cis-apache24-5-11

name	cis-apache24-5.11
description	Ensure Access to .git Files Is Restricted
category	cis-apache
version	2.3.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","apache","linux","features","content","options"]
cis_id	5.11
cis_benchmark	CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.4 Benchmark v2.3.0
tech_stack	["linux","apache"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

Ensure Access to .git Files Is Restricted (Manual)

Profile Applicability

Level 1

Description

Restrict access to any files beginning with .git using the FilesMatch directive.

Rationale

More and more websites track their changes in a Git repository we see a lot of attackers search for .git directories. Access to .git directories should be restricted. These files should be placed in the document root, but, in the event they are, the FilesMatch and DirectoryMatch directives can be used to prevent them from being viewed by web clients.

Impact

.git files are not accessible.

Audit Procedure

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

Verify that a FilesMatch and DirectoryMatch directives similar to the one below is present in the apache configuration and not commented out. The deprecated Deny from All directive may be used instead of the Require directive.

<FilesMatch "/\.git">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>

<DirectoryMatch "/\.git">
    Require all denied
</DirectoryMatch>

Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

Add or modify the following lines in the Apache configuration file at the server configuration level.

<FilesMatch "/\.git">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>

<DirectoryMatch "/\.git">
    Require all denied
</DirectoryMatch>

Default Value

This is not set by default

References

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

CIS Controls

v8:

• 9.4 Restrict Unnecessary or Unauthorized Browser and Email Client Extensions
  • Restrict, either through uninstalling or disabling, any unauthorized or unnecessary browser or email client plugins, extensions, and add-on applications.

v7:

• 18.2 Ensure Explicit Error Checking is Performed for All In-house Developed Software
  • For in-house developed software, ensure that explicit error checking is performed and documented for all input, including for size, data type, and acceptable ranges or formats.