Details
This policy setting determines which users can change the auditing options for files and directories and clear the Security log.
For environments running Microsoft Exchange Server, the Exchange Servers group must possess this privilege on Domain Controllers to properly function. Given this, DCs that grant the Exchange Servers group this privilege also conform to this benchmark. If the environment does not use Microsoft Exchange Server, then this privilege should be limited to only Administrators on DCs.
The recommended state for this setting is: Administrators and (when Exchange is running in the environment) Exchange Servers.
Note: This user right is considered a ‘sensitive privilege’ for the purposes of auditing.
Rationale:
The ability to manage the Security event log is a powerful user right and it should be closely guarded. Anyone with this user right can clear the Security log to erase important evidence of unauthorized activity.
Impact:
None – this is the default behavior.
Solution
To establish the recommended configuration via GP, configure the following UI path:
Computer ConfigurationPoliciesWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights AssignmentManage auditing and security log
Default Value:
Administrators.
Supportive Information
The following resource is also helpful.
This security hardening control applies to the following category of controls within NIST 800-53: Access Control.This control applies to the following type of system Windows.