Default Policy • 190 Enabling the RIM_inject_peer_interfaces flag •
Defense Against IKE DoS Attacks • 24 87
Defining a User Group • 165 Enabling Visitor Mode Using a Connection
Defining a VPN Community and its Participants Profile • 281
• 165 Enabling Wire Mode on a Specific Security
Defining Access Control Rules • 165 Gateway • 93
Defining an LDAP User Group • 165 Enabling Wire Mode on a VPN Community • 93
Defining the CAs • 134 Encrypted Back Connections • 249
Defining the Client Machines and their Encryption • 246
Certificates • 197 Endpoint Security on Demand • 255
Defining the Encrypt Rule • 133, 134, 135, 136 Endpoint Security Suite • 148
Defining the Externally Managed Security Endpoint Security VPN • 147
Gateways • 134 Endpoint Security VPN for Mac • 147
Defining the Internally Managed Security Enhancing SecuRemote with SecureClient
Gateways • 134 Extensions • 150
Defining the Security Gateways • 133, 135 Enrolling a Managed Entity • 31
Defining User and Authentication Methods in Enrolling through a Subordinate CA • 34
LDAP • 163 Enrolling User Certificates - ICA Management
Defining User Authentication Methods in Hybrid Tool • 163
Mode • 164 Enrolling with a Certificate Authority • 32
Defining VPN Properties • 132 ESOD Issues • 271
Desktop Policy Commands • 286 ESOD Policy per User Group • 255
Desktop Security • 188 Establishing a Connection Between a Remote
Desktop Security Considerations • 191 User and a Security Gateway • 151
Desktop Security Solution • 188 Establishing a VPN between a IPsec / L2TP
DHCP Server • 171, 175 Client and a Gateway • 194
Diffie Hellman Groups • 20 Example • 262, 263
Digital Certificates • 153 Excluded Services • 49
Directional Enforcement between Communities Explicit MEP • 118
• 96 Expressions • 205
Directional Enforcement within a Community • Expressions and Labels with Special Meanings
94 • 206
Directional VPN Enforcement • 94
Directional VPN in RA Communities • 230 F
Disabling a Language • 263 Features • 257
Disabling a Skin • 262 Fetching the xml Configuration File • 260
Disabling MEP • 241, 242 First to Respond • 119, 124, 241
Discovering Which Services are Used for For internally managed Users • 166
Control Connections • 55 For More Information • 199
Distributed Key Management and Storage • 35 For Users Managed in LDAP • 166
Domain Based VPN • 49, 57
Domain Controller Name Resolution • 234 G
Downloading and Connecting the Client • 264
Gateway with a Single External Interface • 103
Downloading the SCV Policy to the Client • 201
Gateway with an Interface Behind a Static NAT
During IKE phase I • 273
Device • 104
During IKE phase II • 274
Gateway with Several IP Addresses Used by
During IPsec • 274
Different Parties • 103
Dynamically Assigned IP Security Gateways •
Generating a Package • 185
44
Granting User Access Using RADIUS Server
E Groups • 157
Granular Routing Control • 13
Editing a Traditional Mode Policy • 132
Enabling a User Certificate • 162 H
Enabling and Disabling Secure Domain Logon •
High Availability and Load Balancing • 190
234
HotSpot Registration • 246
Enabling Dynamic Routing Protocols on VTIs •
How an Encrypt Rule Works in Traditional Mode
73
• 138
Enabling Hub Mode for Remote Access clients •
How Does Packaging Tool Work? • 183
226
How does SCV work? • 201
Enabling Hybrid Mode and Methods of
How Office Mode Works • 170
Authentication • 164
How the Converter Handles Disabled Rules •
Enabling IP Address per User • 174
141
Enabling Route Based VPN • 67
How the Gateway Searches for Users • 155
How the SSL Network Extender Works • 255
Page 293
How to Authorize Firewall Control Connections IP Pool Network Address Translation (NAT) •
in VPN Communities • 54 126
How to Manually Edit Userc.C • 244 IP pool Versus DHCP • 176
How to Work with non-Check Point ipassignment.conf File • 175
<tp_fwscap> • 238 IPsec & IKE • 17
How Traditional VPN Mode Differs from a IPsec Path Maximum Transmission Units • 275
Simplified VPN Mode • 137 IPv6 Support and Limitations • 15
How Userc.C Is Automatically Updated • 244
How VPN Works • 41 J
Hub Mode (VPN Routing for Remote Clients) • Java • 268
224
L
I
L2TP Global Configuration • 195
Identifying Elements of the Network to the Last Known Available Peer IP Address • 100
