cis-apache-2-5

name	cis-apache-2.5
description	Ensure the Autoindex Module Is Disabled
category	cis-apache
version	3.6.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","apache","linux","modules","autoindex"]
cis_id	2.5
cis_benchmark	CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.2 Benchmark v3.6.0
tech_stack	["linux","apache"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

Ensure the Autoindex Module Is Disabled

Description

The Apache mod_autoindex module automatically generates a web page listing the contents of directories on the server, typically used so an index.html does not have to be generated.

Rationale

Automated directory listings should not be enabled because they will reveal information helpful to an attacker such as naming conventions and directory paths. They may also reveal files that were not intended to be revealed.

Impact

None documented

Audit Procedure

Perform the following to determine if the mod_autoindex module is disabled.

Run the httpd server with the -M option to list enabled modules:

# httpd -M | grep autoindex_module

Note: If the module is correctly disabled, the only output when executing the above command should be Syntax OK.

Remediation

Perform either one of the following to disable the mod_autoindex module:

1. For source builds with static modules, run the Apache ./configure script with the --disable-autoindex configure script options.

$ cd $DOWNLOAD/httpd-2.2.22
$ ./configure --disable-autoindex

2. For dynamically loaded modules, comment out or remove the LoadModule directive for the mod_autoindex module from the httpd.conf file.

## LoadModule autoindex_module modules/mod_autoindex.so

Default Value

The module is enabled with a default source build.

References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/mod/mod_autoindex.html

CIS Controls

Version 6

18 Application Software Security Application Software Security

Version 7

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

Profile

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