Apache

Apache httpd's flexibility, per-directory .htaccess overrides, extension-based handlers, and a rich module set, is also its misconfiguration surface. Fingerprint it from the Server: Apache header, default error pages, and .htaccess/mod_* behavior, then work this checklist.

What to check#

• Handler and type mapping: does a handler match an inner extension (shell.php.jpg), is a directory's handler set to execute uploads, or is the PHP handler missing so scripts return as source?
• .htaccess overrides: where AllowOverride is permissive and a directory is writable (uploads), an attacker-supplied .htaccess changes handlers, rewrites, and auth.
• Alias and rewrite: do Alias/AliasMatch/mod_rewrite rules build filesystem paths from unconstrained URL captures, allowing traversal into the parent of the mapped directory?
• MultiViews: is content negotiation enabled, letting an attacker request page and have Apache pick page.php/page.bak, enumerating and disclosing files?

Pages#

• Handler and type mapping: AddHandler/AddType/SetHandler execution and source-disclosure mistakes, .htaccess abuse, and double-extension upload execution.
• Alias and rewrite traversal: Alias/AliasMatch/mod_rewrite path mapping that escapes the intended directory.
• MultiViews and content negotiation: abusing mod_negotiation to enumerate and disclose files.

References#

• Apache httpd documentation: mod_mime, mod_alias, mod_rewrite, mod_negotiation, AllowOverride
• OWASP WSTG: Testing for application platform configuration