Skip to content

Hide Navigation Hide TOC

Clear Linux or Mac System Logs - T1685.006 (5e29d64d-2b14-4f92-875e-4c9c498e213c)

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
Cluster A Galaxy A Cluster B Galaxy B Level
Disable or Modify Tools - T1685 (bbde9781-60aa-4b8a-a911-895b0c1b3872) Attack Pattern Clear Linux or Mac System Logs - T1685.006 (5e29d64d-2b14-4f92-875e-4c9c498e213c) Attack Pattern 1