# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 4.2.4 Ensure permissions on all logfiles are configured

> Ensure restrictive permissions on all log files in /var/log to protect sensitive data

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-2-4-ensure-permissions-on-all-logfile` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-2-4-ensure-permissions-on-all-logfile`
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- 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-4-2-4-ensure-permissions-on-all-logfile

---


# 4.2.4 Ensure permissions on all logfiles are configured (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

Log files stored in `/var/log/` contain logged information from many services on the system, or on log hosts others as well.

## 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 other has no permissions on any files and group does not have write or execute permissions on any files:

```bash
find /var/log -type f -ls
```

## Expected Result

All log files should have permissions of 640 or more restrictive. No files should have world-readable, world-writable, or world-executable permissions. Group should not have write or execute permissions.

## Remediation

Run the following command to set permissions on all existing log files:

```bash
chmod -R g-wx,o-rwx /var/log/*
```

**Notes:** You may also need to change the configuration for your logging software or services for any logs that had incorrect permissions.

## Default Value

Permissions may vary depending on the logging service and log file.

## References

1. CIS Controls v6.1 - 5.1 Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation