# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 4.1.18 Ensure the audit configuration is immutable

> Set audit configuration to immutable mode requiring reboot for changes

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-18-ensure-the-audit-configuration-i` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-18-ensure-the-audit-configuration-i`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-18-ensure-the-audit-configuration-i/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Security
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-18-ensure-the-audit-configuration-i

---


# 4.1.18 Ensure the audit configuration is immutable (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation

## Description

Set system audit so that audit rules cannot be modified with `auditctl`. Setting the flag "-e 2" forces audit to be put in immutable mode. Audit changes can only be made on system reboot.

## Rationale

In immutable mode, unauthorized users cannot execute changes to the audit system to potentially hide malicious activity and then put the audit rules back. Users would most likely notice a system reboot and that could alert administrators of an attempt to make unauthorized audit changes.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify output matches:

```bash
grep "^\s*[^#]" /etc/audit/audit.rules | tail -1
```

## Expected Result

```
-e 2
```

## Remediation

Add the following line to the end of the `/etc/audit/audit.rules` file.

```bash
-e 2
```

**Notes:** This setting will ensure reloading the auditd config to set active settings requires a system reboot.

## Default Value

Not configured by default.

## References

1. CIS Controls v6.1 - 3 Secure Configurations for Hardware and Software on Mobile Devices, Laptops, Workstations, and Servers
2. CIS Controls v6.1 - 6 Maintenance, Monitoring, and Analysis of Audit Logs

## Profile

- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation