4.3 Ensure 'MaxQueryString request filter' is configured

Information

The MaxQueryString Request Filter describes the upper limit on the length of the query string that the configured IIS server will allow for websites or applications. It is recommended that values always be established to limit the amount of data will can be accepted in the query string.

Rationale:

With a properly configured Request Filter limiting the amount of data accepted in the query string, chances of undesired application behaviors such as app pool failures are reduced.

Solution

The MaxQueryString Request Filter may be set for a server, website, or application using the IIS Manager GUI, using AppCmd.exe commands in a command-line window, and/or directly editing the configuration files. To configure using the IIS Manager GUI:

Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager

In the Connections pane, go to the connection, site, application, or directory to be configured

In the Home pane, double-click Request Filtering

Click Edit Feature Settings... in the Actions pane

Under the Request Limits section, key in a safe upper bound in the Maximum query string (Bytes) textbox

To set this Request Filter using an AppCmd.exe command, run the following command at an elevated command prompt:

%systemroot%\system32\inetsrv\appcmd set config /section:requestfiltering /requestLimits.maxQueryString:2048

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/14293

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|SI-10

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: f591ff56f3eccdb50c644bcbf2f82f1dcd892c55d7d0d58d62c41418a147e0c2