The FollowSymLinks setting must be disabled.

From APACHE 2.2 SERVER for Windows Security Technical Implementation Guide

SV-33001r1_rule The FollowSymLinks setting must be disabled.

Vulnerability discussion

The Options directive configures the web server features that are available in particular directories. The FollowSymLinks option controls the ability of the server to follow symbolic links. A symbolic link allows a file or a directory to be referenced using a symbolic name raising a potential hazard if symbolic linkage is made to a sensitive area. When web scripts are executed and symbolic links are allowed, the web user could be allowed to access locations on the web server that are outside the scope of the web document root or home directory.

Check content

Locate the Apache httpd.conf file. Open the httpd.conf file with an editor such as notepad, and search for the following uncommented directive: Options Review all uncommented Options statements for the following value: -FollowSymLinks If the value is found with an Options statement, and it does not have a preceding “-”, this is a finding. Notes: - If the value does NOT exist, this is a finding. - If all enabled Options statement are set to None this is not a finding.

Fix text

Add a "-" to the FollowSymLinks setting, or set the options directive to None.

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.