# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 4.2.1.3 Ensure rsyslog default file permissions configured

> Configure rsyslog to create log files with restrictive permissions (0640)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-2-1-3-ensure-rsyslog-default-file-per` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-2-1-3-ensure-rsyslog-default-file-per`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-2-1-3-ensure-rsyslog-default-file-per/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-4-2-1-3-ensure-rsyslog-default-file-per

---


# 4.2.1.3 Ensure rsyslog default file permissions configured (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

rsyslog will create logfiles that do not already exist on the system. This setting controls what permissions will be applied to these newly created files.

## Rationale

It is important to ensure that log files have the correct permissions to ensure that sensitive data is archived and protected.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that `$FileCreateMode` is `0640` or more restrictive:

```bash
grep ^\$FileCreateMode /etc/rsyslog.conf /etc/rsyslog.d/*.conf
```

## Expected Result

```
$FileCreateMode 0640
```

## Remediation

Edit the `/etc/rsyslog.conf` and `/etc/rsyslog.d/*.conf` files and set `$FileCreateMode` to `0640` or more restrictive:

```bash
$FileCreateMode 0640
```

**Notes:** You should also ensure this is not overridden with less restrictive settings in any `/etc/rsyslog.d/*` conf file.

## Default Value

Not explicitly set by default.

## References

1. See the rsyslog.conf(5) man page for more information.

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation