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To configure Cisco ISE to send only TLS-protected secure syslog between the Cisco ISE nodes and to the monitoring nodes, perform the following tasks:
1. Server Certificates Configuration
Ensure all Cisco ISE nodes are configured with appropriate server certificates. For FIPS 140 compliance, certificate keys must have a key size of 2048 bits or greater.
2. Enable FIPS Mode
Activate FIPS mode in the administration portal:
ise/admin# configure terminal ise/admin(config)# fips enable
3. Disable SSL Protocols
Ensure the default network access authentication policy does not allow any SSL version. Use TLS with FIPS-approved algorithms:
ise/admin(config)# no ssl protocol all ise/admin(config)# ssl protocol tlsv1.2
4. Node Registration & Monitoring Persona
Verify all nodes are registered with the Primary PAN and at least one node has the Monitoring persona enabled to function as a secure syslog receiver (TLS server).
5. Check RFC Compliance
Refer to the Cisco Identity Services Engine Network Component Compatibility guide for supported syslog RFC standards.
You Should Know:
1. Generating & Installing Certificates
Use OpenSSL to generate a 2048-bit key and CSR for ISE:
openssl req -new -newkey rsa:2048 -nodes -keyout ise.key -out ise.csr
Upload the signed certificate via Cisco ISE Admin Portal (Administration > Certificates).
#### **2. Enforcing TLS for Syslog**
Modify **rsyslog.conf** to enforce TLS:
$DefaultNetstreamDriver gtls $DefaultNetstreamDriverCAFile /path/to/ca-cert.pem $ActionSendStreamDriverAuthMode x509/name
#### **3. Verifying Syslog Forwarding**
Check syslog forwarding status:
ise/admin# show logging status
#### **4. Testing TLS Connectivity**
Use **openssl s_client** to test TLS syslog reception:
openssl s_client -connect <monitoring-node-ip>:6514 -starttls syslog
#### **5. FIPS Compliance Check**
Verify FIPS mode status:
ise/admin# show fips status
### **What Undercode Say:**
Securing syslog in Cisco ISE with TLS ensures data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance. Key takeaways:
– Always use TLS 1.2+ for encrypted logging.
– Regularly audit certificates for expiration.
– Monitor syslog traffic with tcpdump for anomalies:
tcpdump -i eth0 'port 6514' -w secure_syslog.pcap
– For debugging, use Wireshark with TLS decryption (if private keys are available).
– Automate log rotation with logrotate to prevent disk exhaustion.
**Expected Output:**
Syslog forwarding enabled via TLS 1.2 FIPS mode: ACTIVE Certificate validity: 2025-12-31 Monitoring node: ise-monitor01 (10.0.0.10:6514)
**Relevant URLs:**
References:
Reported By: Azambasha T – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
