cis-apache24-9-4

name	cis-apache24-9.4
description	Ensure KeepAliveTimeout is Set to a Value of 15 or Less (Automated)
category	cis-apache
version	2.3.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","apache","linux","dos","keepalive","timeout"]
cis_id	9.4
cis_benchmark	CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.4 Benchmark v2.3.0
tech_stack	["linux","apache"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

Ensure KeepAliveTimeout is Set to a Value of 15 or Less (Automated)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1

Description

The KeepAliveTimeout directive specifies the number of seconds Apache will wait for a subsequent request before closing a connection that is being kept alive.

Rationale

The KeepAliveTimeout directive is used mitigate some of the risk, by requiring more effort for a successful DoS attack. By enabling KeepAlive and keeping the timeout relatively low for old connections and we allow the server to free up resources more quickly and be more responsive.

Audit

Perform the following steps to determine if the recommended state is implemented: Verify that the KeepAliveTimeout directive in the Apache configuration to have a value of 15 or less. If the directive is not present the default value is 5 seconds.

Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state: Add or modify the KeepAliveTimeout directive in the Apache configuration to have a value of 15 or less.

KeepAliveTimeout 15

Default Value

KeepAliveTimeout 5

References

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

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.

Profile

• Level 1