Title

The web server application, libraries, and configuration files must only be accessible to privileged users. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A web server can be modified through parameter modification, patch installation, upgrades to the web server or modules, and security parameter changes. With each of these changes, there is the potential for an adverse effect such as a DoS, web server instability, or hosted application instability. To limit changes to the web server and limit exposure to any adverse effects from the changes, files such as the web server application files, libraries, and configuration files must have permissions and ownership set properly to only allow privileged users access.

Check Content

Review the web server documentation and configuration to determine if the web server provides unique account roles specifically for the purposes of segmenting the responsibilities for managing the web server. Log into the hosting server using a web server role with limited permissions (e.g., Auditor, Developer, etc.) and verify the account is not able to perform configuration changes that are not related to that role. If roles are not defined with limited permissions and restrictions, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Define roles and responsibilities to be used when managing the web server. Configure the hosting system to utilize specific roles that restrict access related to web server system and configuration changes.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-206427r961461_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-206427

Group Title: SRG-APP-000380

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.