How to Fix Apache Startup Error Caused by Missing OWASP3 ModSecurity Configuration on WHM

To fix this for sure, do one of these:

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1️⃣ Restore or recreate the missing OWASP3 folder

If /etc/apache2/conf.d/modsec_vendor_configs/OWASP3.bak exists, rename it back:

Then:

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2️⃣ Reinstall OWASP ModSecurity Core Rule Set via WHM

• In WHM:
  Security Center > ModSecurity Vendors

• Find OWASP ModSecurity CRS and click Install.

• This will restore the missing folder/files.

Then run via SSH:

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3️⃣ Temporarily disable the OWASP3 include in the Apache config

Edit the file:

Locate the line (around line 27):

Comment it out by adding a # at the start:

Save and exit.

Then rebuild Apache config and restart:

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After Apache successfully restarts, you can then:

• Fix your PHP upload size settings in WHM.

• Re-enable OWASP3 rules properly later if needed.

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If none of these work or you get permission errors, please share the exact commands you ran and their output — I can guide you step-by-step.