The Apache web server application, libraries, and configuration files must only be accessible to privileged users.

From Apache Server 2.4 UNIX Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001813

AS24-U1-000770_rule The Apache web server application, libraries, and configuration files must only be accessible to privileged users.

Vulnerability discussion

An Apache web server can be modified through parameter modification, patch installation, upgrades to the web server or modules, and security parameter changes. With each of these changes, there is the potential for an adverse effect such as a denial of service (DoS), web server instability, or hosted application instability.To limit changes to the Apache web server and limit exposure to any adverse effects from the changes, files such as the web server application files, libraries, and configuration files must have permissions and ownership set properly to only allow privileged users to have access.

Check content

Obtain a list of the user accounts for the system, noting the privileges for each account. Verify with the System Administrator (SA) or the Information System Security Officer (ISSO) that all privileged accounts are mission essential and documented. Verify with the SA or the ISSO that all non-administrator access to shell scripts and operating system functions are mission essential and documented. If undocumented privileged accounts are present, this is a finding. If undocumented access to shell scripts or operating system functions is present, this is a finding.

Fix text

Ensure non-administrators are not allowed access to the directory tree, the shell, or other operating system functions and utilities.

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