Open Source WAF SafeLine: Offline One-Click Installation, Upgrade, and Configuration

This document details the implementation of SafeLine WAF, a web application firewall, to enhance security for a server previously lacking proper protection. The author's team, lacking security expertise, initially relied on basic Nginx configurations for protection, which proved ineffective against attacks. After researching various WAF solutions, SafeLine was chosen for its comprehensive ecosystem, continuous updates, and user-friendly interface. The SafeLine Community Edition, a free version derived from the commercial SafeLine Web Application Protection System, offers robust security capabilities driven by a semantic analysis algorithm. It provides protection against common and uncommon vulnerabilities with minimal false positives and is backed by a vibrant community and active development. The author opted for offline installation, suitable for environments with limited network access, and detailed the steps for installing SafeLine WAF through a custom one-click installation script. After installation, SafeLine WAF was strategically placed as the first layer of security, intercepting invalid requests before they reach the server. The document outlines the configuration steps, including redirecting HTTP traffic to HTTPS and highlighting practical features like site maintenance, black and white lists, and CAPTCHA. It also provides a detailed breakdown of the upgrade process, emphasizing the importance of a one-click upgrade for offline installations. The document concludes with links to the SafeLine website, GitHub repository, Discord channel, and email address for further information and support. Overall, this document serves as a practical guide to implementing and maintaining SafeLine WAF for enhanced security.