The Apache web server must use encryption strength in accordance with the categorization of data hosted by the Apache web server when remote connections are provided.

From Apache Server 2.4 UNIX Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of SRG-APP-000014-WSR-000006

Associated with: CCI-000068

AS24-U1-000030_rule The Apache web server must use encryption strength in accordance with the categorization of data hosted by the Apache web server when remote connections are provided.

Vulnerability discussion

The Apache web server has several remote communications channels. Examples are user requests via http/https, communication to a backend database, and communication to authenticate users. The encryption used to communicate must match the data that is being retrieved or presented.Methods of communication are "http" for publicly displayed information, "https" to encrypt when user data is being transmitted, VPN tunneling, or other encryption methods to a database.

Check content

In a command line, run "httpd -M | grep -i ssl_module". If the "ssl_module" is not enabled, this is a finding. 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" Search for the directive "SSLProtocol" in the "httpd.conf" file: # cat //httpd.conf | grep -i "SSLProtocol" If the "SSLProtocol" directive is missing or does not look like the following, this is a finding: SSLProtocol -ALL +TLSv1.2 If the TLS version is not TLS 1.2 or higher, according to NIST SP 800-52 Rev 2, or if non-FIPS-approved algorithms are enabled, this is a finding. NOTE: In some cases, web servers are configured in an environment to support load balancing. This configuration most likely uses a content switch to control traffic to the various web servers. In this situation, the TLS certificate for the websites may be installed on the content switch versus the individual websites. This solution is acceptable as long as the web servers are isolated from the general population LAN. Users should not have the ability to bypass the content switch to access the websites.

Fix text

If the modules are not installed, install any missing packages. 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" Ensure the "SSLProtocol" is added and looks like the following: SSLProtocol -ALL +TLSv1.2 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.

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