cis-apache24-9-2

name	cis-apache24-9.2
description	Ensure KeepAlive Is Enabled (Automated)
category	cis-apache
version	2.3.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","apache","linux","dos","keepalive","tcp-reuse"]
cis_id	9.2
cis_benchmark	CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.4 Benchmark v2.3.0
tech_stack	["linux","apache"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

Ensure KeepAlive Is Enabled (Automated)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1

Description

The KeepAlive directive controls whether Apache will reuse the same TCP connection per client to process subsequent HTTP requests from that client. It is recommended that the KeepAlive directive be set to On.

Rationale

Allowing per-client reuse of TCP sockets reduces the amount of system and network resources required to serve requests. This efficiency gain may improve a server's resiliency to DoS attacks.

Audit

Perform the following steps to determine if the recommended state is implemented: Verify that the KeepAlive directive in the Apache configuration to have a value of On, or is not present. If the directive is not present the default value is On.

Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state: Add or modify the KeepAlive directive in the Apache configuration to have a value of On, so that KeepAlive connections are enabled.

KeepAlive On

Default Value

KeepAlive On

References

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

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