🔍 Investigating IP Block Issues in DirectAdmin Hosting with Root Access
Stay in full control of your hosting environment by learning how to trace, diagnose, and resolve IP block list issues in DirectAdmin-based VPS or dedicated servers. This in-depth guide is designed for server administrators with root access.
🧰 Prerequisites
-
✅ Root SSH access to your server
-
✅ DirectAdmin installed (CentOS, AlmaLinux, etc.)
-
✅ CSF + LFD Firewall active
-
✅ ModSecurity (Imunify360 or Core Ruleset)
-
✅ Familiarity with basic Linux commands
1️⃣ Check IP in CSF Firewall
csf -g <IP_ADDRESS>
🔎 This command reveals:
-
Whether the IP is in
csf.deny
-
Temporary block entries
-
Matches in IPTables or IPSET
✅ Example: csf -g 178.153.59.55
2️⃣ Check Temporary Blocks via LFD Logs
grep "178.153.59.55" /var/log/lfd.log
📌 Look for:
-
Block reason (e.g., failed logins, port scan)
-
CSF tempban triggers
3️⃣ Inspect ModSecurity Logs (WAF Detection)
🔐 For Default ModSecurity
grep "<IP>" /var/log/httpd/modsec_audit.log
🔐 With Imunify360 WAF
grep "<IP>" /var/log/httpd/modsec_audit.log*
📌 Details to check:
-
Rule ID (e.g.,
77391380
) -
Error:
SQLi using libinjection with fingerprint 'X'
-
Rule file (e.g.,
016_i360_monitor.conf
)
4️⃣ Analyze Apache Logs (Access & Errors)
grep "<IP>" /var/log/httpd/access_log
grep "<IP>" /var/log/httpd/error_log
💡 Identify:
-
403
,406
,500
errors -
User agent anomalies
-
Potential redirect loops
5️⃣ Audit Email Login Failures
grep "<IP>" /var/log/maillog | grep login
📨 This is useful if IP blocks originate from email client authentication failures.
6️⃣ Review DirectAdmin Brute Force Logs
grep "<IP>" /var/log/secure
grep "<IP>" /var/log/messages
🚫 Find out if login attempts to DirectAdmin, FTP, SSH, or mail services triggered blocks.
7️⃣ Whitelisting the IP (If Safe)
csf -a <IP> "Whitelisted: Developer or Trusted User"
🔓 To remove a deny entry:
csf -dr <IP>
8️⃣ Exclude WAF Rule for False Positives
If a known false-positive WAF rule (e.g., 77391380
) is affecting a safe IP:
✏ Add to whitelist config:
SecRule REMOTE_ADDR "@ipMatch 178.153.59.55" "id:100001,phase:1,nolog,pass,ctl:ruleRemoveById=77391380"
✅ Then restart Apache:
systemctl restart httpd
9️⃣ Test & Confirm
🎯 After changes:
-
Clear browser cache or try incognito mode
-
Use
curl
,ping
, or browser to verify access
🔒 Proactive Tips to Prevent Future IP Blocks
-
🛡 Tune CSF thresholds for login failures
-
🔁 Monitor WAF false positives and update rules
-
📧 Educate clients on email security best practices
-
🚀 Avoid overly aggressive security rule sets
🧾 Useful Commands Summary
✅ Purpose | 🧩 Command |
---|---|
Search IP in CSF | csf -g <IP> |
Whitelist IP | csf -a <IP> |
Remove deny entry | csf -dr <IP> |
Search LFD logs | grep <IP> /var/log/lfd.log |
ModSecurity logs | grep <IP> /var/log/httpd/modsec_audit.log |
Email login failures | grep <IP> /var/log/maillog | grep login |
📌 Conclusion
With root access and the right investigation steps, resolving IP block issues in a DirectAdmin environment becomes fast and precise. From firewall analysis to WAF exclusions, these techniques ensure a secure yet accessible hosting experience.
📘 Bookmark this guide as your go-to IP block investigation checklist!