Title

The web server document directory must be in a separate partition from the web servers system files. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A web server is used to deliver content on the request of a client. The content delivered to a client must be controlled, allowing only hosted application files to be accessed and delivered. To allow a client access to system files of any type is a major security risk that is entirely avoidable. Obtaining such access is the goal of directory traversal and URL manipulation vulnerabilities. To facilitate such access by misconfiguring the web document (home) directory is a serious error. In addition, having the path on the same drive as the system folder compounds potential attacks such as drive space exhaustion.

Check Content

Review the web server documentation and deployed configuration to determine where the document directory is located for each hosted application. If the document directory is not in a separate partition from the web server's system files, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the web server to place the document directories in a separate partition from the web server system files.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-206408r961131_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-206408

Group Title: SRG-APP-000233

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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