# Cis Ubuntu1804 V220 5 2 4 2

> 5.2.4.2 Ensure only authorized users own audit log files

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-5-2-4-2` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-5-2-4-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-5-2-4-2/raw
- Safety review: CAUTION (external: skill-scanner FAIL, 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-v220-5-2-4-2

---


# 5.2.4.2 Ensure only authorized users own audit log files

## Description

Audit log files contain information about the system and system activity.

## Rationale

Access to audit records can reveal system and configuration data to attackers, potentially compromising its confidentiality.

## Audit

Run the following command to verify audit log files are owned by the root user:

```bash
[ -f /etc/audit/auditd.conf ] && find "$(dirname $(awk -F "=" '/^\s*log_file/ {print $2}' /etc/audit/auditd.conf | xargs))" -type f ! -user root -exec stat -Lc "%n %U" {} +
```

**Expected result:** Nothing should be returned

## Remediation

Run the following command to configure the audit log files to be owned by the root user:

```bash
[ -f /etc/audit/auditd.conf ] && find "$(dirname $(awk -F"=" '/^\s*log_file/ {print $2}' /etc/audit/auditd.conf | xargs))" -type f ! -user root -exec chown root {} +
```

## References

1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AU-3

## Metadata

- **Profile Applicability:** Level 2 - Server, Level 2 - Workstation
- **Category:** cis-logging
- **Tags:** cis, ubuntu, linux, ubuntu-18.04, auditing, auditd
- **Version:** 2.2.0
- **Severity Boost:** {}
- **Automated:** Yes
- **CIS Controls:**
  - v8: 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists
  - v7: 14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists
- **MITRE ATT&CK:**
  - Tactics: TA0007 (Discovery)
  - Techniques: T1070, T1070.002, T1083, T1083.000
  - Mitigations: M1022 (Restrict File and Directory Permissions), M1047 (Audit)