Users and scripts running on behalf of users must be contained to the document root or home directory tree of the Apache web server.

From Apache Server 2.4 UNIX Site Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000381

AS24-U2-000350_rule Users and scripts running on behalf of users must be contained to the document root or home directory tree of the Apache web server.

Vulnerability discussion

A web server is designed to deliver content and execute scripts or applications on the request of a client or user. Containing user requests to files in the directory tree of the hosted web application and limiting the execution of scripts and applications guarantees that the user is not accessing information protected outside the application's realm. The web server must also prohibit users from jumping outside the hosted application directory tree through access to the user's home directory, symbolic links or shortcuts, or through search paths for missing files.

Check content

Determine the location of the "HTTPD_ROOT" directory and the "httpd.conf" file: # httpd -V | egrep -i 'httpd_root|server_config_file' -D HTTPD_ROOT="/etc/httpd" -D SERVER_CONFIG_FILE="conf/httpd.conf" Verify there is a single "Require" directive with the value of "all denied". Verify there are no "Allow" or "Deny" directives in the root element. The following may be useful in extracting root directory elements from the Apache configuration for auditing: # perl -ne 'print if /^ * element, this is a finding.

Fix text

Determine the location of the "HTTPD_ROOT" directory and the "httpd.conf" file: # httpd -V | egrep -i 'httpd_root|server_config_file' -D HTTPD_ROOT="/etc/httpd" -D SERVER_CONFIG_FILE="conf/httpd.conf" Set the root directory directive as follows: ... Require all denied ... Remove any "Deny" and "Allow" directives from the root element. Restart Apache: apachectl restart

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.