Apache balancer-manager application publicly accessible
Description
The Apache balancer-manager is a web-based administrative interface that provides visibility and control over Apache's load balancing configuration. When publicly accessible, this application exposes sensitive infrastructure details including backend server addresses, load balancing algorithms, and worker status. Additionally, it allows unauthenticated users to dynamically modify the load balancer configuration in real-time, including adding or removing backend servers without requiring authentication or authorization.
Remediation
Restrict access to the balancer-manager application by implementing IP-based access controls or requiring authentication. Add the following configuration to your Apache configuration file (httpd.conf or within a virtual host):
<Location /balancer-manager>
SetHandler balancer-manager
Require ip 10.0.0.0/8 192.168.0.0/16
# Or use authentication:
# AuthType Basic
# AuthName "Balancer Manager"
# AuthUserFile /path/to/.htpasswd
# Require valid-user
</Location>Alternatively, if the balancer-manager is not required, disable it entirely by removing or commenting out the relevant configuration directives. After making changes, restart Apache to apply the new configuration.