# Cis Apache24 9.4

> Cis Apache24 9.4 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 KeepAliveTimeout is Set to a Value of 15 or Less (Automated)

- Skill name: `cis-apache24-9.4`
- 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-apache24-9.4/SKILL.md
- Repository: CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike (1,211 GitHub stars when collected)

## SKILL.md

# Ensure KeepAliveTimeout is Set to a Value of 15 or Less (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

The `KeepAliveTimeout` directive specifies the number of seconds Apache will wait for a subsequent request before closing a connection that is being kept alive.

## Rationale

The `KeepAliveTimeout` directive is used mitigate some of the risk, by requiring more effort for a successful DoS attack. By enabling `KeepAlive` and keeping the timeout relatively low for old connections and we allow the server to free up resources more quickly and be more responsive.

## Audit

Perform the following steps to determine if the recommended state is implemented: Verify that the `KeepAliveTimeout` directive in the Apache configuration to have a value of `15` or less. If the directive is not present the default value is `5` seconds.

## Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state: Add or modify the `KeepAliveTimeout` directive in the Apache configuration to have a value of `15` or less.

```apache
KeepAliveTimeout 15
```

## Default Value

```apache
KeepAliveTimeout 5
```

## References

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

## CIS Controls

**v8:**

- 4.2 Establish and Maintain a Secure Configuration Process for Network Infrastructure
  - Establish and maintain a secure configuration process for network devices. Review and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.

**v7:**

- 5.1 Establish Secure Configurations
  - Maintain documented, standard security configuration standards for all authorized operating systems and software.

## Profile

- Level 1

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