Enable Database Logging Rule
This rule specifies that database logging should be enabled for compliance with Program Management (PM) standards.
| Rule | Database logging should be enabled |
| Framework | NIST 800-53 Revision 5 |
| Severity | ✔ Low |
Enabling Database Logging for Compliance with NIST 800-53 Revision 5
NIST 800-53 Revision 5 provides a framework for cybersecurity and privacy control within federal information systems and organizations. To comply with NIST 800-53, particularly control AU-12 (Audit Generation), database logging must be enabled to track and monitor actions that affect data within the database.
Description of the Rule
Enabling database logging is essential to achieve accountability and trace unauthorized, accidental, or inappropriate access and usage of data within databases. It allows organizations to:
- Record timestamped actions by users including data reads, writes, updates, and deletes.
- Track administrative activities, such as changes to user roles and permissions.
- Capture both successful and failed authentication attempts.
- Maintain an immutable log that can be used for forensic analysis in the event of a security incident.
- Perform regular audits to ensure that the database remains compliant with organizational policies.
Troubleshooting Steps
Common Issues and Resolutions
- 1.
Logging Not Enabled: Ensure that the database configuration settings are correctly set to enable logging at the required level.
- 2.
Insufficient Storage: Confirm that there is enough storage space allocated for logs to prevent loss of data.
- 3.
Performance Overhead: Monitor database performance to balance the logging level with system performance requirements.
- 4.
Log Corruption: Put safeguards in place to prevent tampering with log files. Use cryptographic means to protect the integrity of logs.
- 5.
Incomplete Logs: Verify database logging settings to ensure comprehensive logging of all necessary transactions.
Necessary Codes and Configuration
Example: Enabling Logging in PostgreSQL
# Connect to the database using psql psql -U authorized_user -d target_database # Set the appropriate parameters in PostgreSQL ALTER SYSTEM SET logging_collector = ON; ALTER SYSTEM SET log_directory = 'pg_log'; # Adjust the path to your log directory ALTER SYSTEM SET log_filename = 'postgresql-%Y-%m-%d_%H%M%S.log'; ALTER SYSTEM SET log_statement = 'all'; # This logs all statements ALTER SYSTEM SET log_connections = ON; ALTER SYSTEM SET log_disconnections = ON; ALTER SYSTEM SET log_duration = ON; # Reload the configuration SELECT pg_reload_conf();
Example: Enabling Logging in MySQL
# Open the MySQL configuration file (my.cnf or my.ini) nano /etc/mysql/my.cnf # Add or update the following under the [mysqld] section [mysqld] general_log = ON general_log_file = /var/log/mysql/mysql.log log_error = /var/log/mysql/mysql-error.log log_warnings = 2 # Restart MySQL to apply the changes service mysql restart
Step by Step Guide for Remediation
- 1.
Identify Compliance Requirements: Determine the specific logging requirements for your database based on NIST 800-53 Revision 5.
- 2.
Assess Current Logging Configuration: Review the current logging settings of your database system.
- 3.
Enable Logging: Use the appropriate commands to enable logging on your database. This often includes turning on the logging feature and specifying the type and location of logs.
- 4.
Test Logging Configuration: Perform actions on the database to verify that events are being correctly logged.
- 5.
Review Logs: Periodically inspect the logs to ensure they contain the necessary information for compliance.
- 6.
Manage Log Storage: Implement a log rotation and backup policy to prevent storage overflow and data loss.
- 7.
Monitor Performance: Regularly check the performance of the database to ensure logging does not negatively impact the system.
- 8.
Audit Logs: Regularly audit the logs to ensure compliance with NIST 800-53 and to detect any anomalies.
- 9.
Remediation Actions: Based on audit findings, make any necessary adjustments to the logging mechanisms or policies in use.
By following these detailed steps and ensuring the correct enablement of database logging, organizations can not only maintain compliance with NIST 800-53 Revision 5, but also strengthen their overall security posture. This guide is not exhaustive and may require adaptation to fit specific databases or operational environments.