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The Apache web server must set an absolute timeout for sessions.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-92433 AS24-W1-000640 SV-102521r2_rule Medium
Description
Leaving sessions open indefinitely is a major security risk. An attacker can easily use an already authenticated session to access the hosted application as the previously authenticated user. By closing sessions after an absolute period of time, the user is forced to reauthenticate, guaranteeing the session is still in use. Enabling an absolute timeout for sessions closes sessions that are still active. Examples would be a runaway process accessing the Apache web server or an attacker using a hijacked session to slowly probe the Apache web server.
STIG Date
Apache Server 2.4 Windows Server Security Technical Implementation Guide 2019-12-19

Details

Check Text ( C-91733r2_chk )
Review the <'INSTALL PATH'>\conf\httpd.conf file.

Verify the "SessionMaxAge" directive exists.

If it does not exist, this is a finding.

If the "SessionMaxAge" directive exists but is not set to at least "1", this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-98673r1_fix)
Edit the <'INSTALL PATH'>\conf\httpd.conf file and add or set the "SessionMaxAge" directive to "1".

Restart the Apache service.