T1685.006

Clear Linux or Mac System Logs

SUB-TECHNIQUE Defense Impairment

Description

Adversaries may clear system logs to hide evidence of an intrusion. macOS and Linux both keep track of system or user-initiated actions via system logs. The majority of native system logging is stored under the `/var/log/` directory. Subfolders in this directory categorize logs by their related functions, such as:(Citation: Linux Logs)* `/var/log/messages:`: General and system-related messages * `/var/log/secure or /var/log/auth.log`: Authentication logs * `/var/log/utmp or /var/log/wtmp`: Login records * `/var/log/kern.log`: Kernel logs * `/var/log/cron.log`: Crond logs * `/var/log/maillog`: Mail server logs * `/var/log/httpd/`: Web server access and error logs

Platforms

LinuxmacOS

Mitigations

M1022 — Restrict File and Directory Permissions
M1029 — Remote Data Storage
M1041 — Encrypt Sensitive Information

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Source: MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise matrix. View on attack.mitre.org →