# Cis Ubuntu1804 V220 5 2 2 2

> Configure auditd to keep audit logs and never delete them automatically

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-5-2-2-2` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-5-2-2-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-5-2-2-2/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-ubuntu1804-v220-5-2-2-2

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# CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0

## Control 5.2.2.2 - Ensure audit logs are not automatically deleted (Automated)

### Profile Applicability

- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation

### 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.

### Audit

Run the following command and verify output matches:

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

**Expected Output:**

```
max_log_file_action = keep_logs
```

### Remediation

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

```
max_log_file_action = keep_logs
```

### References

- NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AU-8

### CIS Controls

- v8 8.3 Ensure Adequate Audit Log Storage - Ensure that logging destinations maintain adequate storage to comply with the enterprise's audit log management process.
- v7 6.4 Ensure adequate storage for logs - Ensure that all systems that store logs have adequate storage space for the logs generated.

### MITRE ATT&CK Mappings

- Techniques: T1562, T1562.006
- Tactics: TA0040 (Impact)
- Mitigations: M1047 (Audit)

### Benchmark

CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0

### Automation Status

Automated