| name | cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-2-1-5 |
| description | Ensure rsyslog is configured to send logs to a remote log host |
| category | cis-logging |
| version | 2.0.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["cis","ubuntu","linux","ubuntu-16.04","logging","rsyslog"] |
| cis_id | 4.2.1.5 |
| cis_benchmark | CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 |
| tech_stack | ["ubuntu","linux"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {} |
CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Control 4.2.1.5
Profile
- Level: 1 - Server
- Level: 1 - Workstation
- Assessment Status: Automated
Description
The rsyslog utility supports the ability to send logs it gathers to a remote log host running syslogd(8) or to receive messages from remote hosts, reducing administrative overhead.
Rationale
Storing log data on a remote host protects log integrity from local attacks. If an attacker gains root access on the local system, they could tamper with or remove log data that is stored on the local system.
Note: Ensure that the selection of logfiles being sent follows local site policy.
Impact
None.
Audit Procedure
Review the /etc/rsyslog.conf and /etc/rsyslog.d/*.conf files and verify that logs are sent to a central host.
Command Line
grep -E '^\s*([^#]+\s+)?action\(([^#]+\s+)?\btarget=\"?[^#"]+\"?\b' /etc/rsyslog.conf /etc/rsyslog.d/*.conf
Output should include target=<FQDN or IP of remote loghost>
OR
grep -E '^[^#]\s*\S+\.\*\s+@' /etc/rsyslog.conf /etc/rsyslog.d/*.conf
Expected Result
Output should include either the FQDN or the IP of the remote loghost.
Remediation
Edit the /etc/rsyslog.conf and /etc/rsyslog.d/*.conf files and add one of the following lines:
Command Line
Newer syntax:
*.* action(type="omfwd" target="<FQDN or ip of loghost>" port="<port number>" protocol="tcp"
action.resumeRetryCount="<number of re-tries>"
queue.type="LinkedList"
queue.size=<number of messages to queue>)
Example:
*.* action(= target= port= protocol=
action.resumeRetryCount=
queue.type= queue.size=)
