Cisco Security Agent

Description

Prevent security breaches by protecting endpoint systems with Cisco Security Agent, the Cisco host Intrusion Prevention System

• Secure your endpoint systems with host IPS
• Build and manipulate policies for the systems you wish to protect
• Learn how to use groups and hosts in the Cisco Security Agent architecture and how the components are related
• Install local agent components on various operating systems
• Explore the event database on the management system to view and filter information
• Examine Cisco Security Agent reporting mechanisms for monitoring system activity
• Apply Application Deployment Investigation to report on installed applications, hotfixes, and service packs
• Collect detailed information on processes and see how they use and are used by system resources
• Create and tune policies to control your environment without impacting usability
• Learn how to maintain the Cisco Security Agent architecture, including administrative access roles and backups

Cisco Security Agent presents a detailed explanation of Cisco Security Agent, illustrating the use of host Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) in modern self-defending network protection schemes. At the endpoint, the deployment of a host IPS provides protection against both worms and viruses. Rather than focusing exclusively on reconnaissance phases of network attacks a host IPS approaches the problem from the other direction, preventing malicious activity on the host by focusing on behavior. By changing the focus to behavior, damaging activity can be detected and blocked–regardless of the attack.

Cisco Security Agent is an innovative product in that it secures the portion of corporate networks that are in the greatest need of protection–the end systems. It also has the ability to prevent a day-zero attack, which is a worm that spreads from system to system, taking advantage of vulnerabilities in networks where either the latest patches have not been installed or for which patches are not yet available. Cisco Security Agent utilizes a unique architecture that correlates behavior occurring on the end systems by monitoring clues such as file and memory access, process behavior, COM object access, and access to shared libraries as well as other important indicators.

Cisco Security Agent is the first book to explore the features and benefits of this powerful host IPS product. Divided into seven parts, the book provides a detailed overview of Cisco Security Agent features and deployment scenarios. Part I covers the importance of endpoint security. Part II examines the basic components of the Cisco Security Agent architecture. Part III addresses agent installation and local use. Part IV discusses the Cisco Security Agent management console’s reporting and monitoring capabilities. Part V covers advanced Cisco Security Agent analysis features. Part VI covers Cisco Security Agent policy, implementation, and management. Part VII presents additional installation and management information.

Whether you are evaluating host IPS in general or looking for a detailed deployment guide for Cisco Security Agent, this book will help you lock down your endpoint systems and prevent future attacks.

“While there are still a lot of ways that security can go wrong, Cisco Security Agent provides a defense even when something is wrong. I remember the email that came around from our system administrator that said, ‘There’s something attacking our web server. We’re not sure what it is, but Stormwatch is blocking it.’ That was the Nimda worm–the first of a long line of attacks stopped by Cisco Security Agent.”

–Ted Doty, Product Manager, Security Technology Group, Cisco Systems®

This security book is part of the Cisco Press® Networking Technology Series. Security titles from Cisco Press help networking professionals secure critical data and resources, prevent and mitigate network attacks, and build end-to-end self-defending networks.

Back Cover

Prevent security breaches by protecting endpoint systems with Cisco Security Agent, the Cisco host Intrusion Prevention System

• Secure your endpoint systems with host IPS
• Build and manipulate policies for the systems you wish to protect
• Learn how to use groups and hosts in the Cisco Security Agent architecture and how the components are related
• Install local agent components on various operating systems
• Explore the event database on the management system to view and filter information
• Examine Cisco Security Agent reporting mechanisms for monitoring system activity
• Apply Application Deployment Investigation to report on installed applications, hotfixes, and service packs
• Collect detailed information on processes and see how they use and are used by system resources
• Create and tune policies to control your environment without impacting usability
• Learn how to maintain the Cisco Security Agent architecture, including administrative access roles and backups

Cisco Security Agent presents a detailed explanation of Cisco Security Agent, illustrating the use of host Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) in modern self-defending network protection schemes. At the endpoint, the deployment of a host IPS provides protection against both worms and viruses. Rather than focusing exclusively on reconnaissance phases of network attacks a host IPS approaches the problem from the other direction, preventing malicious activity on the host by focusing on behavior. By changing the focus to behavior, damaging activity can be detected and blocked–regardless of the attack.

