# Cis Ubuntu1604 V200 4 1 2 2

> Ensure audit logs are not automatically deleted

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-2-2` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-2-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-2-2/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Security
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-2-2

---


# CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Control 4.1.2.2

## Profile

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

## Description

The `max_log_file_action` setting determines how to handle the audit log file reaching the max file size. A value of `keep_logs` will rotate the logs but never delete old logs.

## Rationale

In high security contexts, the benefits of maintaining a long audit history exceed the cost of storing the audit history.

## Impact

None.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

Run the following command and verify output matches:

```bash
grep max_log_file_action /etc/audit/auditd.conf
```

## Expected Result

```
max_log_file_action = keep_logs
```

## Remediation

### Command Line

Set the following parameter in `/etc/audit/auditd.conf`:

```bash
max_log_file_action = keep_logs
```

## Default Value

The default value is `ROTATE`.

## References

1. CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Section 4.1.2.2

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                                                                                                            |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| v7               | 6.4 Ensure adequate storage for logs - Ensure that all systems that store logs have adequate storage space for the logs generated. |