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
US / Canada
UK / Australia
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
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.