In what appeared to be the latest in a series of militant attacks in the capital, two loud explosions and gunfire were heard coming from the vicinity of the ministry compound and police officials inside said they believed it was a militant attack.
At least one policeman was killed in the assault and five others were wounded.
ISIS said it was behind Wednesday's attack but provided no immediate evidence for its claim.
Security around Kabul has been on high alert in recent days with more checkpoints and patrols as the government warned of attacks by the Taliban on government installations.
Both the Taliban and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have stepped up attacks on Kabul, making it the deadliest place in the country for civilians in recent months.
Last week the Taliban called on Kabul residents to "keep away" from military and intelligence centres in the city, saying the group plans more assaults as part of its annual spring offensive.
