cis-apache24-12-2

name	cis-apache24-12.2
description	Ensure the Apache AppArmor Profile Is Configured Properly (Manual)
category	cis-apache
version	2.3.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","apache","linux","apparmor","mac","profile-configuration"]
cis_id	12.2
cis_benchmark	CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.4 Benchmark v2.3.0
tech_stack	["linux","apache"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

Ensure the Apache AppArmor Profile Is Configured Properly (Manual)

Profile Applicability

• Level 2

Description

AppArmor includes customizable profiles that may be used to confine the Apache web server to enforce least privileges so that the server has only the minimal access to specified directories, files and network ports. Access is controlled by a profile defined for the apache2 process. The default AppArmor profile is typically a very permissive profile that allows read-write access to all system files. Therefore, it's important that the default profile be customized to enforce least privileges. The AppArmor utilities such as aa-autodep, aa-complain, and aa-logprof can be used to generate an initial profile based on actual usage. However thorough testing, review and customization will be necessary to ensure that the Apache profile restrictions allow necessary functionality while implementing least privilege.

Rationale

With the proper implementation of AppArmor profile, vulnerabilities in the web application may be prevented from being exploited due to the additional restrictions. For example, a vulnerability that allows an attacker to read an inappropriate system files may be prevented from execution by AppArmor because the inappropriate files are not allowed by the profile. Likewise writing to an unexpected directory or execution of unexpected content can be prevented by similar mandatory security controls enforced by AppArmor.

Audit

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

1. Find the Apache AppArmor profile typically found in /etc/apparmor.d/usr.sbin.apache2 along with any files included by the profile such as /etc/apparmor.d/apache2.d/* and files in the /etc/apparmor.d/abstractions/ directory.

2. Review the capabilities and permissions granted to ensure that the profile implements least privileges for the web application. Wild-card paths such as /**, which grant access to all files and directories starting with the root level directory, should not be present in the profile. Instead read only access to specific necessary system files such as /etc/group and to the web content files such as /var/www/html/** should be given. Refer to the apparmor.d man page for additional details. Shown below are some possible example capabilities and path permissions.

   • capability dac_override,
   • capability dac_read_search,
   • capability net_bind_service,