audit_log_user_message - Linux

Overview

audit_log_user_message allows system administrators to add arbitrary messages to the audit log. It is primarily used for recording events or messages that cannot be captured by other audit mechanisms.

Syntax

audit_log_user_message <message>

Options/Flags

• -k: Key to associate with the message.
• -a: Architecture type. Default: auditarch
• -d: Description of the action being performed.
• -h: Display help message and exit.

Examples

Log a message with a custom key:

audit_log_user_message -k system_update "System update completed successfully"

Log a message with an architecture type:

audit_log_user_message -a x86 -d "Installed security patch for x86 architecture"

Log a message with a description:

audit_log_user_message -d "Manually terminated user account with id 1001"

Common Issues

• Missing privileges: User must have sufficient privileges (e.g., root) to use this command.
• Invalid key: Ensure the specified key is valid and conforms to the system’s naming conventions.
• Malformed message: The message should be a valid string without any special characters or syntax errors.

Integration

Combining with auditctl: Use audit_log_user_message to supplement audit rules defined using auditctl.

Integrating into scripts: Automate message logging within custom scripts or monitoring systems.

Related Commands

• ausearch: Search the audit log.
• auditctl: Configure audit rules.
• authlog: View the system log file.