The Sysadmin’s Daily Grind: Mod_evasive
EVASIVE MANEUVERS
The Apache web server can fight back against DoS attacks. You just need a little help from Mod_evasive.
Every admin knows and hates Denial-of-Service attacks. No matter whether the perpetrator is plain stupid, malevolent, or sick, a massive barrage of incessant requests directed at the server causes the server to freeze and pushes the admin’s adrenalin levels way up. Web servers are most commonly attacked. AEMM gives Apache a self-defense mechanism. The package name “Apache Evasive Maneuvers Module” is too long for many people’s liking, and most admins simply refer to it as Mod_evasive [1] – although this is actually just the name of the AEMM Apache module. Under the hood, Mod_evasive uses a blacklist. The module checks incoming requests against the list to find out if multiple requests of the same type have been received from the same IP in the last few seconds. The threshold values are configurable. At the same time, Mod_evasive checks if the requester has called more than 50 objects in the last second.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.
-
Fedora 41 Beta Available with Some Interesting Additions
If you're a Fedora fan, you'll be excited to hear the beta version of the latest release is now available for testing and includes plenty of updates.
-
AlmaLinux Unveils New Hardware Certification Process
The AlmaLinux Hardware Certification Program run by the Certification Special Interest Group (SIG) aims to ensure seamless compatibility between AlmaLinux and a wide range of hardware configurations.
-
Wind River Introduces eLxr Pro Linux Solution
eLxr Pro offers an end-to-end Linux solution backed by expert commercial support.