To disable symbolic link tracking in Apache via a `.htaccess` file, you will essentially be modifying the `Options` directive to ensure that symbolic links are not followed or accepted. This is important for preventing users from accessing files located elsewhere in the file system via symbolic links, which could pose security risks.
Here’s the technical description of how to do this:
1. Access Control via `.htaccess`: The `.htaccess` file is used to make configuration changes on a per-directory basis in Apache. To disable symbolic link tracking, you can modify the `Options` directive in the `.htaccess` file.
1. Syntax to Disable Symbolic Links: You primarily use the `Options` directive. Adding `-FollowSymLinks` will ensure that Apache does not follow symbolic links.
1. Example Configuration: \`\`\` Options -FollowSymLinks \`\`\` Place this line in your `.htaccess` file. This will disable the following of symbolic links in that directory and any subdirectories.
1. Understanding the `Options` Directive: The `Options` directive controls which server features are available in a particular directory. Some possible options include `Indexes`, `Includes`, `FollowSymLinks`, `SymLinksIfOwnerMatch`, etc. By prefixing an option with a minus sign (`-`), you are disabling that particular option.
1. Security Implications: Disabling symbolic link following can help in bolstering the security of your web server by ensuring that users cannot create symbolic links to sensitive files outside their web directories.
Here is a more detailed example and additional context:
```
In this config:
- The `
- `Options -FollowSymLinks` disables the option to follow symbolic links within this block.
1. Apache HTTP Server Documentation: The primary source for learning about the `Options` directive is the official [Apache HTTP Server documentation](https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/core.html#options). It provides detailed information about the capabilities and limitations of various options available in Apache configurations.
1. Apache Week Article: Articles like those on [Apache Week](http://www.apacheweek.com/features/filetilde) provide historical context and additional usage examples for different directives and how they can be used securely.
1. Security Best Practices: Security guides such as the [OWASP HTTP Security Guidelines](https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/HTTP_Headers_Cheat_Sheet.html) offer advice on secure HTTP configurations, which include handling symbolic links and other filesystem features.
By using these sources and adhering to security best practices, you can ensure a secure setup for your web applications. Disabling symbolic link tracking via the `.htaccess` file is an easy and potent way to mitigate certain types of security threats, thus protecting your web server and its contents.
