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CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 4.1.3 Ensure auditing for processes that start prior to auditd is enabled

DevOps & Security
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Configure grub to enable auditing for processes that start before auditd

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4.1.3 Ensure auditing for processes that start prior to auditd is enabled (Scored)

Profile Applicability

  • Level 2 - Server
  • Level 2 - Workstation

Description

Configure grub so that processes that are capable of being audited can be audited even if they start up prior to auditd startup.

Rationale

Audit events need to be captured on processes that start up prior to auditd, so that potential malicious activity cannot go undetected.

Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that each linux line has the audit=1 parameter set:

grep "^\s*linux" /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Expected Result

All linux boot lines should contain audit=1.

Remediation

Edit /etc/default/grub and add audit=1 to GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="audit=1"

Run the following command to update the grub2 configuration:

update-grub

Notes: This recommendation is designed around the grub bootloader, if LILO or another bootloader is in use in your environment enact equivalent settings.

Default Value

Auditing is not enabled for pre-auditd processes by default.

References

  1. CIS Controls v6.1 - 6.2 Ensure Audit Log Settings Support Appropriate Log Entry Formatting

Profile

  • Level 2 - Server
  • Level 2 - Workstation