cis-apache24-10-4

name	cis-apache24-10.4
description	Ensure the LimitRequestBody Directive is Set to 102400 or Less but not 0 (Automated)
category	cis-apache
version	2.3.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","apache","linux","request-limits","buffer-overflow","limit-request-body"]
cis_id	10.4
cis_benchmark	CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.4 Benchmark v2.3.0
tech_stack	["linux","apache"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

Ensure the LimitRequestBody Directive is Set to 102400 or Less but not 0 (Automated)

Profile Applicability

• Level 2

Description

The LimitRequestBody directive limits the number of bytes that are allowed in a request body. Size of requests may vary greatly; for example, during a file upload the size of the file must fit within this limit.

Rationale

The limiting of the size of the request body is helpful so that the web server can prevent an unexpectedly long or large request from being passed to a potentially vulnerable program. Of course, the underlying dependency is that we need to set the limits high enough to not interfere with any one application on the server, while setting them low enough to be of value in protecting the applications. The LimitRequestBody may be configured on a per directory, or per location context. Please read the Apache documentation carefully, as these requests may interfere with the expected functionality of some web applications.

Audit

Perform the following steps to determine if the recommended state is implemented:

Verify that the LimitRequestBody directive in the Apache configuration to have a value of 102400 (100K) or less, but not 0.

Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

Add or modify the LimitRequestBody directive in the Apache configuration to have a value of 102400 (100K) or less. Please read the Apache documentation so that it is understood that this directive will limit the size of file up-loads to the web server.

LimitRequestBody 102400

Default Value

LimitRequestBody 0 (unlimited)

References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/core.html#limitrequestbody

CIS Controls

v8:

• 4.2 Establish and Maintain a Secure Configuration Process for Network Infrastructure
  • Establish and maintain a secure configuration process for network devices. Review and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.

v7:

• 5.1 Establish Secure Configurations
  • Maintain documented, standard security configuration standards for all authorized operating systems and software.