cyberstrikeus Ensure SSL Compression is not Enabled (Manual)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1
Description
The SSLCompression directive controls whether SSL compression is used by Apache when serving content over HTTPS. It is recommended that the SSLCompression directive be set to off.
Rationale
If SSL compression is enabled, HTTPS communication between the client and the server may be at increased risk to the CRIME attack. The CRIME attack increases a malicious actor's ability to derive the value of a session cookie, which commonly contains an authenticator. If the authenticator in a session cookie is derived, it can be used to impersonate the account associated with the authenticator.
Audit
Perform the following steps to determine if the recommended state is implemented:
- Search the Apache configuration files for the
SSLCompressiondirective. - Verify that the directive either does not exist or exists and is set to
off.
Remediation
Perform the following to implement the recommended state:
- Search the Apache configuration files for the
SSLCompressiondirective. - If the directive is present, set it to
off.
SSLCompression off
Default Value
In Apache versions >= 2.4.3, the SSLCompression directive is available and SSL compression is implicitly disabled. In Apache 2.4 - 2.4.2, the SSLCompression directive is not available and SSL compression is implicitly disabled.
References
- https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/mod_ssl.html#sslcompression
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CRIME_(security_exploit)
CIS Controls
v8:
- 3.10 Encrypt Sensitive Data in Transit
- Encrypt sensitive data in transit. Example implementations can include: Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH).
v7:
- 14.4 Encrypt All Sensitive Information in Transit
- Encrypt all sensitive information in transit.
Profile
- Level 1