Cis Apache 5.8

Ensure the HTTP TRACE Method Is Disabled

Description

Use the Apache TraceEnable directive to disable the HTTP TRACE request method. Refer to the Apache documentation for more details: http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/mod/core.html#traceenable

Rationale

The HTTP 1.1 protocol requires support for the TRACE request method, which reflects the request back as a response and was intended for diagnostics purposes. The TRACE method is not needed and is easily subjected to abuse, so it should be disabled.

Impact

None documented

Audit Procedure

Perform the following to determine if the recommended state is implemented:

1. Locate the Apache configuration files and included configuration files.
2. Verify there is a single TraceEnable directive configured with a value of off.

Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

1. Locate the main Apache configuration file such as httpd.conf.
2. Add a TraceEnable directive to the server level configuration with a value of off. Server level configuration is the top level configuration, not nested within any other directives like <Directory> or <Location>.

TraceEnable off

Default Value

on

References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/mod/core.html#traceenable
2. https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2616.txt

CIS Controls

Version 6

9.1 Limit Open Ports, Protocols, and Services Ensure that only ports, protocols, and services with validated business needs are running on each system.

Version 7

9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols and Services Are Running Ensure that only network ports, protocols, and services listening on a system with validated business needs, are running on each system.

Profile

Level 1 | Scored