Web servers may be set up to automatically list the contents of directories that lack an index page. This can help an attacker by allowing them to rapidly identify the resources along a certain path and then proceed to analyze and target those resources. It exposes sensitive files within the directory that are not intended to be accessed by users, such as temporary files and crash dumps.
Directory listings do not in and of themselves represent a security issue. Any critical resources within the webroot should be adequately access-controlled and should not be accessed by an unauthorized person who knows or guesses the URL. Even if directory listings are blocked, an attacker can use automated techniques to estimate the location of sensitive data.
There is rarely a legitimate purpose to offer directory listings, and deleting them may impose further obstacles in an attacker’s route. This is generally accomplished in two ways:
- Configure your web server to disable directory listings for all routes under the web root.
- Put a default file (such as index.html) in each directory that the web server will show instead of providing a directory listing.
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