cyberstrikeus Ensure the Server Access Log Is Configured Correctly (Manual)
Profile Applicability
Level 1
Description
The LogFormat directive defines a nickname for a log format and information to be included in the access log entries. The CustomLog directive specifies the log file, syslog facility or piped logging utility.
Rationale
The server access logs are also invaluable for a variety of reasons. They can be used to determine what resources are being used most. Most importantly, they can be used to investigate anomalous behavior that may be an indication that an attack is pending or has occurred.
Impact
Access logs configured correctly.
Audit Procedure
Verify the CustomLog directive is configured to an appropriate log file using combined format including tokens: %h %l %u %t %r %>s %b %{Referer}i %{User-agent}i
Remediation
Add or modify LogFormat and CustomLog directives to use combined format with appropriate log destination.
Default Value
LogFormat combined, CustomLog common
References
- https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/mod_log_config.html#customlog
- https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/mod_log_config.html#formats
CIS Controls
v8: 8.2 Collect Audit Logs v7: 6.2 Activate audit logging, 6.3 Enable Detailed Logging