Apache · December 17, 2023

Apache Security Tip: Disable unnecessary HTTP methods with directives

Apache Security Tip: Disable unnecessary HTTP methods with <LimitExcept> directives

When it comes to securing your Apache web server, there are several measures you can take to protect your website and its data. One important aspect of Apache security is disabling unnecessary HTTP methods. By limiting the methods that are allowed on your server, you can reduce the risk of potential attacks and unauthorized access.

Understanding HTTP Methods

HTTP methods, also known as HTTP verbs, are used to indicate the desired action to be performed on a resource. The most commonly used methods are:

  • GET: Retrieves a resource from the server.
  • POST: Submits data to be processed by the server.
  • PUT: Updates a resource on the server.
  • DELETE: Removes a resource from the server.

However, there are other less commonly used methods that may not be necessary for your website's functionality. These methods include:

  • OPTIONS: Retrieves the communication options available for a resource.
  • HEAD: Retrieves the headers of a resource without the actual content.
  • TRACE: Echoes back the received request for debugging purposes.
  • CONNECT: Converts the request connection to a transparent TCP/IP tunnel.

The Risks of Unnecessary HTTP Methods

Allowing unnecessary HTTP methods on your server can expose your website to potential security risks. Attackers can exploit these methods to gain unauthorized access, perform reconnaissance, or launch attacks such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) or Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF).

For example, the TRACE method can be used to retrieve sensitive information, such as cookies, from the server's response. By disabling this method, you can prevent attackers from exploiting this vulnerability.

Disabling Unnecessary HTTP Methods with <LimitExcept> Directives

Apache provides the <LimitExcept> directive, which allows you to specify which HTTP methods are allowed or denied for a particular directory or location. By using this directive in your Apache configuration, you can disable unnecessary methods and enhance the security of your server.

Here's an example of how to use the <LimitExcept> directive to disable the TRACE and CONNECT methods:

<Location />
    <LimitExcept GET POST PUT DELETE OPTIONS HEAD>
        Require all denied
    </LimitExcept>
</Location>

In this example, the <Location> directive specifies the directory or location to which the restrictions apply. The <LimitExcept> directive is then used to specify the allowed methods, which in this case are GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, OPTIONS, and HEAD. The Require all denied statement denies access to any other methods not explicitly allowed.

By customizing the <LimitExcept> directive to fit your specific needs, you can effectively disable unnecessary HTTP methods and reduce the attack surface of your Apache server.

Summary

Disabling unnecessary HTTP methods is an important step in securing your Apache web server. By using the <LimitExcept> directive, you can control which methods are allowed or denied, reducing the risk of potential attacks and unauthorized access.

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