The log information from the Apache web server must be protected from unauthorized deletion.

From Apache Server 2.4 UNIX Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000164

AS24-U1-000200_rule The log information from the Apache web server must be protected from unauthorized deletion.

Vulnerability discussion

Log data is essential in the investigation of events. The accuracy of the information is always pertinent. Information that is not accurate does not help in revealing potential security risks and may hinder the early discovery of a system compromise. One of the first steps an attacker will undertake is the modification or deletion of log records to cover his tracks and prolong discovery.The web server must protect the log data from unauthorized modification. This can be done by the web server if the web server is also doing the logging function. The Apache web server may also use an external log system. In either case, the logs must be protected from modification by non-privileged users.

Check content

Verify the log information from the web server must be protected from unauthorized modification. Review the web server documentation and deployed configuration settings to determine if the web server logging features protect log information from unauthorized modification. Review file system settings to verify the log files have secure file permissions. Run the following command: ls -l <'INSTALL PATH'>/logs If the web server log files present are owned by anyone other than root, this is a finding.

Fix text

Determine the location of the "ErrorLog" directory in 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" Open the "httpd.conf" file. Look for the "ErrorLog" directive. Ensure the permissions and ownership of all files in the Apache log directory are correct by executing the following commands as root: # chown root.root <'ErrorLog directive PATH'>/*

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