Joomla and SAFE_MODE

Problem

Joomla CMS requires mod_rewrite. This can be a problem when using shared webhosting where SAFE_MODE is in effect.

Solution

Joomla uses mod_rewrite and .htaccess files. In global Apache conf you need to set something like:

<Directory "/path_to_your_vhost/www.your_domain.com/htdocs">
  Options Indexes FollowSymLinks SymLinksIfOwnerMatch
  AllowOverride All
</Directory>

SymLinkIfOwnerMatch allows to create symbolic links only to those files whose owner is the owner of the symbolic link.

References

1. http://httpd.apache.org/docs/1.3/mod/core.html#allowoverride
2. http://httpd.apache.org/docs/1.3/mod/core.html#options
3. http://www.netshinesoftware.com/security/joomla-security.html