topic Re: File blocking upload in Next-Generation Firewall Discussions

File blocking upload

zaidshaikh — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:50:58 GMT

We have a requirement to Block uploads of file to Virustotal.com.

We have SSL decryption working fine with URL filtering profiles applied.

I created a new File blocking profile with application>> virustotal-base and virustotal web selected; File types>>All;

Direction>>Upload; Action; Block

Then i applied this profile to one internet facing machine having other profiles enabled as well, except Data filtering>None

Now when i test on Virustotal website upload a text file, it is getting successfuly uploaded, also under Monitor>>Data filtering No logs are showing up.

What am i missing pls guide....

Thanks

Re: File blocking upload

TomYoung — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:23:34 GMT

Hi @zaidshaikh ,

Great question! The reason that PANW has separate App-IDs for file transfer protocols is so that they can be easily blocked.

In your case, all you should need to do is create a security policy rule to block those 2 "uploading" applications and users should not be able to upload files to VirusTotal. Since you are doing decryption, you can enable the application block page and users will get a web page stating the application is blocked.

Thanks,

Tom

Re: File blocking upload

zaidshaikh — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:04:01 GMT

Hi Tom

Thanks for the response.

U mean the exisiting ALLOW policy having File blocking profile attached will not work? Since the same policy is performing decryption i thot it will get the visibility for the above two upload APP-IDs and will get block due the Action under the file blocking profile as Block.

If i have to create a new security rule above the existing rule do i have to attach the file blocking profile or just select app-ids under application tab section. This i believe will not give me a Log under Data filtering.

Apologies if i confuse u 🙂

Re: File blocking upload

TomYoung — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:14:17 GMT

Hi @zaidshaikh ,

Your method can work, but is more complicated.

If you create a new rule blocking the applications, you do not need to attach a file blocking profile. You are correct that the blocked files will not show up under Data Filter because the application, not the file, is blocked.

No need to apologize! All good questions.

Thanks,

Tom

Re: File blocking upload

zaidshaikh — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:17:48 GMT

Thanks Tom.

Appreciate it ..Cheers:)

Re: File blocking upload

zaidshaikh — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:22:37 GMT

Hi,

I did tried creating a rule with specific applications with Action Deny.

But it is not working, i tried upload a txt file and it is getting uploaded.

I opened a case with PA TAC, but not yet resolved asking to verify Decryption etc.

Re: File blocking upload

EdmarFrancis — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:58:51 GMT

@zaidshaikh hope you are doing well. Any chance you can share a resolution from TAC? I'm having the same issue now with ChatGPT.

Re: File blocking upload

zaidshaikh — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:43:48 GMT

Hi Edmar,

I was able to resolve the issue with TAC assistance, wherein you need to having latest thread id installed.

Subsequently, you need to create to two rules, first rule with specific app-id in my case was virus-total-upload action deny.

Second rule will be web browsing ssl and virus-total-base action allow. likewise i am able to access the web url virus total, and at the same time upload any any file is getting blocked as well.

You can try the similar approach with gpt, taking one source machine as test and then once confident can be applied to all sources.

Hope it helps you.

Re: File blocking upload

zaidshaikh — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:46:27 GMT

@EdmarFrancis did you received my response, becoz i posted the reply, but it is not visible to me . let me know else i will re-post it