The Apache web server must have Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) that invoke operating system shell programs disabled.

From Apache Server 2.4 UNIX Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of SRG-APP-000141-WSR-000081

Associated with: CCI-000381

AS24-U1-000300_rule The Apache web server must have Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) that invoke operating system shell programs disabled.

Vulnerability discussion

Controlling what a user of a hosted application can access is part of the security posture of the web server. Any time a user can access more functionality than is needed for the operation of the hosted application poses a security issue. A user with too much access can view information that is not needed for the user's job role, or the user could use the function in an unintentional manner.A MIME tells the web server what type of program various file types and extensions are and what external utilities or programs are needed to execute the file type.A shell is a program that serves as the basic interface between the user and the operating system, so hosted application users must not have access to these programs. Shell programs may execute shell escapes and can then perform unauthorized activities that could damage the security posture of the web server.

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" If "Action" or "AddHandler" exist and they configure .exe, .dll, .com, .bat, or .csh, or any other shell as a viewer for documents, this is a finding. If this is not documented and approved by the Information System Security Officer (ISSO), 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" Disable MIME types for .exe, .dll, .com, .bat, and .csh programs. If "Action" or "AddHandler" exist within the "httpd.conf" file and they configure .exe, .dll, .com, .bat, or .csh, remove those references. Restart Apache: apachectl restart Ensure this process is documented and approved by the ISSO.

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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