Security

Splunk local account SOX compliance

LOP22456
Explorer

Hello,

I have a request from a systems manager related to SOX controls. They are requesting information around the local Splunk account that is created when a UF is being installed (this is on a Linux machine). They are asking where the password is stored for this account/who has access to it, and what are the controls around it.

They are requesting to make this account non-interactive - would this cause any problems? They would then have to go around to all 200+ UFs and do this, not sure how intuitive this would be.

Has anyone encountered requests related to local Splunk UF accounts & SOX controls?

Labels (1)
0 Karma
1 Solution

livehybrid
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

Hi @LOP22456 

The user (typically splunkfwd) that is created is a standard system user, so will be stored in /etc/passwd with other local users and I dont think a password is set, so its not possible to login with the user. The password would be stored in /etc/shadow if set.

Check out https://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/Forwarder/latest/Forwarder/Installanixuniversalforwarder#:~:te... for more information around this if you havent already seen.

🌟 Did this answer help you? If so, please consider:

  • Adding karma to show it was useful
  • Marking it as the solution if it resolved your issue
  • Commenting if you need any clarification

Your feedback encourages the volunteers in this community to continue contributing

 

View solution in original post

livehybrid
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

Hi @LOP22456 

The user (typically splunkfwd) that is created is a standard system user, so will be stored in /etc/passwd with other local users and I dont think a password is set, so its not possible to login with the user. The password would be stored in /etc/shadow if set.

Check out https://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/Forwarder/latest/Forwarder/Installanixuniversalforwarder#:~:te... for more information around this if you havent already seen.

🌟 Did this answer help you? If so, please consider:

  • Adding karma to show it was useful
  • Marking it as the solution if it resolved your issue
  • Commenting if you need any clarification

Your feedback encourages the volunteers in this community to continue contributing

 

LOP22456
Explorer

Thank you, this is exactly what I need.

0 Karma
Career Survey
First 500 qualified respondents will receive a $20 gift card! Tell us about your professional Splunk journey.
Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

.conf25 Global Broadcast: Don’t Miss a Moment

Hello Splunkers, .conf25 is only a click away.  Not able to make it to .conf25 in person? No worries, you can ...

Observe and Secure All Apps with Splunk

 Join Us for Our Next Tech Talk: Observe and Secure All Apps with SplunkAs organizations continue to innovate ...

What's New in Splunk Observability - August 2025

What's New We are excited to announce the latest enhancements to Splunk Observability Cloud as well as what is ...