cis-ubuntu1804-v220-5-1-2-3

name	cis-ubuntu1804-v220-5-1-2-3
description	Ensure journald is configured to send logs to rsyslog
category	cis-logging
version	2.2.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","ubuntu","linux","ubuntu-18.04","rsyslog","journald","logging"]
cis_id	5.1.2.3
cis_benchmark	CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0
tech_stack	["ubuntu","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

5.1.2.3 Ensure journald is configured to send logs to rsyslog (Manual)

Profile

• Level: 1 - Server
• Level: 1 - Workstation
• Assessment Status: Manual

Description

Data from journald may be stored in volatile memory or persisted locally on the server. Utilities exist to accept remote export of journald logs, however, use of the RSyslog service provides a consistent means of log collection and export.

Rationale

IF RSyslog is the preferred method for capturing logs, all logs of the system should be sent to it for further processing.

Audit Procedure

Command Line

IF RSyslog is the preferred method for capturing logs, review /etc/systemd/journald.conf and verify that logs are forwarded to rsyslog:

grep ^\s*ForwardToSyslog /etc/systemd/journald.conf

Verify the output matches:

ForwardToSyslog=yes

Expected Result

The output should show ForwardToSyslog=yes.

Remediation

Command Line

Edit the /etc/systemd/journald.conf file and add the following line:

ForwardToSyslog=yes

Restart the service:

systemctl restart rsyslog

Default Value

ForwardToSyslog is not set by default.

References

1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AU-9

CIS Controls

Controls Version	Control
v8	8.2 Collect Audit Logs - Collect audit logs. Ensure that logging, per the enterprise's audit log management process, has been enabled across enterprise assets.
v8	8.9 Centralize Audit Logs - Centralize, to the extent possible, audit log collection and retention across enterprise assets.
v7	6.2 Activate audit logging - Ensure that local logging has been enabled on all systems and networking devices.
v7	6.3 Enable Detailed Logging - Enable system logging to include detailed information such as an event source, date, user, timestamp, source addresses, destination addresses, and other useful elements.