AIDE Documentation
- AIDE Documentation
Introduction
AIDE (Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment) Documentation details the server configuration and maintenance procedures for a critical component of our system security infrastructure. AIDE is a file integrity checker. It works by building a database of file attributes – such as checksums, modification times, permissions, and sizes – for all critical system files. Periodically, AIDE scans these files and compares their current attributes against the database. Any discrepancies indicate a potential intrusion or unauthorized modification, triggering alerts to the security team. This documentation is intended for system administrators and security engineers responsible for deploying, configuring, and maintaining AIDE on our servers. It covers installation, configuration, database management, and troubleshooting. The core purpose of **AIDE Documentation** is to provide a centralized resource for ensuring the integrity of our server environment. We aim to minimize the impact of malicious activity and maintain a robust security posture. AIDE is not a replacement for other security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, but rather a complementary layer of defense. Understanding the nuances of AIDE configuration, particularly in regard to File System Permissions, is paramount to its effectiveness. This document assumes a foundational understanding of Linux system administration and security concepts. The initial setup requires careful consideration of which files and directories to include in the database. Overly broad inclusion can lead to excessive false positives, while insufficient inclusion can leave critical system files vulnerable. Regular database updates are also crucial, as legitimate system changes, such as software updates, will naturally trigger alerts if the database is not kept current. Proper integration with our existing Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system is also a key aspect of AIDE’s value.
Technical Specifications
The following table outlines the technical specifications for the AIDE server environment.
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Software Name | AIDE 0.16.12 | Latest stable release as of 2024-02-29 |
| Operating System | CentOS Linux 7 (x86_64) | Supported OS versions are documented in Operating System Compatibility. |
| CPU Architecture | Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4 | Dual-socket server with a total of 28 cores. See CPU Architecture for details. |
| Memory | 64 GB DDR4 ECC Registered | Optimized for database operations. Refer to Memory Specifications for details. |
| Storage | 1 TB SSD (RAID 1) | Used for the AIDE database and log files. Storage Configuration provides more detail. |
| Network Interface | 10 Gigabit Ethernet | Dedicated network segment for security traffic. See Network Topology. |
| Database Type | SQLite | Default database backend. PostgreSQL is an alternative, described in Database Options. |
| Database Size (Initial) | Approximately 5 GB | This will grow over time as the system changes. Regular database maintenance is essential. |
| AIDE Documentation Version | 1.0 | Current version of this document. |
Performance Metrics
The following table details typical performance metrics observed during AIDE database creation and regular scans.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Database Creation Time (Full) | 2-4 hours | Varies depending on the number of files and directories included. Database Optimization can improve performance. |
| Daily Scan Time (Incremental) | 5-15 minutes | Depends on the rate of file changes and server load. |
| CPU Usage (Scan) | 5-20% | Average CPU utilization during a daily scan. |
| Memory Usage (Scan) | 2-4 GB | Peak memory usage during a daily scan. |
| I/O Operations (Scan) | 100-500 MB/s | Disk I/O during a scan. SSD storage significantly improves performance. |
| Alert Rate (Typical) | 0-5 alerts per day | Expect a higher rate during major system updates. False Positive Analysis is critical. |
| Database Backup Time | 15-30 minutes | Regular backups are essential for disaster recovery. See Backup and Recovery Procedures. |
| Average Response Time (Alert) | < 1 minute | Time from alert generation to security team notification. |
Configuration Details
This table provides details on key AIDE configuration parameters.
| Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AIDE Configuration File | /etc/aide.conf | Main configuration file for AIDE. |
| Database Path | /var/lib/aide/aide.db.sqlite3 | Location of the AIDE database file. |
| Database Update Interval | Daily | Frequency of database updates. See Scheduling Options. |
| Scan Rule Set | Default + Custom | Combination of default and custom scan rules. Rule Customization describes how to create custom rules. |
| Included Directories | /bin, /boot, /etc, /lib, /sbin, /usr/bin, /usr/lib, /usr/sbin, /var | Critical system directories included in the database. |
| Excluded Files | /var/log/*, /tmp/* | Files and directories excluded from the database. |
| Checksum Algorithm | SHA256 | Algorithm used to calculate file checksums. Checksum Algorithms details other options. |
| Report Format | Text | Format of the AIDE scan report. HTML and XML formats are also available. |
| Email Notification | Enabled | Alerts are sent via email to the security team. See Alerting System Integration. |
| Log Rotation | Enabled (7 days) | AIDE logs are rotated weekly. |
Installation Procedure
The installation process involves several steps to ensure AIDE is correctly deployed and configured. First, ensure that the server meets the System Requirements outlined in the technical specifications. Next, download the latest AIDE package from the official website or a trusted repository. Use the package manager (e.g., `yum` for CentOS) to install AIDE. Configuration is the next crucial step. Edit the `/etc/aide.conf` file to define the scan rules, included directories, and excluded files. Pay close attention to the rule set. The default rule set provides a good starting point, but it may need to be customized to meet specific security requirements. After configuring AIDE, initialize the database using the `aide --init` command. This process can take several hours, depending on the size of the system. Once the database is initialized, perform a full scan using `aide --check`. Review the scan report carefully to identify any initial discrepancies. Address any false positives and update the database accordingly. Finally, schedule regular scans using `cron` or a similar scheduling tool. Ensure that the AIDE logs are rotated regularly to prevent them from consuming excessive disk space. Regularly test the alerting system to verify that notifications are being sent correctly. Consider integrating AIDE with our Vulnerability Management System for a more comprehensive security assessment.
Database Management
Effective database management is critical for maintaining the integrity of AIDE. Regular updates are essential to reflect legitimate system changes. Use the `aide --update` command to update the database after software installations or system configurations. Periodically, perform database backups to protect against data loss. The `aide --backup` command can be used to create a backup of the AIDE database. Store the backups in a secure location, separate from the AIDE server. Database optimization can improve performance. Use the `aide --optimize` command to optimize the database. Consider using a more robust database backend, such as PostgreSQL, for larger systems. Database Scaling discusses the options available for scaling the AIDE database. Monitor database size and growth to ensure that sufficient disk space is available. Implement a database retention policy to manage the storage of historical data. Regularly review the database schema to identify potential vulnerabilities. Understand the implications of different database settings on performance and security.
Troubleshooting
Common issues encountered with AIDE include false positives, performance problems, and database corruption. False positives can be caused by legitimate system changes, such as log file rotations or temporary file creation. Adjust the scan rules to exclude these files or directories. Performance problems can be caused by slow disk I/O or insufficient memory. Upgrade the storage system or add more memory. Database corruption can be caused by hardware failures or software bugs. Restore the database from a backup. Review the AIDE logs for error messages. Use the `aide --verbose` option to enable verbose logging. Consult the AIDE documentation for more detailed troubleshooting information. If you are unable to resolve the issue, contact the security team for assistance. Ensure you have the Troubleshooting Checklist handy before contacting support. Remember to document any changes made to the AIDE configuration.
Security Considerations
Protecting the AIDE database is paramount. Restrict access to the database file to authorized users only. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Encrypt the database file at rest and in transit. Monitor the database for unauthorized access attempts. Regularly audit the AIDE configuration to ensure that it is still secure. Consider using a security hardening guide to further secure the AIDE server. Implement a robust incident response plan to address any security breaches. Stay up-to-date on the latest security vulnerabilities and patches. Security Best Practices are crucial for maintaining a secure AIDE environment. Understand the potential risks associated with different AIDE configurations.
Further Resources
- AIDE Official Documentation
- Linux Hardening Guide
- Intrusion Detection Systems Overview
- File Integrity Monitoring Best Practices
- Database Security Guide
- Network Security Fundamentals
- System Administration Handbook
- Incident Response Plan
- SIEM Integration Guide
- Log Analysis Techniques
- Vulnerability Scanning Tools
- Patch Management Procedures
- Configuration Management System
- Threat Intelligence Feeds
- Security Auditing Checklist
Intel-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-6700K/7700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 512 GB | CPU Benchmark: 8046 |
| Core i7-8700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2x1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 13124 |
| Core i9-9900K Server | 128 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 49969 |
| Core i9-13900 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i9-13900 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Workstation | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2 NVMe SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4000 |
AMD-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3600 Server | 64 GB RAM, 2x480 GB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 17849 |
| Ryzen 7 7700 Server | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2x1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 35224 |
| Ryzen 9 5950X Server | 128 GB RAM, 2x4 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 46045 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X Server | 128 GB DDR5 ECC, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 63561 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/1TB) | 128 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/2TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/4TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/1TB) | 256 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/4TB) | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 9454P Server | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe |
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⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️