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← Back to Apache Tomcat Application Server 9 Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-222954

CAT III (Low)

DefaultServlet directory listings parameter must be disabled.

Rule ID

SV-222954r960963_rule

STIG

Apache Tomcat Application Server 9 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V3R4

CCIs

CCI-000381

Discussion

The DefaultServlet serves static resources as well as directory listings. It is declared globally in $CATALINA_BASE/conf/web.xml and by default is configured with the directory "listings" parameter set to disabled. If no welcome file is present and the "listings" setting is enabled, a directory listing is shown. Directory listings must be disabled.

Check Content

From the Tomcat server run the following OS command:

sudo cat $CATALINA_BASE/conf/web.xml |grep -i -A10 -B2 defaultservlet 

The above command will include ten lines after and two lines before the occurrence of "defaultservlet". Some systems may require that the user increase the after number (A10) in order to determine the "listings" param-value. 

If the "listings" param-value for the "DefaultServlet" servlet class does not = "false", this is a finding.

Fix Text

From the Tomcat server as a privileged user:

Edit the $CATALINA_BASE/conf/web.xml file.

Examine the <init-param> elements within the <Servletclass> element, if the "listings" <param-value>element is "true" change the "listings" <param-value> to read "false".

sudo systemctl restart tomcat
sudo systemctl daemon-reload