GOLDSRC · VERIFIED 2026-07-27
Condition Zero ports, server queries, and RCON security
Condition Zero ports, server queries, and RCON security. Version-specific steps, checks, rollback, and upstream sources for GoldSrc (Condition Zero branch).
Document the Counter-Strike: Condition Zero connection endpoint, query endpoint, and administration method separately. Permit only the configured ports, test from outside the host, and restrict remote administration; do not expose a broad “Steam port range” without observing the running process.
Before you change anything
- A legitimate Steam installation or dedicated-server installation for Counter-Strike: Condition Zero.
- A backup of every file that will be changed.
- Access to the local client console or the dedicated-server console, as appropriate.
Version-specific procedure
- Start the stock server and record its bound TCP/UDP sockets from the operating system.
- Map each observed socket to player traffic, query traffic, TV/spectator service, or administration using the engine documentation.
- Allow only the required direction and protocol in the host and network firewall.
- Test player connection and A2S query independently from an external network.
- Store RCON credentials outside public configs and rotate them after any accidental disclosure.
Verify the result
- Every firewall rule maps to an observed service.
- External player traffic and query traffic are tested separately.
- RCON is not exposed with a default, reused, or published password.
Rollback
- Remove the newly added narrow rules and restore the last known-good firewall configuration from its saved copy.
Common pitfalls
- Source RCON documentation does not automatically apply to GoldSrc or Source 2 implementations; confirm the running engine’s method.