Back to results

Cisco ASA - Logging Filters Configuration Tampering

This analytic detects tampering with logging filter configurations on Cisco ASA devices via CLI or ASDM. Adversaries may reduce logging levels or disable specific log categories to evade detection, hide their…

Description

This analytic detects tampering with logging filter configurations on Cisco ASA devices via CLI or ASDM. Adversaries may reduce logging levels or disable specific log categories to evade detection, hide their activities, or prevent security monitoring systems from capturing evidence of their actions. By lowering logging verbosity, attackers can operate with reduced visibility to security teams. The detection monitors for logging configuration commands (message ID 111008 or 111010) that modify logging destinations (asdm, console, history, mail, monitor, trap) without setting them to higher severity levels (5-notifications, 6-informational, 7-debugging), which may indicate an attempt to reduce logging verbosity. Investigate unauthorized logging configuration changes that reduce verbosity, especially changes performed by non-administrative accounts, during unusual hours, or without corresponding change management approval.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Log source category
cisco_asa_logs

Known benign triggers

  • Admins may modify logging levels during maintenance or troubleshooting to reduce log volume. Verify against change management tickets. Filter known admin accounts during maintenance windows.

Detections can measure how the public catalogue is used — which detections people look for, and which pages bring them here. It sets a cookie that recognises this browser for 180 days. It is never linked to an account and never follows you to other sites. Privacy notice