Cis Apache 8.1

---
name: cis-apache-8.1
description: "Ensure ServerTokens is Set to 'Prod' or 'ProductOnly'"
category: cis-apache
version: "3.6.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, apache, linux, information-leakage, server-tokens, fingerprinting]
cis_id: "8.1"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.2 Benchmark v3.6.0"
tech_stack: [linux, apache]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---

# Ensure ServerTokens is Set to 'Prod' or 'ProductOnly'

## Description

Configure the Apache ServerTokens directive to provide minimal information by setting the value to Prod or ProductOnly. The only version information given in the server HTTP response header will be Apache rather than details on modules and versions installed.

## Rationale

Information is power, and identifying web server details greatly increases the efficiency of any attack, as security vulnerabilities are extremely dependent upon specific software versions and configurations. Excessive probing and requests may cause too much "noise" being generated and may tip off an administrator. If an attacker can accurately target exploits, the chances of successful compromise prior to detection increase dramatically. Script kiddies are constantly scanning the Internet and documenting the version information openly provided by web servers. The purpose of this scanning is to accumulate a database of software installed on those hosts, which can then be used when new vulnerabilities are released.

## Audit

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

Verify the ServerTokens directive is present in the Apache configuration and has a value of Prod or ProductOnly.

## Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

Add or modify the ServerTokens directive as shown below to have the value of Prod or ProductOnly:

```
ServerTokens Prod
```

## Default Value

The default value is Full, which provides the most detailed information.

```
ServerTokens Full
```

## References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/mod/core.html#servertokens

## 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

14.7 Enforce Access Control to Data through Automated Tools
Use an automated tool, such as host-based Data Loss Prevention, to enforce access controls to data even when data is copied off a system.

## Profile

Level 1 | Scored
Level 2 | Scored