Cis Apache 5.6

---
name: cis-apache-5.6
description: "Ensure the Default CGI Content test-cgi Script Is Removed"
category: cis-apache
version: "3.6.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, apache, linux, features, content, options]
cis_id: "5.6"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.2 Benchmark v3.6.0"
tech_stack: [linux, apache]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---

# Ensure the Default CGI Content test-cgi Script Is Removed

## Description

Most web servers, including Apache installations, have default CGI content which is not needed or appropriate for production use. The primary function for these sample programs is to demonstrate the capabilities of the web server. A common default CGI content for Apache installations is the script `test-cgi`. This script will print back to the requester CGI environment variables, which includes many server configuration details.

## Rationale

CGI programs have a long history of security bugs and problems associated with improperly accepting user input. Since these programs are often targets of attackers, we need to make sure there are no unnecessary CGI programs that could potentially be used for malicious purposes. Usually these programs were not written for production use, and consequently little thought was given to security in their development. The `test-cgi` script in particular will disclose inappropriate information about the web server, including directory paths and detailed version and configuration information.

## Impact

None documented

## Audit Procedure

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

1. Locate cgi-bin files and directories enabled in the Apache configuration via `Script`, `ScriptAlias`, `ScriptAliasMatch`, or `ScriptInterpreterSource` directives.
2. Ensure the `test-cgi` script is not installed in any configured `cgi-bin` directory.

## Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

1. Locate cgi-bin files and directories enabled in the Apache configuration via `Script`, `ScriptAlias`, `ScriptAliasMatch`, or `ScriptInterpreterSource` directives.
2. Remove the `test-cgi` default CGI in the cgi-bin directory if it is installed.

```bash
# rm $APACHE_PREFIX/cgi-bin/test-cgi
```

## Default Value

The default source build does not include the `test-cgi` script.

## Notes

None documented

## References

None documented

## CIS Controls

Version 6

18.9 Sanitize Deployed Software Of Development Artifacts
For in-house developed applications, ensure that development artifacts (sample data and scripts; unused libraries, components, debug code; or tools) are not included in the deployed software, or accessible in the production environment.

Version 7

4.7 Limit Access to Script Tools
Limit access to scripting tools (such as Microsoft PowerShell and Python) to only administrative or development users with the need to access those capabilities.

## Profile

Level 1 | Scored