The Apache web server session IDs must be sent to the client using SSL/TLS.

From Apache Server 2.4 UNIX Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of SRG-APP-000439-WSR-000152

Associated with: CCI-002418

AS24-U1-000850_rule The Apache web server session IDs must be sent to the client using SSL/TLS.

Vulnerability discussion

The HTTP protocol is a stateless protocol. To maintain a session, a session identifier is used. The session identifier is a piece of data that is used to identify a session and a user. If the session identifier is compromised by an attacker, the session can be hijacked. By encrypting the session identifier, the identifier becomes more difficult for an attacker to hijack, decrypt, and use before the session has expired.

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 does not exist 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

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

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