Cis Apache24 4.4

4.4 Ensure OverRide Is Disabled for All Directories

Profile Applicability

• Level 1

Description

The Apache AllowOverride directive and the new AllowOverrideList directive allow for .htaccess files to be used to override much of the configuration, including authentication, handling of document types, auto generated indexes, access control, and options. When the server finds an .htaccess file (as specified by AccessFileName) it needs to know which directives declared in that file can override earlier access information. When this directive is set to None, then .htaccess files are completely ignored. In this case, the server will not even attempt to read .htaccess files in the filesystem. When this directive is set to All, then any directive which has the .htaccess context is allowed in .htaccess files.

Rationale

.htaccess files decentralizes access control and increases the risk of server configuration being changed inappropriately.

Audit

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

1. Search the Apache configuration files (httpd.conf and any included configuration files) to find any AllowOverride directives.
2. Ensure there the value for AllowOverride is None.
3. grep -i AllowOverride $APACHE_PREFIX/conf/httpd.conf
4. Ensure there are no AllowOverrideList directives present.

Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

1. Search the Apache configuration files (httpd.conf and any included configuration files) to find AllowOverride directives.
2. Set the value for all AllowOverride directives to None.
3. . . .
4. AllowOverride None
5. . . .
6. Remove any AllowOverrideList directives found.

References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/core.html#allowoverride
2. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/core.html#allowoverridelist

CIS Controls

Controls Version: v8

• 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists
  • Configure data access control lists based on a user's need to know. Apply data access control lists, also known as access permissions, to local and remote file systems, databases, and applications.
  • IG 1: •
  • IG 2: •
  • IG 3: •

Controls Version: v7

• 14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists
  • Protect all information stored on systems with file system, network share, claims, application, or database specific access control lists. These controls will enforce the principle that only authorized individuals should have access to the information based on their need to access the information as a part of their responsibilities.
  • IG 1: •
  • IG 2: •
  • IG 3: •

Profile

• Level 1 | Automated