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Application and Endpoint Logs

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Summary

PDF p.319

Hosts generate application logs and endpoint logs, which are crucial for security monitoring. Application logs are managed by applications, while endpoint logs are monitored by security software. These logs help in assessing threat levels and identifying vulnerabilities.

In plain words

Supplementary — not from your PDF

Application logs are written by applications (in Event Viewer, syslog or their own formats; check the vendor docs). Endpoint logs come from security software: host firewalls, HIDS, vulnerability scanners and antivirus, often through an EPP, EDR or XDR platform and fed to the SIEM by agents. Together they show threat levels (malware, intrusions, missing patches) and help attribute activity to threat actors.

Detailed explanation

PDF p.319

Application Logs

  • Definition: Managed by applications rather than the OS.
  • Formats: May use Event Viewer, syslog, or custom formats.
  • Windows Event Viewer: Specific application log for authenticated accounts, custom logs for specific processes.
  • Location: Check product documentation for log locations.

Endpoint Logs

  • Definition: Monitored by security software on the host.
  • Includes: Host-based firewalls, intrusion detection, vulnerability scanners, antivirus/antimalware suites.
  • Integration: Often integrated into endpoint protection platforms (EPP), endpoint detection and response (EDR), or extended detection and response (XDR).
  • SIEM Integration: Security tools can be integrated with SIEM using agent-based software.

Threat Levels and Analysis

  • Summarizing Events: Shows overall threat levels (e.g., malware detected, intrusion events, missing patches).
  • Detection Events: Helps attribute intrusion events to specific actors and develop threat intelligence.

Vulnerability Scans

  • Logging: Vulnerability scanners log each detected vulnerability to a SIEM.
  • Vulnerabilities: Include missing patches and noncompliance with baseline security configurations.
  • Host Configuration: Provides information about host configuration and remediation status.

Important terms

taken from the text above
Formats
May use Event Viewer, syslog, or custom formats.
Windows Event Viewer
Specific application log for authenticated accounts, custom logs for specific processes.
Location
Check product documentation for log locations.
Includes
Host-based firewalls, intrusion detection, vulnerability scanners, antivirus/antimalware suites.
SIEM Integration
Security tools can be integrated with SIEM using agent-based software.
Summarizing Events
Shows overall threat levels (e.g., malware detected, intrusion events, missing patches).
Detection Events
Helps attribute intrusion events to specific actors and develop threat intelligence.
Logging
Vulnerability scanners log each detected vulnerability to a SIEM.
Host Configuration
Provides information about host configuration and remediation status.

Examples & real-world scenarios

Supplementary — not from your PDF
  • A web app's own access log.
  • EDR alerts forwarded to the SIEM.
  • Scanner findings logged per host.

Scenario

The SIEM shows a spike in antivirus detections on one subnet, all from the same file. Endpoint logs reveal the initial infected host and how it spread.

Common mistakes

Supplementary — not from your PDF
  • Forgetting that applications may log outside the OS event system.
  • Not sending endpoint security logs to the SIEM.

Practical skills

Supplementary — not from your PDF
  • Find application log locations from vendor documentation.

What I should remember

Key Points PDF p.319
  • Application Logs
    • Definition: Managed by applications.
    • Formats: Event Viewer, syslog, custom.
    • Windows Event Viewer: Specific and custom logs.
    • Location: Product documentation.
  • Endpoint Logs
    • Definition: Monitored by security software.
    • Includes: Firewalls, intrusion detection, vulnerability scanners, antivirus.
    • Integration: EPP, EDR, XDR.
    • SIEM Integration: Agent-based software.
  • Threat Levels and Analysis
    • Summarizing Events: Overall threat levels.
    • Detection Events: Attribution and threat intelligence.
  • Vulnerability Scans
    • Logging: Logs vulnerabilities to SIEM.
    • Vulnerabilities: Missing patches, noncompliance.
    • Host Configuration: Remediation status.