Default Document on CGI Directory

[NigeW]

Hi

I am setting up a content management area.

I want my client to access the area by typing

http://www.domain_name/admin/

and for this to load the default document, in this case "index.cgi".

When calling

http://www.domain_name/admin/

I get a "403 Forbidden" error message.

When calling the file directly (

http://www.domain_name/admin/index.cgi)

the page loads fine.

The site is on an Apache server.

I have loaded index.cgi as a default document for the site and applied the changes.

The /admin directory has been aliased as a CGI directory

The permissions on index.cgi are 755.

I tried setting up an .htaccess file but would always get a pop-up logon box , which I don't want.

Is there anyway I can get this thing to work - seems so simple in concept but proving a nightmare for me.

Thanks

Nige
kiwi-kid

 

[sleipnir214]

I recommend you take a look at the DirectoryIndex directive:

http://httpd.apache.org/docs/mod/mod_dir.html#directoryindex

Want the best answers? Ask the best questions:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

TANSTAAFL!!

 

[NigeW]

Hi sleipnir

Thanks for the link.

These are the current settings for directory indexes

index.cgi index.html index.shtml /admin/index.cgi

I still get the 403 Forbidden message.

I might just get client to bookmark the full URL path.

Thanks again for your input.

Nige
kiwi-kid

 

[siberian]

You should not need this, remove it:

/admin/index.cgi

DirectoryIndex is not path based, only file based.

I am assuming that if you go to the CGI directly it works?

If not then the problem is not in apache. If so we can go to the next step.

 

[NigeW]

Hi Siberian

Yes when you type the full URL (

http://www.domain/admin/index.cgi)

the script works fine.

I have removed the /admin/index.cgi

Thanks for your help.

Nige
kiwi-kid

 

[Wullie]

You shouldn't need to do this but if you want a quick workaround until you find the problem, you could add an alias for admin thats points to the cgi script.

Hope this helps

Wullie

http://www.necomputers.org.uk

http://www.freshlookdesign.co.uk

http://www.freshlookdesign.com

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change.
The leader adjusts the sails. - John Maxwell

 

[siberian]

When you removed /admin/ did it start working as expected?

 

[NigeW]

Hi Siberian

Sorry no it is still a "dead duck" when you omit the acutal file name from the URL string

Nige
kiwi-kid

 

[Freemansweb]

Isn't Apache designed to keep from allowing access to the cgi-bin by directory? I seem to remember reading this in the documentation, it's supposed to be a security measure.

 

[siberian]

Yes but he isn't using cgi-bin, he has enabled the .cgi extension to be associated with the CGI handler in apache. This is legit, I've built more sites then I can count around it.

What does your error log say when you try to access it as an index?

 

[RhythmAce]

OOOH, OOOH, I know the answer!!! Pick me!! Pick me!!!

When you define an alias, you need to use the trailing slash at the end of the path. When you define the directory container you do NOT use the slash. For example it should look like this:
<Directory &quot;/path/to/admin&quot;> This is correct
<Directory &quot;/path/to/admin/&quot;> This is wrong

If you use the trailing slash, you force people to have to use it in their browser.

 

[NigeW]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I will try the alias and let you know.

Thanks again

Nige