Configure ModSecurity

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Configure ModSecurity

The goal for this lab is to configure ModSecurity for the Apache web server. There are a few things you need to keep in mind before you start the lab. Take into consideration that firewalld is up and running and that ports 61613, 80, and 65535 are open. Port 61613 is your SSH port where you will connect. Apache is running on port 80, and the back end is functioning on port 65535. SELinux is in enforcing mode. The objective of the lab is to install ModSecurity from the repositories, load it, and instruct Apache to use it. Lastly, install ModSecurity to use OWASP rules in order to apply them against traffic.

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Lab Info

Level

Intermediate

Last updated

Sep 22, 2025

Duration

45m

Challenge

Install `mod_security`
1. Install mod_security from the repositories:
  sudo yum install mod_security
Challenge

Configure OWASP Core Rule Set (CRS)
1. Make a crs directory:
  
  sudo mkdir /etc/httpd/crs
2. Navigate to the new directory:
  
  cd /etc/httpd/crs
3. Install Git:
  
  sudo yum install git
4. Clone a Git repository for OWASP CRS:
  
  sudo git clone https://github.com/SpiderLabs/owasp-modsecurity-crs.git
5. Configure the new repository:
  
  sudo cd /etc/httpd/crs/owasp-modsecurity-crs/
6. Make a copy of crs-setup.conf.example and rename it to crs-setup.conf:
  
  sudo cp crs-setup.conf.example crs-setup.conf

Challenge

Inform Apache of the Changes

Open the configuration file:
```
sudo vim /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf
```

Insert at the bottom of the file:

<IfModule security2_module>
   Include /etc/httpd/crs/owasp-modsecurity-crs/crs-setup.conf
   Include /etc/httpd/crs/owasp-modsecurity-crs/rules/*.conf
</IfModule>

Save and close:
```
ESC
:wq
ENTER
```

Challenge

Restart Apache and Run a Few Tests to Confirm `mod_security` Is Working Properly
1. Restart the Apache service:
  
  sudo systemctl restart httpd
2. Run a test:
  
  curl -i http://<SERVER_IP_ADDRESS>/index.html -A Nessus

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