Chapter 8 Configuring Event Action Rules

Configuring OS Identifications

There are three sources of OS information. The sensor ranks the sources of OS information in the following order:

1.Configured OS maps—OS maps you enter. Configured OS maps reside in the event action rules policy and can apply to one or many virtual sensors.

Note You can specify multiple operating systems for the same IP address. The last one in the list is the operating system that is matched.

2.Imported OS maps—OS maps imported from an external data source. Imported OS maps are global and apply to all virtual sensors.

Note Currently the CSA MC is the only external data source.

3.Learned OS maps—OS maps observed by the sensor through the fingerprinting of TCP packets with the SYN control bit set. Learned OS maps are local to the virtual sensor that sees the traffic.

When the sensor needs to determine the OS for a target IP address, it consults the configured OS maps. If the target IP address is not in the configured OS maps, the sensor looks in the imported OS maps. If the target IP address is not in the imported OS maps, the sensor looks in the learned OS maps. If it cannot find it there, the sensor treats the OS of the target IP address as unknown.

Note Passive OS fingerprinting is enabled by default and the IPS contains a default vulnerable OS list for each signature.

Passive OS Fingerprinting Configuration Considerations

You do not have to configure passive OS fingerprinting for it to function. IPS provides a default vulnerable OS list for each signature and passive analysis is enabled by default.

You can configure the following aspects of passive OS fingerprinting:

•Define OS maps—We recommend configuring OS maps to define the identity of the OS running on critical systems. It is best to configure OS maps when the OS and IP address of the critical systems are unlikely to change.

•Limit the attack relevance rating calculation to a specific IP address range—This limits the attack relevance rating calculations to IP addresses on the protected network.

•Import OS maps—Importing OS maps provides a mechanism for accelerating the learning rate and fidelity of the OS identifications made through passive analysis. If you have an external product interface, such as the CSA MC, you can import OS identifications from it.

•Define event action rules filters using the OS relevance value of the target—This provides a way to filter alerts solely on OS relevance.

•Disable passive analysis—Stops the sensor from learning new OS maps.

•Edit signature vulnerable OS lists—The vulnerable OS list specifies what OS types are vulnerable to each signature. The default, general-os, applies to all signatures that do not specify a vulnerable OS list.

 

 

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Cisco Systems IPS4510K9 manual Passive OS Fingerprinting Configuration Considerations
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IPS4510K9 specifications

Cisco Systems has long been a leading player in network security, and its IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) series is a testament to its commitment to safeguarding digital environments. Among its notable offerings are the IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 models, both designed to provide advanced threat protection for mid-sized to large enterprise networks.

The Cisco IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 are distinguished by their cutting-edge features that help organizations defend against a myriad of cyber threats. These systems utilize a multi-layered approach to security, integrating intrusion prevention, advanced malware protection, and comprehensive visibility across the network.

One of the primary characteristics of the IPS4510K9 is its high performance. It boasts a throughput of up to 1 Gbps, making it suitable for environments that demand rapid data processing and real-time responses to threats. The IPS4520K9, on the other hand, enhances that capability with improved throughput of up to 2 Gbps, accommodating larger enterprises with heavier network traffic. These models are equipped with powerful processors that support complex signature matching and can intelligently distinguish between legitimate traffic and potential threats.

In addition to performance, both models are designed with scalability in mind. They can be easily integrated into existing Cisco infrastructures. This facilitates a seamless enhancement of security without causing significant interruptions to ongoing operations. Moreover, they offer flexible deployment options, allowing organizations to operate them inline or out of band depending on their specific needs.

The Cisco IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 leverage advanced detection technologies, utilizing a variety of signature types and heuristic analysis to detect known and unknown threats effectively. They are equipped with real-time alerting and reporting capabilities, giving security teams immediate visibility into potential breaches and enabling them to respond swiftly.

Furthermore, both models support a range of management options through the Cisco Security Manager, allowing for centralized administration, streamlined policy management, and enhanced monitoring capabilities. Automated updates ensure the systems remain current with the latest threat intelligence, vital for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.

In summary, the Cisco Systems IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 represent powerful solutions for organizations seeking robust intrusion prevention capabilities. With their high performance, scalability, and advanced detection technologies, these systems are essential tools in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, providing enterprises with the peace of mind needed to operate securely in today's digital world.
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