All interactive programs (CGI) must be placed in a designated directory with appropriate permissions.

From APACHE 2.2 Site for UNIX Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of WG400

SV-6928r1_rule All interactive programs (CGI) must be placed in a designated directory with appropriate permissions.

Vulnerability discussion

CGI scripts represents one of the most common and exploitable means of compromising a web server. By definition, CGI are executable by the operating system of the host server. While access control is provided via the web service, the execution of CGI programs is not otherwise limited unless the SA or Web Manager takes specific measures. CGI programs can access and alter data files, launch other programs and use the network. CGI programs can be written in any available programming language. C, PERL, PHP, Javascript, VBScript and shell (sh, ksh, bash) are popular choices.

Check content

To preclude access to the servers root directory, ensure the following directive is in the httpd.conf file. This entry will also stop users from setting up .htaccess files which can override security features configured in httpd.conf. AllowOverride None If the AllowOverride None is not set, this is a finding.

Fix text

Ensure the CGI (or equivalent i.e. scripts) directory has access controls IAW the WEB Services STIG.

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.