SafeLine
Self-HostedOpen-source Web Application Firewall (WAF) for Self-Hosted Web Servers
Overview
SafeLine is an open-source Web Application Firewall (WAF) built to protect self-hosted web servers from threats like SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF. It integrates seamlessly with Nginx and Apache, offering real-time traffic monitoring, customizable security rules, and detailed log analysis. Deployable via Docker or binary packages, it supports both standalone and clustered setups. Key features include AI-powered threat detection, low latency, and a user-friendly dashboard for managing rules and viewing attack statistics. Ideal for small to medium self-hosted services, it balances robust security with minimal performance overhead without requiring extensive cybersecurity expertise.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
safeline:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: safeline
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- AI-driven threat mitigation against common web attacks
- Seamless integration with Nginx and Apache web servers
- Real-time traffic monitoring and detailed attack logging
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is SafeLine hard to install?
SafeLine offers simple deployment options: Docker images for quick setup or binary packages for direct installation. Integration with Nginx/Apache only requires adding a few config lines, and official docs provide step-by-step guides for common environments—making it accessible for most self-hosters.
? Is SafeLine a good alternative to proprietary WAFs like Cloudflare?
Yes—SafeLine is ideal for users who want full control over their security stack. It provides core WAF features (threat detection, rule customization) without relying on third-party cloud services, making it a cost-effective, privacy-focused alternative for self-hosted web servers.
? Is SafeLine completely free?
SafeLine is released under the Apache 2.0 open-source license, so it’s completely free to use, modify, and distribute for both personal and commercial self-hosted deployments—no hidden fees or subscription costs.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about SafeLine
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Open-source and free for personal/commercial use
- ⊕ Low performance overhead to avoid slowing down web services
- ⊕ User-friendly dashboard for rule management and threat analysis
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic knowledge of web server configuration for setup
- ⊖ Limited non-Chinese documentation for advanced features
- ⊖ Clustered deployment needs intermediate networking skills