IBM Support

AIX AUDIT: How can I monitor file system operations?

How To


Summary

You can use AIX Auditing to monitor file system operations.

Steps

The test example logs the following predefined file system events:

The example does not cover log management, or other audit configuration details. The example assumes the "/audit" file system exists, and uses stream mode for the examples. Read the "Support" section in this note for more technical references.

1) Modify config:start options 
# vi /etc/security/audit/config
start:
    binmode = off
    streammode = on
    ignorenonexistentity = no
2) Modify config:class:
classes:
     fsclass=FS_Chdir,FS_Chroot,FS_Extend,FS_Fchdir,FS_Mkdir,FS_Mkdirat,FS_Mount,FS_Rmdir,FS_Umount
users:
3) Add 'fsclass' class to config:users:
users:
     default = fsclass
** You can specify a user ID if you only want to audit a specific user, or enter 'default' to log these events for all users.
   
4) Configure the stream mode commands:
# vi /etc/security/audit/streamcmds:
/usr/sbin/auditstream | auditpr -htpPrceR -w > /audit/stream.out &

5) Stop and restart audit:
# audit shutdown
# audit start
6) Now test some simple file system operations:
# Test steps:

crfs  -v jfs2  -g  rootvg  -m /testFS -a size=10M  -m /testFS
mount /testFS
chroot /testFS ls
mkdir /testFS/testDir
cd /testFS
chfs -a size=+2M /testFS
rm -r testDir
cd ..
unmount /testFS
rmfs /testFS
7) Check the audit stream log
# cat /audit/stream.out
(Note: The "time" column was removed from this example)
process  parent   real  command  event   status    
-------- -------- ---- --------- ------- --------------- -----------
16187742 9306446  root  crfs   FS_Mkdir  OK mode:755 dir: /testFS
7078230 16187744  root  mount  FS_Mount  OK mount:object /dev/fslv05 stub /testFS
16187750 9306446  root  chroot FS_Chroot OK change root directory to: /testFS
16187764 9306446  root  mkdir FS_Mkdir  OK mode:755 dir: /testFS/testDir
9306446  14877002 root  ksh   FS_Chdir  OK change current directory to: /testFS
13893944 9306446  root  chfs  FS_Extend OK vfs:8285, cmd: 5
13893950 9306446  root  rm    FS_Rmdir  OK remove of directory: testDir
9306446  14877002 root  ksh   FS_Chdir  OK change current directory to: /
7537052  13893954 root  mount FS_Umount OK umount:object /dev/fslv05 stub /testFS

Additional Information

SUPPORT

Security configuration involves comprehensive features. Most of these features require advanced review and planning by administrators who are familiar with all of their system requirements. AIX Support does not make specific recommendations to harden your system. Customization is out of the scope of AIX Support, but if you have specific questions about documented usage, our support experts are happy to assist.

You can learn more about the audit functionality on AIX and best practices through the following resources:
 

If you have specific questions about usage after reviewing the recommended documentation, IBM AIX Support will be happy to assist.

If you require consulting services, there are more fee-based services available.

If you require usage assistance, use the following step-by-step instructions to contact IBM to open a case for software with an active and valid support contract.  
 

1.  Document (or collect screen captures of) all symptoms, errors, and messages related to your issue.

2.  Capture any logs or data relevant to the situation.

3.  Contact IBM to open a case:

   -For electronic support, see the IBM Support Community:
     https://www.ibm.com/mysupport
   -If you require telephone support, see the web page:
      https://www.ibm.com/planetwide/

4.  Provide a clear, concise description of the issue.

 

5.  If the system is accessible, collect a system snap, and upload all of the details and data for your case.

  - For guidance, see: Working with IBM AIX Support: Collecting snap data

[{"Type":"MASTER","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB08","label":"Cognitive Systems"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU058","label":"IBM Infrastructure w\/TPS"},"Product":{"code":"SWG10","label":"AIX"},"ARM Category":[{"code":"a8m0z000000cw2BAAQ","label":"Security-\u003EAudit"}],"ARM Case Number":"","Platform":[{"code":"PF002","label":"AIX"}],"Version":"All Versions"}]

Document Information

Modified date:
25 May 2023

UID

ibm16616715