# Cis Apache24 5.10

> Cis Apache24 5.10 is an Agent Skill for devops & security published in the CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike repository on GitHub: a SKILL.md instruction file an AI agent can load to do this task.

Ensure Access to .ht* Files Is Restricted

- Skill name: `cis-apache24-5.10`
- Category: [DevOps & Security](https://www.openparable.com/skill/devops-security/1)
- Source: https://github.com/CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike/blob/HEAD/.cyberstrike/skill/CIS_benchmarks/Server_Software/Apache_HTTP_Server/CIS_Apache_HTTP_Server_2.4_Benchmark_v2.3.0/cis-apache24-5.10/SKILL.md
- Repository: CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike (1,211 GitHub stars when collected)

## SKILL.md

# Ensure Access to .ht\* Files Is Restricted (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

Level 1

## Description

Restrict access to any files beginning with `.ht` using the `FilesMatch` directive.

## Rationale

The default name for access filename which allows files in web directories to override the Apache configuration is `.htaccess`. The usage of access files should not be allowed, but as a defense in depth a `FilesMatch` directive is recommended to prevent web clients from viewing those files in case they are created. Also a common name for web password and group files are `.htpasswd` and `.htgroup`. Neither of these files should be placed in the document root, but, in the event they are, the `FilesMatch` directive can be used to prevent them from being viewed by web clients.

## Impact

`.ht*` files are not accessible.

## Audit Procedure

Perform the following steps to determine if the recommended state is implemented:

Verify that a `FilesMatch` directive similar to the one below is present in the apache configuration and not commented out. The deprecated `Deny from All` directive may be used instead of the Require directive.

```
<FilesMatch "^\.ht">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>
```

## Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

Add or modify the following lines in the Apache configuration file at the server configuration level.

```
<FilesMatch "^\.ht">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>
```

## Default Value

`.ht*` files are not accessible.

## References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/core.html#filesmatch

## CIS Controls

**v8:**

- 9.4 Restrict Unnecessary or Unauthorized Browser and Email Client Extensions
  - Restrict, either through uninstalling or disabling, any unauthorized or unnecessary browser or email client plugins, extensions, and add-on applications.

**v7:**

- 18.2 Ensure Explicit Error Checking is Performed for All In-house Developed Software
  - For in-house developed software, ensure that explicit error checking is performed and documented for all input, including for size, data type, and acceptable ranges or formats.

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