How can Apache be set up as a reverse proxy for an HTTPS backend server?

Frontend and Backend Development
1

Apache reverse proxy returns a 500 error when targeting an HTTPS backend. Activate SSLProxyEngine to fix it. Example:

SSLProxyEngine On
ProxyPass /service https://127.0.0.1:9001/service/
ProxyPassReverse /service https://127.0.0.1:9001/service/
2

In my experience configuring Apache as a reverse proxy for an HTTPS backend, the key was ensuring that the SSLProxyEngine was enabled. Initially, I encountered a 500 error due to the omission of this directive, even though the ProxyPass and ProxyPassReverse settings were correctly configured. Enabling SSLProxyEngine allowed Apache to correctly handle HTTPS requests to the backend server. It is advisable to verify that the necessary SSL modules are loaded and that Apache has proper access to the backend, along with examining detailed logs if further issues arise.

3

hey, i fixed mine by ensuring my mod_ssl was actually loaded. sometimes its not just sslproxengine but also missing modules causing 500 errors. check your config, reload apach, and device may work after that

4

hey, have u checked cert mismatches on the backend? sometimes even with sslproxengine on, cert chain issues can still cause issues. i ran into similar probs and saw some cert warnings. what does your log show?

5

In my experience, another important aspect was ensuring that the required modules, particularly mod_proxy_http and mod_ssl, were not only enabled but also correctly integrated into the VirtualHost settings. Reviewing the detailed error logs with an elevated LogLevel configuration helped me to pinpoint issues like backend certificate verification failures and even minor misconfigurations in host directives. Adjusting proxy timeout values also provided additional stability when the backend response times were unpredictable. A systematic review of these factors considerably improved the overall setup.