Cisco Security Agent is an innovative product in that it secures the portion of corporate networks that are in the greatest need of protection–the end systems. It also has the ability to prevent a day-zero attack, which is a worm that spreads from system to system, taking advantage of vulnerabilities in networks where either the latest patches have not been installed or for which patches are not yet available. Cisco Security Agent utilizes a unique architecture that correlates behavior occurring on the end systems by monitoring clues such as file and memory access, process behavior, COM object access, and access to shared libraries as well as other important indicators.

Cisco Security Agent is the first book to explore the features and benefits of this powerful host IPS product. Divided into seven parts, the book provides a detailed overview of Cisco Security Agent features and deployment scenarios. Part I covers the importance of endpoint security. Part II examines the basic components of the Cisco Security Agent architecture. Part III addresses agent installation and local use. Part IV discusses the Cisco Security Agent management console’s reporting and monitoring capabilities. Part V covers advanced Cisco Security Agent analysis features. Part VI covers Cisco Security Agent policy, implementation, and management. Part VII presents additional installation and management information.

Whether you are evaluating host IPS in general or looking for a detailed deployment guide for Cisco Security Agent, this book will help you lock down your endpoint systems and prevent future attacks.

“While there are still a lot of ways that security can go wrong, Cisco Security Agent provides a defense even when something is wrong. I remember the email that came around from our system administrator that said, ‘There’s something attacking our web server. We’re not sure what it is, but Stormwatch is blocking it.’ That was the Nimda worm–the first of a long line of attacks stopped by Cisco Security Agent.”

–Ted Doty, Product Manager, Security Technology Group, Cisco Systems®

This security book is part of the Cisco Press® Networking Technology Series. Security titles from Cisco Press help networking professionals secure critical data and resources, prevent and mitigate network attacks, and build end-to-end self-defending networks.

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Part I  The Need for Endpoint Security

