---
id: d563d721-f2e6-45c5-b5a0-f91181aeab21
---

# Apache HTTP Server ModSecurity Alerts Incident
---

An Apache HTTP Server ModSecurity Alerts incident refers to a situation where the ModSecurity module of the Apache web server detects unusual or potentially malicious activity. This module is designed to provide an additional layer of security to the web server by analyzing incoming traffic and blocking any requests that match predefined security rules. When an incident of this type occurs, it indicates that ModSecurity has detected activity that could potentially compromise the security of the web server and its applications. This type of incident requires immediate investigation and remediation to prevent any further damage to the system.

### Parameters
```shell
export PATH_TO_AUDIT_LOG="PLACEHOLDER"

export MODSECURITY_PACKAGE_NAME="PLACEHOLDER"

export APACHE_PACKAGE_NAME="PLACEHOLDER"
```

## Debug

### Check if Apache HTTP Server is running
```shell
systemctl status apache2.service
```

### Check Apache error log for any ModSecurity related errors
```shell
tail -f /var/log/apache2/error.log | grep ModSecurity
```

### Check if ModSecurity module is loaded in Apache
```shell
apachectl -M | grep security
```

### Check ModSecurity configuration file for any syntax errors
```shell
apachectl configtest
```

### Check ModSecurity rule set for any errors
```shell
modsec-srs -T
```

### Check ModSecurity rule set for any false positives
```shell
modsec-srs -F ${PATH_TO_AUDIT_LOG}
```

### Check ModSecurity rule set for any false negatives
```shell
modsec-srs -N ${PATH_TO_AUDIT_LOG}
```

## Repair

### Ensure that the Apache HTTP Server and ModSecurity are up-to-date with the latest patches and versions to address any known vulnerabilities.
```shell


#!/bin/bash

# update the package lists

sudo apt-get update

# upgrade the Apache HTTP Server and ModSecurity packages

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade ${APACHE_PACKAGE_NAME} ${MODSECURITY_PACKAGE_NAME}

# restart the Apache web server to apply the changes

sudo systemctl restart apache2.service


```

An Apache HTTP Server ModSecurity Alerts incident refers to a situation where the ModSecurity module of the Apache web server detects unusual or potentially malicious activity. This module is designed to provide an additional layer of security to the web server by analyzing incoming traffic and blocking any requests that match predefined security rules. When an incident of this type occurs, it indicates that ModSecurity has detected activity that could potentially compromise the security of the web server and its applications. This type of incident requires immediate investigation and remediation to prevent any further damage to the system.


This incident type refers to an unauthorized access to directories in Apache HTTPD, which is a widely used web server software. It means that someone was able to access files or directories that they were not supposed to, without having proper authorization. This type of incident can potentially lead to sensitive data being exposed or even stolen, and can compromise the security of the server and the applications running on it.


Unauthorized Directory Access in Apache HTTPD.

The Slowloris Attack is a type of Denial of Service (DoS) attack that exploits a vulnerability in the Apache web server. It works by sending HTTP requests to the server and keeping those connections open for as long as possible, thereby using up all the available resources of the server and rendering it unresponsive to legitimate requests. As a result, the server becomes slow or unresponsive, causing downtime for the affected website or service. This type of attack can be detected and mitigated by implementing specific security measures and tools.


Slowloris Attack Detected on Apache server.

This incident type refers to the detection of SQL injection attempts in Apache web server logs. SQL injection is a type of cyber attack that exploits vulnerabilities in web applications allowing attackers to execute malicious SQL statements. In this incident, attackers are attempting to inject SQL code into the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of an Apache web server, potentially compromising the server's security and exposing sensitive information.


Apache SQL Injection Attempts in URI Incident

This incident type refers to a security vulnerability in the SSL/TLS configuration of the Apache HTTP Server, which can leave the server and its users vulnerable to attacks. The SSL/TLS configuration is responsible for encrypting the communication between the server and its clients, and if it is not configured properly, it can be exploited by hackers to intercept or modify sensitive data. This type of incident requires immediate attention from software engineers to ensure that the SSL/TLS configuration is properly configured to prevent any potential security threats.


Inadequate SSL/TLS Configuration for Apache HTTP Server.

This incident type refers to a situation where the number of child processes created by an Apache server reaches a high threshold, causing performance issues and potentially leading to server crashes. This can occur due to factors such as high traffic volume or misconfigured server settings. The incident requires investigation and mitigation to restore normal server functioning and prevent future occurrences.


High Number of Apache Child Processes Incident

```shell
export PATH_TO_AUDIT_LOG="PLACEHOLDER"

export MODSECURITY_PACKAGE_NAME="PLACEHOLDER"

export APACHE_PACKAGE_NAME="PLACEHOLDER"
```


### Check if Apache HTTP Server is running

```shell
systemctl status apache2.service
```

### Check Apache error log for any ModSecurity related errors

```shell
tail -f /var/log/apache2/error.log | grep ModSecurity
```

### Check if ModSecurity module is loaded in Apache

```shell
apachectl -M | grep security
```

### Check ModSecurity configuration file for any syntax errors

```shell
apachectl configtest
```

### Check ModSecurity rule set for any errors

```shell
modsec-srs -T
```

### Check ModSecurity rule set for any false positives

```shell
modsec-srs -F ${PATH_TO_AUDIT_LOG}
```

### Check ModSecurity rule set for any false negatives

```shell
modsec-srs -N ${PATH_TO_AUDIT_LOG}
```


### Ensure that the Apache HTTP Server and ModSecurity are up-to-date with the latest patches and versions to address any known vulnerabilities.

```shell


#!/bin/bash

# update the package lists

sudo apt-get update

# upgrade the Apache HTTP Server and ModSecurity packages

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade ${APACHE_PACKAGE_NAME} ${MODSECURITY_PACKAGE_NAME}

# restart the Apache web server to apply the changes

sudo systemctl restart apache2.service


```


Apache HTTP Server ModSecurity Alerts Incident

Overview

Parameters

Debug

Check if Apache HTTP Server is running

Check if ModSecurity module is loaded in Apache

Check ModSecurity configuration file for any syntax errors

Check ModSecurity rule set for any errors

Check ModSecurity rule set for any false positives

Check ModSecurity rule set for any false negatives

Repair

Ensure that the Apache HTTP Server and ModSecurity are up-to-date with the latest patches and versions to address any known vulnerabilities.

Learn more

Related Runbooks

Unauthorized Directory Access in Apache HTTPD.

Slowloris Attack Detected on Apache server.

Apache SQL Injection Attempts in URI Incident

Inadequate SSL/TLS Configuration for Apache HTTP Server.

Support