# Cis Apache24 5.10

> Ensure Access to .ht* Files Is Restricted

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-apache24-5-10` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-apache24-5-10`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-apache24-5-10/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-apache24-5-10

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# Ensure Access to .ht\* Files Is Restricted (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

Level 1

## Description

Restrict access to any files beginning with `.ht` using the `FilesMatch` directive.

## Rationale

The default name for access filename which allows files in web directories to override the Apache configuration is `.htaccess`. The usage of access files should not be allowed, but as a defense in depth a `FilesMatch` directive is recommended to prevent web clients from viewing those files in case they are created. Also a common name for web password and group files are `.htpasswd` and `.htgroup`. Neither of these files should be placed in the document root, but, in the event they are, the `FilesMatch` directive can be used to prevent them from being viewed by web clients.

## Impact

`.ht*` files are not accessible.

## Audit Procedure

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

Verify that a `FilesMatch` directive similar to the one below is present in the apache configuration and not commented out. The deprecated `Deny from All` directive may be used instead of the Require directive.

```
<FilesMatch "^\.ht">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>
```

## Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

Add or modify the following lines in the Apache configuration file at the server configuration level.

```
<FilesMatch "^\.ht">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>
```

## Default Value

`.ht*` files are not accessible.

## References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/core.html#filesmatch

## CIS Controls

**v8:**

- 9.4 Restrict Unnecessary or Unauthorized Browser and Email Client Extensions
  - Restrict, either through uninstalling or disabling, any unauthorized or unnecessary browser or email client plugins, extensions, and add-on applications.

**v7:**

- 18.2 Ensure Explicit Error Checking is Performed for All In-house Developed Software
  - For in-house developed software, ensure that explicit error checking is performed and documented for all input, including for size, data type, and acceptable ranges or formats.