Chapter 1  Introducing Endpoint Security

The Early Days: Viruses and Worms

Virus Emergence and Early Propagation Methods

LAN Propagation

The WAN and Internet

The Network Worm

The Single Environment and Its Consequences

The Present: Blended Threats

Delivery and Propagation Mechanisms

The Bundled Exploit

Persistence

Paralyzing or Destructive Behavior

The Global Implications

Spyware

The Insider

Understanding Point Security Weaknesses

Using Point Security Products

Candy Shell Security

Backdoor Attack Vectors

Using Attack-Detection Methods

Signature-Based Attack Detection

Log File Scraping

Application Fingerprinting

Behavior-Based Attack Detection

Automation

Establishing a Security Policy

Understanding the Need for a Security Policy

Compliance Versus Enforcement

Summary

Chapter 2  Introducing the Cisco Security Agent

Intrusion Prevention and Intrusion Detection Technologies

The Life Cycle of an Attack

CSA Capabilities

Globally Automated Correlation and Reaction

Distributed Firewall

Application Control

File and Directory Protection

Network Admission Control

CSA Analysis

CSA Components Overview

Management Console

Agent

CSA Communication

Necessary Protocols and Ports

Pull Model

Push/Hint Capability

CSA’s Role Within SAFE

Summary

Part II  Understanding the CSA Building Blocks

Chapter 3  Understanding CSA Groups and Hosts

The Relationship Between Groups and Hosts

Understanding CSA Groups

Introducing the Group Types

Mandatory Groups

Predefined Groups

Custom Groups

Viewing Groups

Creating a Custom Group

Exploring Predefined Groups

The Desktops—All Types Group

Other Predefined Groups

Viewing and Changing Group Membership

Viewing Group-Associated Events

Understanding CSA Hosts

Viewing Host Configuration

Polling Intervals

Using Test Mode

Working with Hosts

Changing a Host’s Group Membership

Viewing Host-Associated Events

Summary

Chapter 4  Understanding CSA Policies, Modules, and Rules

The Relationship Between Policies, Modules, and Rules

Establishing Acceptable Use Documents and Security Policies

CSA Rules

Understanding State Sets

User State Sets

System State Sets

State Set Management

Understanding Rule Actions

Understanding Query Options

Rule Precedence and Manipulation

Other Common Rule Configuration Options

CSA Rule Types

Agent Service Control [W and U]

Agent UI Control [W and U]

Application Control [W and U]

Clipboard Access Control [W]

COM Component Access Control [W]

Connection Rate Limit [W and U]

Data Access Control [W and U]

File Access Control [W and U]

File Version Control [W]

Kernel Protection [W]

Network Access Control [W and U]

Network Shield [W and U]

NT Event Log [W]

Registry Access Control [W]

Service Restart [W]

Sniffer and Protocol Detection [W]

System API [W]

Buffer Overflow [U]

Network Interface Control [U]

Resource Access Control [U]

Rootkit/Kernel Protection [U]

Syslog Control [U]

CSA Rule Modules

Working with Rule Modules

Comparing Rule Modules

Creating a Rule Module

Using CSA Predefined Rule Modules

CSA Policies

Understanding Policy Settings

Using CSA Predefined Policies

Policy Relationship to Groups and Agents

Mandatory Groups and Combined Rule Precedence

Summary

Chapter 5  Understanding Application Classes and Variables

Using Application Classes

Purpose of CSA MC Built-In Application Classes

Configuring Application Classes

Built-In Application Classes

Introducing Static and Dynamic Application Classes

Creating a Static Application Class

Configuring Dynamic Application Classes

Managing Application Classes

Controlling Shell Scripts

System Processes

Introducing Variables

Network Address Sets

Network Services Sets

Data Sets

File Sets

Dynamically Quarantined Files and IP Addresses

Query Settings

COM Component Sets

Registry Sets

Summary

Part III  CSA Agent Installation and Local Agent Use

Chapter 6  Understanding CSA Components and Installation

General CSA Agent Components Overview

CSA Installation Requirements

Software and Hardware Requirements

Additional Installation Requirements

CSA MC Server and Database

Communication Security

Agent Kits

Creating an Agent Kit

To Shim or Not to Shim?