Remote Client • 152 Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Clients •
IKE DoS Attacks • 24 193
IKE DoS Protection • 23 Link Selection • 98
IKE Over TCP • 274 Link Selection and ISP Redundancy • 114
IKE Phase I • 17 Link Selection for Remote Access Clients • 228
IKE Phase II (Quick mode or IPSec Phase) • 19 Link Selection Overview • 98
ike_dos_max_puzzle_time_daip • 25 Link Selection Scenarios • 102
ike_dos_max_puzzle_time_gw • 25 Link Selection with non-Check Point Devices •
ike_dos_max_puzzle_time_sr • 25 116
ike_dos_puzzle_level_identified_initiator • 25 LMHOSTS • 234
ike_dos_puzzle_level_unidentified_initiator • 25 Load Distribution • 125, 242
ike_dos_supported_protection_sr • 25 Load Sharing Cluster Support • 261
ike_dos_threshold • 25 Logical Sections • 205
IKEv1 and IKEv2 • 19 Logs and Alerts • 191
Implementation • 117
Implicit MEP • 123 M
Implied Rules • 189
Making the L2TP Connection • 199
Important Information • 3
Making the Organizational Security Policy SCV-
Injecting Peer Security Gateway Interfaces • 85
Aware • 201
Installation Command Line Options • 186
Management Features • 151
Installation for Users without administrator
Management of Internal CA Certificates • 259
Privileges • 264
Managing a CA Certificate Rollover • 38
Installing SCV Plugins on the Client • 201
Manual Enrollment with OPSEC Certified PKI •
Installing the Policy • 165
32
Instructions for End Users • 163
Manually Set Priority List • 121
Integrity • 40
MEP Selection Methods • 119
Interface Resolution • 279
Meshed VPN Community • 43
Internal User Database vs. External User
Methods of Encryption and Integrity • 20
Database • 156
Migrating from Traditional Mode to Simplified
Internally and Externally Managed Security
Mode • 50
Gateways • 132
Miscellaneous • 250
Introducing Desktop Security • 188
Mobile Access Web Portal • 146
Introducing Secure Configuration Verification •
Modifying a Language • 263
200
Modifying Encryption Properties for Remote
Introduction
Access VPN • 166
The Need to Simplify Remote Client
Modifying the CRL Pre-Fetch Cache • 39
Installations • 183
Multiple Certificates per User • 156
Introduction to Converting to Simplified VPN
Multiple Entry Point • 249
Mode • 137
Multiple Entry Point for Remote Access VPNs •
Introduction to L2TP Clients • 193
239
Introduction to the SSL Network Extender • 254
Multiple Entry Point VPNs • 117
Introduction to Traditional Mode VPNs • 130
Introduction to Userc.C and Product.ini • 243 N
Introduction to VPN • 40
IP Address Lease duration • 172 NAT and Load Sharing Clusters • 277
IP Assignment Based on Source IP Address • NAT Traversal (UDP Encapsulation for
171 <tp_fwscap> and Proxies) • 274
IP Compression • 22 Need for Integration with Different PKI Solutions
IP Pool • 171 • 28
IP Pool NAT • 241 Need for Remote Access VPN • 155
Non-Private Client IP Addresses • 232
Page 294
NT Domain Support • 249 Policy Server • 190
NT Group/RADIUS Class Authentication Preferred Backup Security Gateway • 240
Feature • 157 Preparation • 185
Number of Users • 278 Preparing the Client Machines • 197
Numbered VTI • 67 Pre-Requisites • 256
Pre-Shared Secret • 154
O Preventing a Client Inside the Encryption
Obtain Information from the Peer Administrator Domain from Encrypting • 233
• 134, 135 Primary-Backup • 241
OCSP • 34 Primary-Backup Security Gateways • 125
Office Mode • 169, 255 Principles of the Conversion to Simplified Mode
Office Mode — DHCP Configuration • 180 • 139
Office Mode — IP Pool Configuration • 177 Product.ini Parameters • 251
Office Mode - Using a RADIUS Server • 181 Protection After Successful Authentication • 25
Office Mode and Static Routes in a Non-flat Providing Secure Remote Access • 144
Network • 172 Public Key Infrastructure • 28
Office Mode Configuration on SecureClient • R
181
Office Mode Considerations • 176 RADIUS Server • 172
Office Mode IP assignment file • 165 Random Selection • 120
Office Mode per Site • 182 Recovery and Renewal with Internal CA • 37
Office Mode Per Site • 173 Remote Access Advanced Configuration • 232
Office Mode through the ipassignment.conf File Remote Access Community • 42, 152, 255
• 178 Remote Access Solution Comparison • 145
On Demand Links (ODL) • 113 Remote Access VPN • 13, 255
