cyberstrikeus Ensure ETag Response Header Fields Do Not Include Inodes
Description
The FileETag directive configures the file attributes that are used to create the ETag (entity tag) response header field when the document is based on a static file. The ETag value is used in cache management to save network bandwidth. The value returned may be based on combinations of the file inode, the modification time, and the file size.
Rationale
When the FileETag is configured to include the file inode number, a remote attacker may be able to discern the inode number from returned values. The inode is considered sensitive information, as it could be useful in assisting in other attacks.
Audit
Perform the following step to determine if the recommended state is implemented:
- For the server configurations, verify that the FileETag directive is present, and the configured value does not contain any of the values all, inode, or +inode.
- For all virtual host and directory configurations, verify that either ○ The FileETag directive is not present, or ○ The configured FileETag value does not contain any of the values all, inode, or +inode.
Remediation
Perform the following to implement the recommended state:
Add or modify the FileETag directive in the server and each virtual host configuration to have the value None or MTime Size.
Default Value
INode MTime Size
References
- http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/mod/core.html#FileETag
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2003-1418
CIS Controls
Version 6
18.9 Sanitize Deployed Software Of Development Artifacts For in-house developed applications, ensure that development artifacts (sample data and scripts; unused libraries, components, debug code; or tools) are not included in the deployed software, or accessible in the production environment.
Version 7
13.2 Remove Sensitive Data or Systems Not Regularly Accessed by Organization Remove sensitive data or systems not regularly accessed by the organization from the network. These systems shall only be used as stand alone systems (disconnected from the network) by the business unit needing to occasionally use the system or completely virtualized and powered off until needed.
Profile
Level 2 | Scored