Installing Agent Kits

Installing a Windows Agent Kit

Installing a Solaris Agent Kit

Installing a Linux Agent Kit

Immediately Rebooting the System After Installation

Scripted Installation

Installing Software Updates

Uninstalling an Agent Kit

Summary

Chapter 7  Using the CSA User Interface

Windows Agent Interface

Windows Agent Tray Icon

Windows System Tray Options Menu

The CSA User GUI

Windows Agent—Status

Windows Agent—System Security

Windows Agent—System Security > Untrusted Applications

Local Firewall Settings

CSA Audible Notifications

Windows Programs Menu

CSA Local Directories and Tools

CSA User Interaction

Stopping a CSA Agent

Linux Agent Interface

Solaris Agent Interface

csactl Utility

Stopping the Solaris Agent

Summary

Part IV  Monitoring and Reporting

Chapter 8  Monitoring CSA Events

Status Summary

Network Status

Event Counts per Day

Refresh

Event Log

Filtering the Event Log

Interpreting and Using the Event Log

Understanding Event Field Information

Details

Rule Number

Event Wizard

Find Similar

Event Monitor

Event Log Management

Event Insertion Tasks

Auto-Pruning Tasks

Event Sets

Alerts

Summary

Chapter 9  Using CSA MC Reports

Audit Trail Reporting

Event Reporting

Events by Severity Reports

Events by Group Reports

Group Detail Reporting

Host Detail Reporting

Policy Detail Reporting

Report Viewing

Creating a Sample Report

Summary

Part V  Analyzing CSA

Chapter 10  Application Deployment Investigation

Using Application Deployment Investigation

Group Settings

Product Associations

Unknown Applications

Data Management

Using Application Deployment Reports

Antivirus Installations Report

Installed Products Report

Network Data Flows Report

Network Server Applications Report

Product Usage Report

Unprotected Hosts Report

Unprotected Products Report

Summary

Chapter 11  Application Behavior Analysis

Understanding Application Behavior Investigation Components

Configuring Application Behavior Investigation

Using Application Behavior Investigation on the Remote Agent

Analyzing Log Data

Viewing Behavior Reports

File Events

Directory Summary

Individual File Summary

All Events

Registry Events

Key Summary

All Events

COM Events

Object Summary

All Events

Network Events

Destination Port Summary

All Events

Summary Reports

Behavior Summary

Behavior Summary by Process

Exporting the Behavior Analysis Report Data

Analyzing UNIX Application Behavior

Creating Behavior Analysis Rule Modules

Importing the Behavior Policy

Understanding Imported Rule Module Methodology

Reviewing and Tuning the Imported Rule Module and Components

Summary

Part VI  Creating Policy, Implementing CSA, and Maintaining the CSA MC

Chapter 12  Creating and Tuning Policy

Creating Policy

How Policy Relates to CSA

The First Steps in Policy Creation

Creating New Policies Versus Using Predefined CSA Policies

Brief Review of Policy Component Hierarchy

Where to Apply Policies

Using Mandatory Groups

Cloning CSA Components

Creating a Simple CSA Policy

Investigating Predefined Policies

Base Operating System Protection—Windows Policy

Microsoft Office Policy

Instant Messenger Policy

Tuning Policy

Review of Key Features Impacting the Tuning Process

Actively Tuning by Example

Limiting the Event Log View

Tuning from Event Log Entries

Introducing the Event Management Wizard

Using the Event Management Wizard

Choosing Between the Event Log and Event Monitor

Troubleshooting Tuning

DMP and RTR Files

Summary

Chapter 13  Developing a CSA Project Implementation Plan

Planning for Success

The Project Plan

Outlining the Project Phases

The Training Phase

The Planning Phase

The Testing Phase

Gather Information

Determine Test Bed Size and Components

Install the Test CSA Management Architecture

Create and Configure the Test CSA Hierarchy

Configure CSA MC Administrative and Maintenance Settings

Create the Base Test Policy

Deploy the Test Policy

Tune the Test Policy and Add Advanced Policies

Place the Policy in Enforcement Mode

Create Alerts

Export, Report, and Document

Train Staff and Users

Verify Success Criteria

The Pilot Phase

The Implementation Phase

Continued Evolution of the CSA Deployment

Summary

Chapter 14  CSA MC Administration and Maintenance

CSA Licensing

CSA MC Registration Control

CSA MC Component Sharing

Exporting CSA MC Objects

Importing CSA MC Objects

CSA MC Role-Based Access Control

Inherited VMS Administrative Rights

CSA MC Administrative Control

Administrative Preferences

Other CSA MC Administrative Features

CSA MC Search Menu

Hosts

Groups

Policies

Rule Modules

Rules

Variables

Application Classes

All Inclusive

CSA MC Help Menu

CSA MC Backup and Restore Procedures

CSA MC Database Backup

CSA MC Database Restoration

Summary

Part VII  Appendixes

Appendix A  VMS and CSA MC 4.5 Installation

Appendix B  Security Monitor Integration

Appendix C  CSA MIB

Index

Author
Chad Sullivan is a triple-CCIE (Security, Routing/Switching, SNA/IP) and a systems engineer for Cisco Systems. Focusing predominantly on security in recent years, he is a member of the Security and VPN Virtual Teams at Cisco.