4.2 (L1) Host must transmit system logs to a remote log collector

Information

Transmitting system logs to a remote log collector ensures that ESXi logs are stored in a secure and centralized manner. This centralization not only allows for the streamlined monitoring of all hosts through a single tool but also facilitates aggregate analysis and searching capabilities.

Centralizing log storage on a remote log collector greatly enhances the ability to monitor, search, and analyze logs across multiple hosts. This central repository ensures that logs are protected from potential tampering, while also providing a robust long-term audit trail. By analyzing these logs, coordinated attacks or anomalies that might go unnoticed on individual hosts can be detected.

Solution

To configure remote logging properly, perform the following from the vSphere web client:

- Select the host
- Click Configure then expand System then select Advanced System Settings
- Select Edit then enter Syslog.global.logHost in the filter.
- Set the Syslog.global.logHost to the hostname or IP address of the central log server.
- Click OK

Alternately, run the following PowerCLI command:

# Set Syslog.global.logHost for each host
Get-VMHost | Foreach { Set-AdvancedSetting -VMHost $_ -Name Syslog.global.logHost -Value "<NewLocation>" }

Note: When setting a remote log host, it is also recommended to set the "Syslog.global.logDirUnique" to true. You must configure the syslog settings for each host.

Impact:

There is no immediate functional impact when transmitting logs to a remote log collector. However, it is essential to ensure that the remote log collector is adequately secured and has sufficient storage capacity.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/15784