AlmaLinux OS 9 audit logs must be owned by the root group to prevent unauthorized read access.

Unauthorized disclosure of audit records can reveal system and configuration data to attackers, thus compromising its confidentiality.

Audit information includes all information (e.g., audit records, audit settings, audit reports) needed to successfully audit operating system activity.

Satisfies: SRG-OS-000057-GPOS-00027, SRG-OS-000059-GPOS-00029

Verify the audit logs are owned by the "root" group.

First determine if a group other than "root" has been assigned to the audit logs with the following command:

$ grep log_group /etc/audit/auditd.conf

log_group = root

Then determine where the audit logs are stored with the following command:

$ grep -w log_file /etc/audit/auditd.conf

log_file = /var/log/audit/audit.log

Then using the location of the audit log file, determine if the audit log is owned by the "root" group using the following command:

$ stat -c "%G" /var/log/audit/audit.log

root

If the audit log is not owned by the "root" group, or log_group is not set to "root", this is a finding.

Change the audit logs to be owned by the root group:

$ chgrp root /var/log/audit/audit.log

Then set the group to root in /etc/audit/auditd.conf by adding or updating the following line:

log_group = root