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

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.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/14664

Item Details

Category: AUDIT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

References: 800-53|AU-2, CSCv7|16.4

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 85d12c112f0fd36e4d7bd03e370dc5de06ab65a833300d18a6ee8f30ae189ac9