Title

The root file system must employ journaling or another mechanism ensuring file system consistency. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

File system journaling, or logging, can allow reconstruction of file system data after a system crash, preserving the integrity of data that may have otherwise been lost. Journaling file systems typically do not require consistency checks upon booting after a crash, which can improve system availability. Some file systems employ other mechanisms to ensure consistency also satisfying this requirement.

Check Content

Logging should be enabled for those types of file systems not turning on logging by default. Procedure: # mount JFS, VXFS, HFS, XFS, reiserfs, EXT3 and EXT4 all turn logging on by default and will not be a finding. The ZFS file system uses other mechanisms to provide for file system consistency, and will not be a finding. For other file systems types, if the root file system does not support journaling this is a finding. If the ‘nolog’ option is set on the root file system that does support journaling, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Implement file system journaling for the root file system, or use a file system with other mechanisms to ensure file system consistency. If the root file system supports journaling, enable it. If the file system does not support journaling or another mechanism to ensure file system consistency, a migration to a different file system will be necessary.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-45753r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-4304

Group Title: GEN003640

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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