The web server’s htpasswd files (if present) must reflect proper ownership and permissions

From APACHE 2.2 Server for UNIX Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of WG270

SV-36478r2_rule The web server’s htpasswd files (if present) must reflect proper ownership and permissions

Vulnerability discussion

In addition to OS restrictions, access rights to files and directories can be set on a web site using the web server software. That is, in addition to allowing or denying all access rights, a rule can be specified that allows or denies partial access rights. For example, users can be given read-only access rights to files, to view the information but not change the files.This check verifies that the htpasswd file is only accessible by system administrators or web managers, with the account running the web service having group permissions of read and execute. htpasswd is a utility used by Netscape and Apache to provide for password access to designated web sites. I

Check content

To locate the htpasswd file enter the following command: Find / -name htpasswd Permissions should be r-x r - x - - - (550) If permissions on htpasswd are greater than 550, this is a finding. Owner should be the SA or Web Manager account, if another account has access to this file, this is a finding.

Fix text

The SA or Web Manager account should own the htpasswd file and permissions should be set to 550.

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