Vulnerability Discussion
When inappropriate audit settings are configured for directory service database objects, it may be possible for a user or process to update the data without generating any tracking data. The impact of missing audit data is related to the type of object. A failure to capture audit data for objects used by identification, authentication, or authorization functions could degrade or eliminate the ability to track changes to access policy for systems or data.
For Active Directory (AD), there are a number of critical object types in the domain naming context of the AD database for which auditing is essential. This includes the Domain Controller OU object. Because changes to these objects can significantly impact access controls or the availability of systems, the absence of auditing data makes it impossible to identify the source of changes that impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems throughout an AD domain. The lack of proper auditing can result in insufficient forensic evidence needed to investigate an incident and prosecute the intruder.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000327-GPOS-00127, SRG-OS-000458-GPOS-00203, SRG-OS-000463-GPOS-00207, SRG-OS-000468-GPOS-00212
Check
This applies to domain controllers. It is NA for other systems.
Review the auditing configuration for the Domain Controller OU object.
Open "Active Directory Users and Computers" (available from various menus or run "dsa.msc").
Ensure "Advanced Features" is selected in the "View" menu.
Select the "Domain Controllers OU" under the domain being reviewed in the left pane.
Right-click the "Domain Controllers OU" object and select "Properties".
Select the "Security" tab.
Select the "Advanced" button and then the "Auditing" tab.
If the audit settings on the Domain Controllers OU object are not at least as inclusive as those below, this is a finding.
Type - Fail
Principal - Everyone
Access - Full Control
Inherited from - None
Applies to - This object and all descendant objects
The success types listed below are defaults. Where Special is listed in the summary screens for Access, detailed Permissions are provided for reference. Various Properties selections may also exist by default.
Type - Success
Principal - Everyone
Access - Special
Inherited from - None
Applies to - This object only
(Access - Special = Permissions: all create, delete and modify permissions)
Type - Success
Principal - Everyone
Access - Write all properties
Inherited from - None
Applies to - This object and all descendant objects
Two instances with the following summary information will be listed.
Type - Success
Principal - Everyone
Access - (blank)
Inherited from - (CN of domain)
Applies to - Descendant Organizational Unit objects
Fix
Open "Active Directory Users and Computers" (available from various menus or run "dsa.msc").
Ensure "Advanced Features" is selected in the "View" menu.
Select the "Domain Controllers OU" under the domain being reviewed in the left pane.
Right-click the "Domain Controllers OU" object and select "Properties".
Select the "Security" tab.
Select the "Advanced" button and then the "Auditing" tab.
Configure the audit settings for Domain Controllers OU object to include the following.
Type - Fail
Principal - Everyone
Access - Full Control
Inherited from - None
The success types listed below are defaults. Where Special is listed in the summary screens for Access, detailed Permissions are provided for reference. Various Properties selections may also exist by default.
Type - Success
Principal - Everyone
Access - Special
Inherited from - None
Applies to - This object only
(Access - Special = Permissions: all create, delete and modify permissions)
Type - Success
Principal - Everyone
Access - Write all properties
Inherited from - None
Applies to - This object and all descendant objects
Two instances with the following summary information will be listed.
Type - Success
Principal - Everyone
Access - (blank)
Inherited from - (CN of domain)
Applies to - Descendant Organizational Unit objects