# Cis Tomcat101 6.4

> Ensure secure is set to true only for SSL-enabled Connectors

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-tomcat101-6-4` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-tomcat101-6-4`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-tomcat101-6-4/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-tomcat101-6-4

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# 6.4 Ensure secure is set to true only for SSL-enabled Connectors (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

• Level 1

## Description

The `secure` attribute is used to convey Connector security status to applications operating over the Connector. This is typically achieved by calling `request.isSecure()`. Ensure the `secure` attribute is only set to `true` for Connectors operating with the `SSLEnabled` attribute set to `true`.

## Rationale

Accurately reporting the security state of the Connector will help ensure that applications built on Tomcat are not unknowingly relying on security controls that are not in place.

## Audit Procedure

Review the `server.xml` and ensure the secure attribute is set to `true` for those Connectors having `SSLEnabled` set to `true`. Also, ensure the `secure` attribute is set to `false` for those Connectors having `SSLEnabled` set to `false`.

## Remediation

For each Connector defined in `server.xml`, set the `secure` attribute to `true` for those Connectors having `SSLEnabled` set to `true`. Set the `secure` attribute to `false` for those Connectors having `SSLEnabled` set to `false`.

```xml
<Connector SSLEnabled="true"
  …
  secure="true"
  …
/>
…
<Connector SSLEnabled="false"
  …
  secure="false"
  …
/>
```

## Default Value

The `secure` attribute is set to `false`.

## References

1. http://tomcat.apache.org/tomcat-9.0-doc/ssl-howto.html

## CIS Controls

**Controls Version: v8**

**Control:** 4 Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets and Software

Establish and maintain the secure configuration of enterprise assets (end-user devices, including portable and mobile; network devices; non-computing/IoT devices; and servers) and software (operating systems and applications).

**Controls Version: v7**

**Control:** 14.4 Encrypt All Sensitive Information in Transit

Encrypt all sensitive information in transit.

## Profile

Level 1