---
id: 45a7fab4-5216-45f1-9e79-55647a7323ba
---

# Apache Content-Type Mismatch Incident
---

The Apache Content-Type Mismatch incident is a type of issue that occurs when there is a conflict between the Content-Type header specified in the HTTP request and the one that is expected by the server. This can lead to problems with processing the request and returning a valid response to the client. This type of incident can affect the performance and functionality of the web application, and may require immediate attention from software engineers to resolve the issue.

### Parameters
```shell

export PORT_NUMBER="PLACEHOLDER"

export CORRECT_CONTENT_TYPE="PLACEHOLDER"

export PATH_TO_APACHE_CONF_FILE="PLACEHOLDER"
```

## Debug

### Check Apache configuration file syntax
```shell
apachectl configtest
```

### Check Apache error log for any errors related to content-type mismatch
```shell
tail -f /var/log/httpd/error_log | grep 'content-type'
```

### Check version of Apache installed
```shell
httpd -v
```

### Check Apache access log for any requests with content-type mismatch
```shell
tail -f /var/log/httpd/access_log | grep 'content-type'
```

### Check Apache virtual hosts configuration
```shell
apachectl -S
```

### Check Apache worker status
```shell
apachectl status
```

### Check if Apache is listening on the correct port
```shell
netstat -tuln | grep ${PORT_NUMBER}
```

### Check Apache process memory usage
```shell
ps aux | grep httpd
```

### Check system memory usage
```shell
free -m
```

## Repair

### Set the correct Content-Type header in the Apache server configuration file.
```shell
bash

#!/bin/bash



# Define variables

APACHE_CONF_FILE=${PATH_TO_APACHE_CONF_FILE}

CONTENT_TYPE=${CORRECT_CONTENT_TYPE}



# Backup the original Apache configuration file

cp $APACHE_CONF_FILE $APACHE_CONF_FILE.bak



# Replace the Content-Type header with the correct value

sed -i "s/Content-Type .*/Content-Type: $CONTENT_TYPE/g" $APACHE_CONF_FILE



# Reload the Apache server to apply the changes

systemctl reload apache2


```

The Apache Content-Type Mismatch incident is a type of issue that occurs when there is a conflict between the Content-Type header specified in the HTTP request and the one that is expected by the server. This can lead to problems with processing the request and returning a valid response to the client. This type of incident can affect the performance and functionality of the web application, and may require immediate attention from software engineers to resolve the issue.


This incident type occurs when the size of HTTP request headers or payload exceeds the limits set by Tomcat server. When this happens, the server may reject the request or return an error message, causing disruption to the normal functioning of the web application. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including large file uploads, excessive use of cookies or query parameters, or attacks that intentionally send oversized requests.


Tomcat HTTP Request Headers or Payload Size Exceeds Limits.

This incident type refers to frequent mismatches between the virtual hosts configured on an Apache server. This can cause issues with routing traffic to the intended web application or website, resulting in downtime or other problems. It is important to address these mismatches promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the server and any associated applications.


Virtual Host Mismatches on Apache Server.

This incident type refers to an unauthorized access to directories in Apache HTTPD, which is a widely used web server software. It means that someone was able to access files or directories that they were not supposed to, without having proper authorization. This type of incident can potentially lead to sensitive data being exposed or even stolen, and can compromise the security of the server and the applications running on it.


Unauthorized Directory Access in Apache HTTPD.

The Slowloris Attack is a type of Denial of Service (DoS) attack that exploits a vulnerability in the Apache web server. It works by sending HTTP requests to the server and keeping those connections open for as long as possible, thereby using up all the available resources of the server and rendering it unresponsive to legitimate requests. As a result, the server becomes slow or unresponsive, causing downtime for the affected website or service. This type of attack can be detected and mitigated by implementing specific security measures and tools.


Slowloris Attack Detected on Apache server.

This incident type refers to a security vulnerability in the SSL/TLS configuration of the Apache HTTP Server, which can leave the server and its users vulnerable to attacks. The SSL/TLS configuration is responsible for encrypting the communication between the server and its clients, and if it is not configured properly, it can be exploited by hackers to intercept or modify sensitive data. This type of incident requires immediate attention from software engineers to ensure that the SSL/TLS configuration is properly configured to prevent any potential security threats.


Inadequate SSL/TLS Configuration for Apache HTTP Server.

```shell

export PORT_NUMBER="PLACEHOLDER"

export CORRECT_CONTENT_TYPE="PLACEHOLDER"

export PATH_TO_APACHE_CONF_FILE="PLACEHOLDER"
```


### Check Apache configuration file syntax

```shell
apachectl configtest
```

### Check Apache error log for any errors related to content-type mismatch

```shell
tail -f /var/log/httpd/error_log | grep 'content-type'
```

### Check version of Apache installed

```shell
httpd -v
```

### Check Apache access log for any requests with content-type mismatch

```shell
tail -f /var/log/httpd/access_log | grep 'content-type'
```

### Check Apache virtual hosts configuration

```shell
apachectl -S
```

### Check Apache worker status

```shell
apachectl status
```

### Check if Apache is listening on the correct port

```shell
netstat -tuln | grep ${PORT_NUMBER}
```

### Check Apache process memory usage

```shell
ps aux | grep httpd
```

### Check system memory usage

```shell
free -m
```


### Set the correct Content-Type header in the Apache server configuration file.

```shell
bash

#!/bin/bash



# Define variables

APACHE_CONF_FILE=${PATH_TO_APACHE_CONF_FILE}

CONTENT_TYPE=${CORRECT_CONTENT_TYPE}



# Backup the original Apache configuration file

cp $APACHE_CONF_FILE $APACHE_CONF_FILE.bak



# Replace the Content-Type header with the correct value

sed -i "s/Content-Type .*/Content-Type: $CONTENT_TYPE/g" $APACHE_CONF_FILE



# Reload the Apache server to apply the changes

systemctl reload apache2


```


Apache Content-Type Mismatch Incident

Overview

Parameters

Debug

Check Apache configuration file syntax

Check version of Apache installed

Check Apache access log for any requests with content-type mismatch

Check Apache virtual hosts configuration

Check Apache worker status

Check if Apache is listening on the correct port

Check Apache process memory usage

Check system memory usage

Repair

Set the correct Content-Type header in the Apache server configuration file.

Learn more

Related Runbooks

Tomcat HTTP Request Headers or Payload Size Exceeds Limits.

Virtual Host Mismatches on Apache Server.

Unauthorized Directory Access in Apache HTTPD.

Slowloris Attack Detected on Apache server.

Support