# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 4.1.3 Ensure auditing for processes that start prior to auditd is enabled

> Configure grub to enable auditing for processes that start before auditd

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-3-ensure-auditing-for-processes-tha` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-3-ensure-auditing-for-processes-tha`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-3-ensure-auditing-for-processes-tha/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-3-ensure-auditing-for-processes-tha

---


# 4.1.3 Ensure auditing for processes that start prior to auditd is enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation

## Description

Configure `grub` so that processes that are capable of being audited can be audited even if they start up prior to `auditd` startup.

## Rationale

Audit events need to be captured on processes that start up prior to `auditd`, so that potential malicious activity cannot go undetected.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that each linux line has the `audit=1` parameter set:

```bash
grep "^\s*linux" /boot/grub/grub.cfg
```

## Expected Result

All linux boot lines should contain `audit=1`.

## Remediation

Edit `/etc/default/grub` and add `audit=1` to `GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX`:

```bash
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="audit=1"
```

Run the following command to update the `grub2` configuration:

```bash
update-grub
```

**Notes:** This recommendation is designed around the grub bootloader, if LILO or another bootloader is in use in your environment enact equivalent settings.

## Default Value

Auditing is not enabled for pre-auditd processes by default.

## References

1. CIS Controls v6.1 - 6.2 Ensure Audit Log Settings Support Appropriate Log Entry Formatting

## Profile

- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation