# Cis Ubuntu1604 V200 4 1 1 3

> Ensure auditing for processes that start prior to auditd is enabled

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-1-3` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-1-3`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-1-3/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-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-1-3

---


# CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Control 4.1.1.3

## Profile

- **Level:** 2 - Server
- **Level:** 2 - Workstation
- **Assessment Status:** Automated

## Description

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

**Note:** This recommendation is designed around the grub bootloader, if LILO or another bootloader is in use in your environment enact equivalent settings. Replace `/boot/grub/grub.cfg` with the appropriate grub configuration file for your environment.

## Rationale

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

## Impact

None.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

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

```bash
grep "^\s*linux" /boot/grub/grub.cfg | grep -v "audit=1"
```

## Expected Result

Nothing should be returned.

## Remediation

### Command Line

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
```

## Default Value

By default, auditing is not enabled for processes that start prior to auditd.

## References

1. CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Section 4.1.1.3

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| v7               | 6.2 Activate audit logging - Ensure that local logging has been enabled on all systems and networking devices.                                                                                          |
| v7               | 6.3 Enable Detailed Logging - Enable system logging to include detailed information such as an event source, date, user, timestamp, source addresses, destination addresses, and other useful elements. |