cis-ubuntu2004-v300-6-3-1-4

DevOps & Security

Ensure audit_backlog_limit is configured

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6.3.1.4 Ensure audit_backlog_limit is configured (Automated)

Profile

Level 2 - Server
Level 2 - Workstation

Description

In the kernel-level audit subsystem, a socket buffer queue is used to hold audit events. Whenever a new audit event is received, it is logged and prepared to be added to this queue.

The kernel boot parameter audit_backlog_limit=N, with N representing the amount of messages, will ensure that a queue cannot grow beyond a certain size. If an audit event is logged which would grow the queue beyond this limit, then a failure occurs and is handled according to the system configuration.

Rationale

If an audit event is logged which would grow the queue beyond the audit_backlog_limit, then a failure occurs, auditd records will be lost, and potential malicious activity could go undetected.

Audit Procedure

Command Line

Run the following command and verify the audit_backlog_limit= parameter is set:

# find /boot -type f -name 'grub.cfg' -exec grep -Ph -- '^\h*linux' {} + | grep -Pv 'audit_backlog_limit=\d+\b'

Nothing should be returned.

Expected Result

No output should be returned, confirming that audit_backlog_limit is set.

Remediation

Command Line

Edit /etc/default/grub and add audit_backlog_limit=N to GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX. The recommended size for N is 8192 or larger.

Example:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="audit_backlog_limit=8192"

Run the following command to update the grub2 configuration:

# update-grub

Default Value

If audit_backlog_limit is not set, the system defaults to audit_backlog_limit=64

References

NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AU-2, AU-3, AU-12

CIS Controls

Controls Version	Control	IG 1	IG 2	IG 3
v8	8.2 Collect Audit Logs	X	X	X
v7	6.2 Activate audit logging	X	X	X
v7	6.3 Enable Detailed Logging		X	X

MITRE ATT&CK Mappings: T1562, T1562.001 / TA0005 / M1028