HTTP request methods must be limited.

From APACHE 2.2 SERVER for Windows Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of WA00565

SV-33238r1_rule HTTP request methods must be limited.

Vulnerability discussion

The HTTP 1.1 protocol supports several request methods which are rarely used and potentially high risk. For example, methods such as PUT and DELETE are rarely used and should be disabled in keeping with the primary security principal of minimize features and options. Also since the usage of these methods is typically to modify resources on the web server, they should be explicitly disallowed. For normal web server operation, you will typically need to allow only the GET, HEAD and POST request methods. This will allow for downloading of web pages and submitting information to web forms. The OPTIONS request method will also be allowed as it is used to request which HTTP request methods are allowed.

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: Directory For every enabled Directory directive (except root), ensure the following entry exists: Order allow,deny Deny from all If the statement above is found in the root directory statement (i.e. ), this is a finding. If the statement above is found enabled but without the appropriate LimitExcept or Order statement, this is a finding. If the statement is not found at all inside an enabled Directory directive, this is a finding. Note: If the LimitExcept statement above is operationally limiting. This should be explicitly documented with the Web Manager, at which point this can be considered not a finding.

Fix text

Add the following to all enabled Directory directives except root: Order allow,deny Deny from all

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.

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