T1654: Log Enumeration

Adversaries may enumerate system and service logs to find useful data. These logs may highlight various types of valuable insights for an adversary, such as user authentication records (Account Discovery), security or vulnerable software (Software Discovery), or hosts within a compromised network (Remote System Discovery).

Host binaries may be leveraged to collect system logs. Examples include using wevtutil.exe or PowerShell on Windows to access and/or export security event information. In cloud environments, adversaries may leverage utilities such as the Azure VM Agent’s CollectGuestLogs.exe to collect security logs from cloud hosted infrastructure.

Adversaries may also target centralized logging infrastructure such as SIEMs. Logs may also be bulk exported and sent to adversary-controlled infrastructure for offline analysis.

Positive Technologies products that cover the technique

MaxPatrol SIEM knowledge base

mysql_database: PT-CR-618: MySQL_Audit_Table_Access: Attempt to view an audit table mitre_attck_discovery: PT-CR-1084: Remote_Log_Read: A remote user accessed Windows Event Log

Detection

IDDS0022Data source and componentFile: File AccessDescription

Monitor for access to system and service log files, especially from unexpected and abnormal users.

IDDS0017Data source and componentCommand: Command ExecutionDescription

Monitor for the use of commands and arguments of utilities and other tools used to access and export logs.

IDDS0009Data source and componentProcess: Process CreationDescription

Monitor for unexpected process activity associated with utilities that can access and export logs, such as wevutil.exe on Windows and CollectGuestLogs.exe on Azure hosted VMs.

Mitigation

IDM1018NameUser Account ManagementDescription

Limit the ability to access and export sensitive logs to privileged accounts where possible.