Detections
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2.2.37 Ensure 'Manage auditing and security log' is set to 'Administrators' (DC only)

Warning! Audit Deprecated

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

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Information

This policy setting determines which users can change the auditing options for files and directories and clear the Security log.

The recommended state for this setting on Domain Controllers is: Administrators.

Note: This user right is considered a 'sensitive privilege' for the purposes of auditing.

Note #2: For environments running Microsoft Exchange Server, the Exchange Servers group must possess this privilege on Domain Controllers (DC) to properly function. Given this, an exception will be required if the DC grants the Exchange Servers group this privilege. If the environment does not use Microsoft Exchange Server, then this privilege should be limited to only Administrators on the DC.

The ability to manage the Security event log is a powerful user right and it should be closely guarded. Anyone with this user right can clear the Security log to erase important evidence of unauthorized activity.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, configure the following UI path to Administrators :

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment\Manage auditing and security log

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/25733

Item Details

Category: ACCESS CONTROL, AUDIT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

References: 800-53|AC-2, 800-53|AC-3, 800-53|AC-6, 800-53|AC-6(1), 800-53|AC-6(7), 800-53|AU-9(4)

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: f9d809c2380a4b70aee89ef68a64a6593ebc9b5d8e8918e0bad47c1c40b2492d