Cis Apache24 2.3

2.3 Ensure the WebDAV Modules Are Disabled (Automated)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1

Description

The Apache mod_dav and mod_dav_fs modules support WebDAV ('Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning') functionality for Apache. WebDAV is an extension to the HTTP protocol which allows clients to create, move, and delete files and resources on the web server.

Rationale

Disabling WebDAV modules will improve the security posture of the web server by reducing the amount of potentially vulnerable code paths exposed to the network and reducing potential for unauthorized access to files via misconfigured WebDAV access controls.

Audit

Perform the following to determine if the WebDAV modules are enabled.

Run the httpd server with the -M option to list enabled modules:

# httpd -M | grep ' dav_'[:print:]]+module'

Note: If the WebDAV modules are correctly disabled, there will be no output when executing the above command.

Remediation

Perform either one of the following to disable WebDAV module:

1. For source builds with static modules run the Apache ./configure script without including the mod_dav, and mod_dav_fs in the --enable-modules=configure script options.
   • $ cd $DOWNLOAD_HTTPD
   • $ ./configure
2. For dynamically loaded modules comment out or remove the LoadModule directive for mod_dav, and mod_dav_fs modules from the httpd.conf file.
   • ##LoadModule dav_module modules/mod_dav.so
   • ##LoadModule dav_fs_module modules/mod_dav_fs.so

Default Value

The WebDAV modules are not enabled with a default source build.

References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/mod_dav.html

CIS Controls

• v8: 4.8 Uninstall or Disable Unnecessary Services on Enterprise Assets and Software
• v7: 9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols and Services Are Running

Profile

• Level 1