2.2.23 Ensure 'Generate security audits' is set to 'LOCAL SERVICE, NETWORK SERVICE'

Information

This policy setting determines which users or processes can generate audit records in the Security log.

The recommended state for this setting is: LOCAL SERVICE, NETWORK SERVICE.

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

Rationale:

An attacker could use this capability to create a large number of audited events, which would make it more difficult for a system administrator to locate any illicit activity. Also, if the event log is configured to overwrite events as needed, any evidence of unauthorized activities could be overwritten by a large number of unrelated events.

Impact:

On most computers, this is the default configuration and there will be no negative impact. However, if you have installed Web Server (IIS), you will need to allow the IIS application pool(s) to be granted this user right.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to LOCAL SERVICE, NETWORK SERVICE:

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment\Generate security audits

Default Value:

LOCAL SERVICE, NETWORK SERVICE.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3350