Apache Server 2.4 Windows Server STIG Version Comparison

There are 3 differences between versions v3 r1 (July 24, 2024) (the "left" version) and v3 r3 (April 2, 2025) (the "right" version).

Check AS24-W1-000030 was changed between these two versions. Green, underlined text was added, red, struck-out text was removed.

The regular view of the left check and right check may be easier to read.

Title

The Apache web server must use encryption strength in accordance with the categorization of data hosted by the Apache web server when remote connections are provided.

Check Content

In a command line, navigate to "<'INSTALLED PATH'>\bin". Run "httpd -M" to view a list of installed modules. If the "ssl_module" is not enabled, this is a finding. Review the <'INSTALL PATH'>\conf\httpd.conf file to determine if the "SSLProtocol" directive exists and looks like the following: SSLProtocol -ALL +TLSv1.2 -SSLv2 -SSLv3 If the directive does not exist or exists but does not contain "ALL "-ALL +TLSv1.2 -SSLv2 -SSLv3", this is a finding.

Discussion

The Apache web server has several remote communications channels. Examples are user requests via http/https, communication to a backend database, and communication to authenticate users. The encryption used to communicate must match the data that is being retrieved or presented. Methods of communication are "http" for publicly displayed information, "https" to encrypt when user data is being transmitted, VPN tunneling, or other encryption methods to a database. Satisfies: SRG-APP-000014-WSR-000006, SRG-APP-000015-WSR-000014, SRG-APP-000033-WSR-000169, SRG-APP-000179-WSR-000110, SRG-APP-000179-WSR-000111, SRG-APP-000439-WSR-000152, SRG-APP-000439-WSR-000154, SRG-APP-000439-WSR-000188, SRG-APP-000442-WSR-000182

Fix

Ensure the "ssl_module" is loaded in the httpd.conf file (not commented out). Ensure the "SSLProtocol" is added and looks like the following in the <'INSTALL PATH'>\conf\httpd.conf file: SSLProtocol -ALL +TLSv1.2 Restart the Apache service.