cis-apache24-3-2

name	cis-apache24-3.2
description	Ensure the Apache User Account Has an Invalid Shell
category	cis-apache
version	2.3.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","apache","linux","privileges","permissions","ownership"]
cis_id	3.2
cis_benchmark	CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.4 Benchmark v2.3.0
tech_stack	["linux","apache"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

3.2 Ensure the Apache User Account Has an Invalid Shell

Profile Applicability

• Level 1

Description

The apache account must not be used as a regular login account, and should be assigned an invalid or nologin shell to ensure that the account cannot be used to login.

Rationale

Service accounts such as the apache account represent a risk if they can be used to get a login shell to the system.

Audit

Check the apache login shell in the /etc/passwd file:

# grep apache /etc/passwd

The apache account shell must be /sbin/nologin or /dev/null similar to the following:

/etc/passwd:apache:x:48:48:Apache:/var/www:/sbin/nologin

Remediation

Change the apache account to use the nologin shell or an invalid shell such as /dev/null:

# chsh -s /sbin/nologin apache

Default Value

The default Apache user account is daemon. The daemon account may have a valid login shell or a shell of /sbin/nologin depending on the operating system distribution version.

CIS Controls

Controls Version	Control	IG 1	IG 2	IG 3
v8	2.6 Allowlist Authorized Libraries Use technical controls to ensure that only authorized software libraries, such as specific .dll, .ocx, .so, etc., files, are allowed to load into a system process. Block unauthorized libraries from loading into a system process. Reassess bi-annually, or more frequently.		●	●
v7	2.7 Allowlist Authorized Scripts Use technical controls, such as digital signatures and version control, to ensure that only authorized scripts, such as specific .ps1, .py, etc., files, are allowed to execute. Block unauthorized scripts from executing. Reassess bi-annually, or more frequently.			●
v7	4.3 Ensure the Use of Dedicated Administrative AccountsEnsure that all users with administrative account access use a dedicated or secondary account for elevated activities. This account should only be used for administrative activities and not internet browsing, email, or similar activities.