Cis Tomcat9 V120 4.6

---
name: cis-tomcat9-v120-4.6
description: "Restrict access to Tomcat binaries directory"
category: cis-tomcat
version: "1.2.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, tomcat, linux, java, configuration, file-permissions]
cis_id: "4.6"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Apache Tomcat 9 Benchmark v1.2.0"
tech_stack: [linux, tomcat, java]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---

# 4.6 Restrict access to Tomcat binaries directory (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

• Level 1

## Description

The Tomcat `$CATALINA_HOME/bin` directory contains executes that are part of the Tomcat run-time. It is recommended that the ownership of this directory be `tomcat_admin:tomcat`. It is also recommended that the permission on this directory deny read, write, and execute for the world (`o-rwx`) and deny write access to the group (`g-w`).

## Rationale

Restricting access to these directories will prevent local users from maliciously or inadvertently affecting the integrity of Tomcat processes.

## Audit Procedure

Perform the following to determine if the ownership and permissions on `$CATALINA_HOME/bin` are securely configured.

```bash
# cd $CATALINA_HOME
# find bin -follow -maxdepth 0 \( -perm /o+rwx,g=w -o ! -user tomcat_admin -o ! -group tomcat \) -ls
```

The above command should not produce any output.

## Remediation

Perform the following to restrict access to Tomcat bin directory:

1. Set the ownership of the `$CATALINA_HOME/bin` to `tomcat_admin:tomcat`.

```bash
# chown tomcat_admin:tomcat $CATALINA_HOME/bin
```

2. Remove read, write, and execute permissions for the world

```bash
# chmod g-w,o-rwx $CATALINA_HOME/bin
```

## Default Value

The default permissions of the top-level directories are 770.

## References

None

## CIS Controls

**Controls Version: v8**

**Control:** 2.6 Allowlist Authorized Libraries

Use technical controls to ensure that only authorized software libraries, such as specific .dll, .ocx, .so, etc., files, are allowed to load into a system process. Block unauthorized libraries from loading into a system process. Reassess bi-annually, or more frequently.

**IG 1:**
**IG 2:** •
**IG 3:** •

**Controls Version: v7**

**Control:** 14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists

Protect all information stored on systems with file system, network share, claims, application, or database specific access control lists. These controls will enforce the principle that only authorized individuals should have access to the information based on their need to access the information as a part of their responsibilities.

**IG 1:** •
**IG 2:** •
**IG 3:** •

## Profile

Level 1