# Cis Apache 9.4

> Ensure the KeepAliveTimeout Is Set Properly

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-apache-9-4` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-apache-9-4`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-apache-9-4/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-9-4

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# Ensure the KeepAliveTimeout Is Set Properly

## Description

The `KeepAliveTimeout` directive specifies the number of seconds Apache will wait for a subsequent request before closing a connection that is being kept alive.

## Rationale

Reducing the number of seconds that Apache HTTP server will keep unused resources allocated will increase the availability of resources to serve other requests. This efficiency gain may improve a server's resiliency to DoS attacks.

## Impact

None documented

## Audit Procedure

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

Verify that the `KeepAliveTimeout` directive in the Apache configuration either has a value of `15` or less or is not present. If the directive is not present, the default value is `15` seconds.

## Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

Add or modify the `KeepAliveTimeout` directive in the Apache configuration to have a value of `15` or less.

```
KeepAliveTimeout 15
```

## Default Value

```
KeepAliveTimeout 15
```

## References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/mod/core.html#keepalivetimeout

## CIS Controls

**Version 6**

9 Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services
Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services

**Version 7**

5.1 Establish Secure Configurations
Maintain documented, standard security configuration standards for all authorized
operating systems and software.

## Profile

Level 1 | Scored