cyberstrikeus 10.17 Setting Security Lifecycle Listener (Automated)
Description
The Security Lifecycle Listener performs a number of security checks when Tomcat starts and prevents Tomcat from starting if they fail.
Rationale
When enabled, the Security Lifecycle Listener can
- Enforce a blacklist of OS users that must not be used to start Tomcat.
- Set the least restrictive
umaskbefore Tomcat start
Audit Procedure
Review server.xml to ensure the Security Lifecycle Listener element is uncommented with the checkedOsUsers and minimumUmask attributes set with expected values.
Remediation
Uncomment the listener in $CATALINA_BASE/conf/server.xml. If the operating system supports umask then the line in $CATALINA_HOME/bin/catalina.sh that obtains the umask also needs to be uncommented.
Within Server elements add:
checkedOsUsers: A comma separated list of OS users that must not be used to start Tomcat. If not specified, the default value ofrootis used.minimumUmask: The least restrictiveumaskthat must be configured before Tomcat will start. If not specified, the default value of0007is used.
<Listener className="org.apache.catalina.security.SecurityListener"
checkedOsUsers="alex,bob" minimumUmask="0007" />
Default Value
The Security Lifecycle Listener is not enabled by default. For checkedOsUsers, the default value is root. For minimumUmask, the default value is 0007.
References
CIS Controls
| Controls Version | Control | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| v8 | 5.4 Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator AccountsRestrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on enterprise assets. Conduct general computing activities, such as internet browsing, email, and productivity suite use, from the user's primary, non-privileged account. | ● | ● | ● |
| v7 | 5.1 Establish Secure ConfigurationsMaintain documented, standard security configuration standards for all authorized operating systems and software. | ● | ● | ● |
Profile
Level 1