3.1 Configure a centralized location to collect ESXi host core dumps

Information

In order to configure a centralized location to collect ESXi host core dumps, use the 'ESXi
Dump Collector'. The VMware vSphere Network Dump Collector service allows for
collecting diagnostic information from a host that experiences a critical fault.

*Rationale*

When a host crashes, an analysis of the resultant core dump is essential to being able to
identify the cause of the crash to identify a resolution. Installing a centralized dump
collector helps ensure that core files are successfully saved and made available in the event
an ESXi host should ever panic.

NOTE: Nessus has not performed this check. Please review the benchmark to ensure target compliance.

Solution

To implement the recommended configuration state, run the following ESXi shell
command-# Configure remote Dump Collector Server
esxcli system coredump network set -v [VMK#] -i [DUMP_SERVER] -o [PORT]
# Enable remote Dump Collector
esxcli system coredump network set -e true

Impact-No impact on functionality.

Default Value-
The prescribed state is not the default state.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/145

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-6b.

Plugin: VMware

Control ID: 1750f3c72fa14f937447568db1bbd5b88f29cd3b1ffeda0c90602c715e2e17ee