The Apache web server must produce log records containing sufficient information to establish the source of events.

From Apache Server 2.4 Windows Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000133

AS24-W1-000120_rule The Apache web server must produce log records containing sufficient information to establish the source of events.

Vulnerability discussion

Apache web server logging capability is critical for accurate forensic analysis. Without sufficient and accurate information, a correct replay of the events cannot be determined.Ascertaining the correct location or process within the Apache web server where the events occurred is important during forensic analysis. Correctly determining the web service, plug-in, or module will add information to the overall reconstruction of the logged event. For example, an event that occurred during communication to a CGI module might be handled differently than an event that occurred during a communication session to a user.Without sufficient information establishing where the log event occurred within the Apache web server, investigation into the cause of event is severely hindered. Log record content that may be necessary to satisfy the requirement of this control includes but is not limited to time stamps, source and destination IP addresses, user/process identifiers, event descriptions, application-specific events, success/fail indications, file names involved, access control, and flow control rules invoked.

Check content

Items to be logged are as shown in this sample line in the <'INSTALL PATH'>\conf\httpd.conf file: LogFormat "%a %A %h %H %l %m %s %t %u %U \"%{Referer}i\" " combined If the web server is not configured to capture the required audit events for all sites and virtual directories, this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the "LogFormat" in the "httpd.conf" file to look like the following: LogFormat "%a %A %h %H %l %m %s %t %u %U \"%{Referer}i\" " combined Restart the Apache service.

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