On SecureClient • 283 Remote Access VPN Overview • 150
On the Gateway Network Object • 27 Remote Access VPN Workflow • 161
On the Security Gateway: • 283 Remote Client to Client Communication • 225
On the VPN Community Network Object • 26 Removing an Imported Certificate • 270
Other Authentication Methods Available via Renegotiating IKE & IPsec Lifetimes • 21
Hybrid Mode • 154 Resolving Connectivity Issues • 272
Other Connectivity Issues • 272 Resolving Internal Names with the SecuRemote
Outgoing Link Tracking • 102 DNS Server • 238
Overcoming NAT Related Issues • 272 Revocation Checking • 32
Overcoming Restricted Internet Access • 277 Revoking Certificates • 166
Overview • 17, 150, 183, 228 RIM • 126
Overview of Directional VPN • 94 Route Based VPN • 49, 65
Overview of Domain-based VPN • 57 Route Injection Mechanism • 82
Overview of MEP • 117 Routing all Traffic through the Security Gateway
Overview of Route Injection • 82 • 225
Overview of Route-based VPN • 65 Routing Multicast Packets Through VPN
Overview of Tunnel Management • 78 Tunnels • 76
Overview of Wire Mode • 89 Routing Return Packets • 125, 241
Routing Table Modifications • 176
P Routing Traffic within a VPN Community • 49
Packaging SecureClient • 183 Routing VPN Traffic • 13
Passive IPsec PMTU • 276 Runtime SCV Checks • 201
Password Caching • 234 S
Perfect Forward Secrecy • 21
Permanent Tunnels • 78, 80 Sample • 209
Permanent Tunnels in a MEP Environment • 78 Sample Combination VPN Community • 12
Phase I modes • 21 Sample ipassignment.conf File • 175
PKI and Remote Access Users • 29 Sample Remote Access VPN Workflow • 14
PKI Deployments and VPN • 29 Sample Site to Site VPN Deployment • 11
Placing the Client Certificate in the Machine Screened Software Types • 256
Certificate Store • 197 SCV Checks • 202, 212
Placing the Security Gateways into the SCV Policy Syntax • 204
Communities • 139 SCVGlobalParams • 208
Placing the User Certificate in the User SCVNames • 207
Certificate Store • 198 SCVPolicy • 207
Planning the SCV Policy • 203 Secure Configuration Verification • 200
Policy Definition for Remote Access • 156 Secure Connectivity and Endpoint Security •
Policy Download • 190 145
Policy Renewal • 190 Secure Domain Logon (SDL) • 236
Page 295
SecureClient • 244 The Desktop Security Policy • 189
SecureClient Commands • 285 The Difference between SCVNames and
SecureClient Connect Profiles and MEP • 239 SCVPolicy • 208
SecureClient Remote Access Solution • 150 The local.scv Sets • 207
SecuRemote • 147 The MSI Packaging Solution • 184
SecurID Authentication Devices • 167 The Need for Connectivity Resolution Features
Security Features • 151 • 272
Security Gateway Requirements for IPsec / The Need for Desktop Security • 188
L2TP • 194 The Need for Multiple Entry Point Security
Sending Keep-Alive Packets to the Server • 237 Gateways • 239
Server Configuration • 280 The Need for Remote Clients to be Part of the
Server Side Configuration • 191, 204 LAN • 169
Server-Side Configuration • 258 The Need for Supporting L2TP Clients • 193
Server-Side Pre-Requisites • 257 The Need for VPN • 40
Service Based Link Selection • 106 The Need for VPN Routing • 223
Service Based Link Selection Scenarios • 107 The Need to Verify Remote Client's Security
Sets and Sub-sets • 204 Status • 200
Setting up the Microsoft IPsec/L2TP Client The Problem • 233, 236, 238
Connection Profile • 198 The Product.ini file • 244
Simple Deployment – Internal CA • 29 The Secure Configuration Verification Solution •
Site to Site VPN • 10 200
Small IKE Phase II Proposals • 274 The Solution • 174, 233, 236, 238
SmartDashboard IKE DoS Attack Protection The Userc.C File • 243
Settings • 24 Third Party SCV Checks • 203
SmartDashboard Toolbar • 16 To configure the CA to Issue Certificates with
SoftID and SecureClient • 168 Purposes • 199
Solution - Working with L2TP Clients • 193 To Configure the Microsoft IIPsec/L2TP Clients
Solving Remote Access Issues • 232 so they do not Check for the • 199
Special Condition for VPN Security Gateways • To use a third-party PKI solution: • 164
47 Topology • 249
Special Considerations • 126 Topology and Encryption Issues • 45
Special Considerations for PKI • 35 Tracing the Status of User's Certificate • 166
