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Configure auditing of loading and unloading of kernel modules

An XCCDF Rule

Description

Ensure that loading and unloading of kernel modules is audited. The following rules configure audit as described above: 

## These rules watch for kernel module insertion. By monitoring
## the syscall, we do not need any watches on programs.
-a always,exit -F arch=b32 -S init_module,finit_module -F key=module-load
-a always,exit -F arch=b64 -S init_module,finit_module -F key=module-load
-a always,exit -F arch=b32 -S delete_module -F key=module-unload
-a always,exit -F arch=b64 -S delete_module -F key=module-unload
Load new Audit rules into kernel by running: 
augenrules --load

Rationale

Loading of a malicious kernel module introduces a risk to the system, as the module has access to sensitive data and perform actions at the operating system kernel level. Having such events audited helps in monitoring and investigating of malicious activities.

ID
xccdf_org.ssgproject.content_rule_audit_module_load
Severity
Medium
References
Updated



Remediation - Shell Script

# Remediation is applicable only in certain platforms
if rpm --quiet -q kernel; then

cat << 'EOF' > /etc/audit/rules.d/43-module-load.rules
## These rules watch for kernel module insertion. By monitoring
## the syscall, we do not need any watches on programs.

Remediation - Ansible

- name: Gather the package facts
  package_facts:
    manager: auto
  tags:
  - NIST-800-53-AU-2(a)
  - audit_module_load