Host must set the logging informational level to info

MediumLevel 1Automatedvmware

Description

Set the logging informational level to "info" via the Config.HostAgent.log.level parameter to ensure audit logs contain adequate data for diagnostics and forensics. This level provides a balanced amount of detail, suitable for routine analysis and investigation. The parameter governing this behavior is Config.HostAgent.log.level with a recommended setting of info. The audit reads Config.HostAgent.log.level with esxcli and requires info. Runs in the ESXi Shell (busybox sh) as root.

How it is checked

Audit method: Shell command

shell

out=$(esxcli system settings advanced list -o /Config/HostAgent/log/level 2>/dev/null) || exit 1
v=$(printf '%s\n' "$out" | sed -n 's/^ *String Value: *//p' | head -n 1)
if [ "$v" = info ]; then echo compliant; else echo "/Config/HostAgent/log/level = '$v' (expected info)"; fi

Expected output: compliant

How it is fixed

Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch

Using the vSphere client: Host → Configure → System → Advanced System Settings → Syslog.global.logLevel Set: info Execute command: esxcli system syslog config get | grep "Log Level" Verify - Log Level: info

Properties

Operating systems: Any
Tags: vmwareesxilogging
Reference: CIS VMware ESXi 9.0 Benchmark v1.0.0 - 4.4 Host must set the logging informational level to info

Check this host

Run this on a machine you are allowed to audit. The scan is read-only.

shell

tmaegis scan --target vmware