Internet access monitoring and control using PIX515E

ph0enix · ‎11-25-2008

I have a PIX515E (running OS 7.2x) and I need to use it to block specific URLs and IM for most users since they abuse internet access. Some of the top execs should be allowed to access all sites without restrictions. I currently have a "inspect http" rule configured on the firewall and I'm logging all connections. Unfortunately the " Accessed URL" messages in the logs only display the sites' IP address and not the host names requested by the users so it's hard to tell what website they're really visiting (many of them don't have reverse DNS - especially if one IP address is used to host mulitple websties). Is there a way to display the host names? I have "dns domain-lookup" configured/enabled on the firewall. What would you recommend?

Thakn you! :)

sachinraja · ‎11-25-2008

Hello Jack

PIX/ASA 7.2 do not support a high range of URL control ! In any case, it does support blocking of certain URL's using the Modular QOS configurations.. You can refer to this URL to accomplish this:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6120/products_configuration_example09186a0080940c5a.shtml

This can be a starter for you, but i would highly recommend you to buy a third party URL filtering software like websense.. This can not only block URLs, but give you a lot of good reports, on top users accessing http, people who have visited blocked sites etc, with EASE in configuration.. With Normal ASA CLI, it might take a nightmare to block a single URL !! with websense its just a touch n go !!!

Infact with ASA u have the CSC module which can do most of the things that websense does... but unfortunately u dont have a ASA, only a PIX, and hence this option is not valid !

Hope this helps.. all the best. rate replies if found useful..

Raj