# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 4.2.2.3 Ensure syslog-ng default file permissions configured

> Configure syslog-ng to create log files with restrictive permissions (0640)

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

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# 4.2.2.3 Ensure syslog-ng default file permissions configured (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

syslog-ng 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 exist and have the correct permissions to ensure that sensitive `syslog-ng` data is archived and protected.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify the `perm` option is `0640` or more restrictive:

```bash
grep ^options /etc/syslog-ng/syslog-ng.conf
```

## Expected Result

```
options { chain_hostnames(off); flush_lines(0); perm(0640); stats_freq(3600); threaded(yes); };
```

## Remediation

Edit the `/etc/syslog-ng/syslog-ng.conf` and set `perm` option to `0640` or more restrictive:

```bash
options { chain_hostnames(off); flush_lines(0); perm(0640); stats_freq(3600); threaded(yes); };
```

## Default Value

Not explicitly configured by default.

## References

1. See the syslog-ng man pages for more information.

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation