cyberstrikeus 4.1.9 Ensure session initiation information is collected (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation
Description
Monitor session initiation events. The parameters in this section track changes to the files associated with session events. The file /var/run/utmp file tracks all currently logged in users. All audit records will be tagged with the identifier "session." The /var/log/wtmp file tracks logins, logouts, shutdown, and reboot events. The file /var/log/btmp keeps track of failed login attempts and can be read by entering the command /usr/bin/last -f /var/log/btmp. All audit records will be tagged with the identifier "logins."
Rationale
Monitoring these files for changes could alert a system administrator to logins occurring at unusual hours, which could indicate intruder activity (i.e. a user logging in at a time when they do not normally log in).
Audit Procedure
Run the following commands:
grep session /etc/audit/audit.rules
auditctl -l | grep session
Verify output of both matches:
-w /var/run/utmp -p wa -k session
Run the following commands:
grep logins /etc/audit/audit.rules
auditctl -l | grep logins
Verify output of both matches:
-w /var/log/wtmp -p wa -k logins
-w /var/log/btmp -p wa -k logins
Expected Result
The session and logins audit rules should be present and active.
Remediation
Add the following lines to the /etc/audit/audit.rules file:
-w /var/run/utmp -p wa -k session
-w /var/log/wtmp -p wa -k logins
-w /var/log/btmp -p wa -k logins
Notes: The last command can be used to read /var/log/wtmp (last with no parameters) and /var/run/utmp (last -f /var/run/utmp).
Reloading the auditd config to set active settings may require a system reboot.
Default Value
Not configured by default.
References
- CIS Controls v6.1 - 5.5 Log Failed Administrative Login Attempts
- CIS Controls v6.1 - 16.10 Profile User Account Usage And Monitor For Anomalies
- CIS Controls v6.1 - 16.4 Automatically Log Off Users After Standard Period Of Inactivity
Profile
- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation