Detections
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18.9.27.2.2 Ensure 'Security: Specify the maximum log file size (KB)' is set to 'Enabled: 196,608 or greater' - Enabled: 196,608 or greater

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Information

This policy setting specifies the maximum size of the log file in kilobytes. The maximum log file size can be configured between 1 megabyte (1,024 kilobytes) and 4 terabytes (4,194,240 kilobytes) in kilobyte increments.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled: 196,608 or greater.

Rationale:

If events are not recorded it may be difficult or impossible to determine the root cause of system problems or the unauthorized activities of malicious users.

Impact:

When event logs fill to capacity, they will stop recording information unless the retention method for each is set so that the computer will overwrite the oldest entries with the most recent ones. To mitigate the risk of loss of recent data, you can configure the retention method so that older events are overwritten as needed.

The consequence of this configuration is that older events will be removed from the logs. Attackers can take advantage of such a configuration, because they can generate a large number of extraneous events to overwrite any evidence of their attack. These risks can be somewhat reduced if you automate the archival and backup of event log data.

Ideally, all specifically monitored events should be sent to a server that uses Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) or some other automated monitoring tool. Such a configuration is particularly important because an attacker who successfully compromises a server could clear the Security log. If all events are sent to a monitoring server, then you will be able to gather forensic information about the attacker's activities.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration, set the following Device Configuration Policy to Enabled: 196,608 or greater:

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/Windows Components/Event Log Service/Security
Setting Name: Specify the maximum log file size (KB)
Configuration: Enabled: 196,608 or greater

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. (The default log size is 20,480 KB - this value can be changed by the local administrator using the Log Properties dialog.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/4161

Item Details

References: CSCv7|6.4

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 7eac73f69cdc3f389dbc60f36a528aa5fe34c244d6bfa4b6333d3e410e7bb491