# Cis Apache24 5.8

> Ensure the HTTP TRACE Method Is Disabled

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-apache24-5-8` (Agent Skill)
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- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-apache24-5-8

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# 5.8 Ensure the HTTP TRACE Method Is Disabled

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

Use the Apache `TraceEnable` directive to disable the HTTP `TRACE` request method.

## Rationale

The HTTP 1.1 protocol requires support for the `TRACE` request method which reflects the request back as a response and was intended for diagnostics purposes. The `TRACE` method is not needed and is easily subjected to abuse and should be disabled.

## Audit

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

1. Locate the Apache configuration files and included configuration files.
2. Verify there is a single `TraceEnable` directive configured with a value of `off`.

## Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

1. Locate the main Apache configuration file such as `httpd.conf`.
2. Add a `TraceEnable` directive to the server level configuration with a value of `off`. Server level configuration is the top-level configuration, not nested within any other directives like `<Directory>` or `<Location>`.

## Default Value

The `TRACE` method is enabled.

## References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/core.html#traceenable
2. https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2616.txt

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 9.4 Restrict Unnecessary or Unauthorized Browser and Email Client Extensions<br>Restrict, either through uninstalling or disabling, any unauthorized or unnecessary browser or email client plugins, extensions, and add-on applications. |      | ●    | ●    |
| v7               | 4.7 Limit Access to Script Tools<br>Limit access to scripting tools (such as Microsoft PowerShell and Python) to only administrative or development users with the need to access those capabilities.                                     |      | ●    | ●    |
| v7               | 7.2 Disable Unnecessary or Unauthorized Browser or Email Client Plugins<br>Uninstall or disable any unauthorized browser or email client plugins or add-on applications.                                                                  |      | ●    | ●    |
| v7               | 9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols and Services Are Running<br>Ensure that only network ports, protocols, and services listening on a system with validated business needs, are running on each system.                            |      | ●    | ●    |

## Profile

- Level 1 | Automated