Title

The application server must use cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of log tools. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Protecting the integrity of the tools used for logging purposes is a critical step in ensuring the integrity of log data. Log data includes all information (e.g., log records, log settings, and log reports) needed to successfully log information system activity. It is not uncommon for attackers to replace the log tools or inject code into the existing tools for the purpose of providing the capability to hide or erase system activity from the logs. To address this risk, log tools must be cryptographically signed in order to provide the capability to identify when the log tools have been modified, manipulated or replaced. An example is a checksum hash of the file or files. Application server log tools must use cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of the tools or allow cryptographic protection mechanisms to be applied to their tools.

Check Content

Review the application server configuration to determine if the application server log tools have been cryptographically signed to protect the integrity of the tools. If the application server log tools have not been cryptographically signed, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the application server log tools to be cryptographically signed to protect the integrity of the tools.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-204776r879668_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-204776

Group Title: SRG-APP-000290

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.