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 PSM captures a record of each command that was executed in Unix by using the SSH text recorder. This is a feature that enables PSM to record all the keystrokes that are typed during privileged sessions on SSH connections, including Unix systems. The SSH text recorder can be configured in the Platform Management settings for each platform that uses the SSH protocol. The text recordings are stored and protected in the Vault server and are accessible to authorized auditors. The text recordings can also be used for auditing and compliance purposes, as they provide a detailed trace of the actions performed by the users on the target systems1. References:

1: Introduction to PSM for SSH, How it works subsection, Text recordings paragraph

To use the show, copy, and connect buttons on the accounts in the safe UnixRoot, the Operations Staff need to have the Use Accounts permission, which allows them to request access to the accounts and perform actions on them. However, since dual control is enabled for some of the accounts, they also need to have the Retrieve Accounts permission, which allows them to view the password of the account after it is authorized by another user. The Authorize Password Requests permission is not needed, as it is only required for the users who can approve the requests, not the ones who make them. The Access Safe without Authorization permission is not needed, as it would bypass the dual control mechanism and allow the Operations Staff to access the accounts without approval. References:

[Defender PAM Sample Items Study Guide], page 10, question 5

[CyberArk Privileged Access Security Implementation Guide], page 30, table 2-1

[CyberArk Privileged Access Security Administration Guide], page 43, section 3.2.2.1

When using the AccountUploader Utility to create accounts with SSH keys, the parameter used to set the full or relative path of the SSH private key file that will be attached to the account is KeyFile. This parameter specifies the location of the SSH private key file, which is then associated with the account being onboarded into the CyberArk Privileged Access Security system. The correct configuration of this parameter is crucial for the successful attachment of the SSH key to the account1.

References:

CyberArk’s official documentation on the AccountUploader Utility, which provides detailed information on the parameters and usage for onboarding accounts with SSH keys1.

 One Time Passwords (OTPs) are passwords that are valid for only one use or a limited time period. The primary purpose of OTPs is to reduce the risk of credential theft, which is a common attack vector for hackers and malicious insiders. By using OTPs, the exposure of the credentials is minimized, and the attacker cannot reuse the stolen password to access the target system. OTPs also enhance the security of the authentication process, as they add an extra layer of verification to the user’s identity. OTPs can be generated by various methods, such as SMS, email, hardware tokens, software tokens, etc1.

The other options are not the primary purpose of OTPs, because:

B. More frequent password changes. This is not the primary purpose of OTPs, but a consequence of using them. OTPs require more frequent password changes, as they expire after one use or a limited time period. However, this is not the main goal of using OTPs, but rather a means to achieve the goal of reducing the risk of credential theft.

C. Non-repudiation (individual accountability). This is not the primary purpose of OTPs, but a benefit of using them. Non-repudiation means that the user cannot deny performing an action or accessing a resource, as there is sufficient evidence to prove their identity and activity. OTPs can help achieve non-repudiation, as they are unique and personal to each user, and can be traced back to the user’s device or account. However, this is not the main goal of using OTPs, but rather an advantage of using them.

D. To force a ‘collusion to commit’ fraud ensuring no single actor may use a password without authorization. This is not the primary purpose of OTPs, but a feature of using them. OTPs can help prevent unauthorized access to privileged accounts, as they require the user to have both the OTP and the regular password to access the target system. This means that no single actor can use the password without authorization, as they would need the cooperation of another actor who has the OTP. However, this is not the main goal of using OTPs, but rather a capability of using them.

References:

1: One-time password

 The newly configured directory mapping can be tested by searching for members that exist only in the mapping group to grant them safe permissions through the PVWA (Privileged Vault Web Access). This process allows you to verify that the directory mapping is functioning correctly by ensuring that only the intended users, who are part of the specific Active Directory group, are granted access to the safes in the CyberArk Vault12.

References:

CyberArk Docs - Create directory mapping1

CyberArk Docs - Edit directory mapping3

CyberArk Docs - LDAP Integration in PVWA

According to the CyberArk Defender PAM documentation, the Master Policy setting that must be active in order to have an account checked-out by one user for a pre-determined amount of time is Enforce check-in/check-out exclusive access. This setting enables organizations to permit users to check out a ‘one-time’ password and lock it so that no other users can retrieve it at the same time. After the user has used the password, the user checks the password back into the Vault. This ensures exclusive usage of the privileged account, enabling full control and tracking for the password. The duration of the check-out period can be configured in the platform settings for each account. References:

Account check-out and check-in - CyberArk

Master Policy - CyberArk

To update the Vault level audit permissions for all auditors, you would use the Private Ark Client. Specifically, you would navigate to the Tools menu, select Administrative Tools, then Users and Groups. Within the Users and Groups section, you would select the Auditors group and go to the Authorizations tab. Here, you can manage and update the permissions for the Auditor group, including the Audit Users Vault permission. This ensures that all members of the Auditors group have the necessary permissions to perform their audit functions within the Vault1.

References:

CyberArk’s official documentation on predefined users and groups, which includes information on the Auditor user and the permissions associated with this role1.

Information on the administrative tools available in the Private Ark Client, which are used for managing users and groups, including auditors2.

The PTA can perform automatic password change as a type of remediation in case of a suspected credential theft security event. According to the CyberArk documentation1, "Rotate credentials - for OverPass the Hash attack and Suspected credentials theft events."1 This means that the PTA can initiate a password change request to the CPM for the affected account, which will generate a new random password and update it on the target system and the Vault. This way, the PTA can prevent the attacker from using the stolen credentials to access the target system or launch further attacks. References:

Configure PTA Remediations - CyberArk, section “Remediation Initiation”

 By default, external vault users and groups are synchronized once every 24 hours between 1 AM and 5 AM. This synchronization schedule is determined by the AutoSyncExternalObjects parameter in the DBParm.ini file, which specifies that the Vault’s external users and groups will be synchronized with the External Directory during this time frame1.

References:

CyberArk Docs - Synchronize External Users and Groups in the Vault with the External Directory

When a new domain controller is added to a domain, it is necessary to update the CyberArk infrastructure to ensure it can use the new domain controller for authentication. This involves updating the hosts file on the Vault server located at Windows\System32\Etc\Hosts to include the new domain controller’s details. Additionally, within the PVWA Application, you need to navigate to Administration > LDAP Integration > Directories > Hosts and update the information there as well. This ensures that both the Vault server and the PVWA Application are aware of the new domain controller and can authenticate against it1.

References:

CyberArk’s official documentation on configuring Active Directory integration, which includes details on setting up domain controllers for authentication2.

Information on adding Active Directory as a directory service in CyberArk Identity, which discusses the integration of domain controllers3.