# Cis Apache 3.3

> Ensure the Apache User Account Is Locked

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-apache-3-3` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-apache-3-3`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-apache-3-3/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-apache-3-3

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# Ensure the Apache User Account Is Locked

## Description

The user account under which Apache runs should not have a valid password, but should be locked.

## Rationale

As a defense-in-depth measure, the Apache user account should be locked to prevent logins and to prevent a user from su-ing to `apache` using the password. In general, there shouldn't be a need for anyone to have to su as `apache`, and when there is a need, `sudo` should be used instead, which would not require the `apache` account password.

## Impact

None documented

## Audit Procedure

Ensure the `apache` account is locked using the following:

```
# passwd -S apache
```

The results should be similar to the following:

```
apache LK 2010-01-28 0 99999 7 -1 (Password locked.)

- or -

apache L 07/02/2012 -1 -1 -1 -1
```

## Remediation

Use the `passwd` command to lock the `apache` account:

```
# passwd -l apache
```

## Default Value

The default user account, daemon, is locked by default.

## References

None documented

## CIS Controls

### Version 6

16 Account Monitoring and Control

Account Monitoring and Control

### Version 7

16.8 Disable Any Unassociated Accounts

Disable any account that cannot be associated with a business process or business owner.

## Profile

Level 1 | Scored

## Notes

The default user account, daemon, is locked by default.