Special Considerations for Planning a VPN Tracking • 123
Topology • 49 Tracking Options • 81, 87
Special Considerations for the CRL Pre-fetch Traditional Mode VPNs • 130
Mechanism • 34 Troubleshooting SSL Network Extender • 270
Special Considerations for the SSL Network Trusted Links • 110
Extender • 256 Trusted Links Scenarios • 112
Special Considerations for Windows Proxy Trusted Sites Configuration • 264
Replacement • 283 Trusting a CA – Step-By-Step • 35
Special Considerations for Wire Mode • 92 Trusting An External CA • 31
Split Installation • 184, 186 Trusting an Externally Managed CA • 35
SSL Network Extender • 146, 254 Trusting an ICA • 35
SSL Network Extender Command Attributes • Trusting an OPSEC Certified CA • 36
269 Tunnel Management • 78
SSL Network Extender Issues • 270 Tunnel Testing for Permanent Tunnels • 79
SSL Network Extender User Experience • 264 Types of Solutions • 144
Star VPN Community • 44
Structure of Userc.C • 243 U
Subnet masks and Office Mode Addresses • Understanding DoS Attacks • 23
179 Understanding the Terminology • 10
Subnets and Security Associations • 22 Uninstall on Disconnect • 268
Subordinate Certificate Authorities • 31 Unique SA Per Pair of Peers • 23
Summary of Remote Access Options • 146 Unnumbered VTI • 67
Supporting a Wide Variety of PKI Solutions • 28 Upgrading ESOD • 260
User Certificate Creation Methods when Using
T
the ICA • 156
Take out Unneeded Drop Rules • 142 User Certificate Management • 166
Terminating Permanent Tunnels • 81 User Certificate Purposes • 196
The Check Point Solution - SecureClient User Granularity • 189
Packaging Tool • 183 User Groups as the Destination in RA
The Check Point Solution for Multiple Entry communities • 230
Points • 239 User Privileges • 203
The Check Point VPN Solution • 9 User Profiles • 152

Page 296
Userc.C and Product.ini Configuration Files • Why Turning off Firewall Implied Rules Blocks
243 Control Connections • 55
Userc.C File Parameters • 244 Windows Proxy Replacement • 282
Using a Pre-Shared Secret • 165 WINS (Connect Mode Only) • 235
Using Directional VPN for Remote Access • 230 Wire Mode • 89
Using Dynamic Routing Protocols • 67 Wire Mode Between Two VPN Communities •
Using Name Resolution - WINS and DNS • 172 92
Using Office Mode with Multiple External Wire Mode in a MEP Configuration • 90
Interfaces • 173 Wire Mode Scenarios • 89
Using Remote Access VPN • 14 Wire Mode with Route Based VPN • 91
Using Route Based Probing • 101 Working in Connect Mode While Not Connected
Using Secure Domain Logon • 237 • 233
Using SmartDashboard • 62 Working with Remote Access VPN • 143
Using SSL Network Extender on Linux / Mac Working with RSA Hard and Soft Tokens • 167
Operating Systems • 268 Working with Site-to-Site VPN • 56
Using the CLI • 63
Using the Internal CA vs. Deploying a Third Z
Party CA • 35 Zone Labs Endpoint Security Client • 187
Using the Multiple External Interfaces Feature •
176
Using Trusted Links with Service Based Link
Selection • 113
Utilizing Load Sharing • 104
V
Validation of a Certificate • 32
Verifying the SCV Policy • 201
Visitor Mode • 255, 277
Visitor Mode and Gateway Clusters • 281
Visitor Mode and MEP • 240
Visitor Mode and Proxy Servers • 278
Visitor Mode in a MEPed Environment • 279
Visitor Mode When the Port 443 is Occupied By
an HTTPS Server • 279
Visitor Mode with SecurePlatform /IPSO • 279
VPN Between Internal Gateways Using Third
Party CA Certificates • 133
VPN Command Line Interface • 284
VPN Commands • 284
VPN Communities • 11, 41
VPN Components • 9
VPN Connectivity Modes • 14
VPN Domains and Encryption Rules • 131
VPN for a <tp_sslm> Profile • 61
VPN for Remote Access Considerations • 156
VPN High Availability Using MEP or Clustering •
117
VPN Routing - Remote Access • 223
VPN Routing and Access Control • 58
VPN Shell • 288
VPN Topologies • 43
VPN Tunnel Interface (VTI) • 66
VPN Tunnel Sharing • 79, 81
VPN with One or More LSM Profiles • 62
VTIs in a Clustered Environment • 69
W
What is a Policy Server? • 190
When is a Policy Downloaded? • 190
When Responding to a Remotely Initiated
Tunnel • 101
When the Client Has a Private Address • 233
When the Converted Rule Base is too
Restrictive • 140
Page 297