Cookies exchanged between the Apache web server and the client, such as session cookies, must have cookie properties set to force the encryption of cookies.

From Apache Server 2.4 Windows Site Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-002418

AS24-W2-000880_rule Cookies exchanged between the Apache web server and the client, such as session cookies, must have cookie properties set to force the encryption of cookies.

Vulnerability discussion

Cookies can be sent to a client using TLS/SSL to encrypt the cookies, but TLS/SSL is not used by every hosted application since the data being displayed does not require the encryption of the transmission. To safeguard against cookies, especially session cookies, being sent in plaintext, a cookie can be encrypted before transmission. To force a cookie to be encrypted before transmission, the cookie "Secure" property can be set.

Check content

Verify the "mod_session_crypto" module is installed. If the mod_session_crypto module is not being used, this is a finding.

Fix text

Ensure the "mod_session_crypto" module is installed. Enable encrypted session cookies. Example: Session On SessionCookieName session path=/ SessionCryptoPassphrase secret

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.