18.8.3.1 Ensure 'Include command line in process creation events' is set to 'Enabled'

Warning! Audit Deprecated

This audit has been deprecated and will be removed in a future update.

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Information

This policy setting controls whether the process creation command line text is logged in security audit events when a new process has been created.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled.

Note: This feature that this setting controls was not originally supported in workstation OSes older than Windows 8.1. However, in February 2015 Microsoft added support for the feature to Windows 7 and Windows 8.0 via an update - KB3004375. Therefore, this setting is also important to set on those older OSes.

Rationale:

Capturing process command line information in event logs can be very valuable when performing forensic investigations of attack incidents.

Impact:

Process command line information will be included in the event logs, which can contain sensitive or private information such as passwords or user data.

Warning: There are potential risks of capturing credentials and sensitive information which could be exposed to users who have read-access to event logs. Microsoft provides a feature called 'Protected Event Logging' to better secure event log data. For assistance with protecting event logging, visit: About Logging Windows - PowerShell | Microsoft Docs.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration, set the following Device Configuration Policy to Enabled:

To access the Device Configuration Policy from the Intune Home page:

Click Devices

Click Configuration profiles

Click Create profile

Select the platform (Windows 10 and later)

Select the profile (Administrative Templates)

Click Create

Enter a Name

Click Next

Configure the following Setting

Path: Computer Configuration\System\Audit Process Creation
Setting Name: Include command line in process creation events
Configuration: Enabled

Select OK

Continue through the Wizard to complete the creation of the profile (profile assignments, applicability etc.)

Note: More than one configuration setting from each of the Configuration profiles (ex: Administrative Templates, Custom etc.) can be added to each Device Configuration Policy.

Default Value:

Disabled. (Process command line information will not be included in Audit Process Creation events.)