Title

Users and scripts running on behalf of users must be contained to the document root or home directory tree of the web server. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A web server is designed to deliver content and execute scripts or applications on the request of a client or user. Containing user requests to files in the directory tree of the hosted web application and limiting the execution of scripts and applications guarantees that the user is not accessing information protected outside the application's realm. The web server must also prohibit users from jumping outside the hosted application directory tree through access to the user's home directory, symbolic links or shortcuts, or through search paths for missing files.

Check Content

Review the web server documentation and configuration to determine where the document root or home directory for each application hosted by the web server is located. Verify that users of the web server applications, and any scripts running on the user's behalf, are contained to each application's domain. If users of the web server applications, and any scripts running on the user's behalf, are not contained, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the web server to contain users and scripts to each hosted application's domain.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-206385r960963_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-206385

Group Title: SRG-APP-000141

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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