<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 defconxt. All rights reserved. -->
<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
<!-- NERF is a trademark of defconxt. -->

---
id: anomaly-72b80b06
title: Performing Log-Based Anomaly Detection
description: >
  Apply statistical and ML methods to detect log anomalies
  using automated analysis and remediation techniques.
mode: BLUE
tags:
  - log-analysis
  - anomaly-detection
  - baseline
  - machine-learning
metadata:
  mitre-attack: ["T1078"]
---

# Performing Log-Based Anomaly Detection

> **`[MODE: BLUE]`** — Apply statistical and ML methods to detect log anomalies.

## Quick Reference

```bash
# Run the performing-log-based-anomaly-detection agent
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode parse

# Generate a report
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode report --output report.json

# Analyze with verbose output
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode analyze --verbose
```

## Overview

Performing Log-Based Anomaly Detection is a critical log analysis technique that addresses
common security risks in modern environments. This skill provides automated
tooling and structured methodology for practitioners to apply statistical and ml methods to detect log anomalies.

### Key Concepts

- **Identification**: Detect relevant indicators and patterns
- **Analysis**: Evaluate severity and business impact
- **Remediation**: Apply targeted fixes with verification
- **Monitoring**: Establish ongoing detection coverage

## Workflow

### Phase 1 — Discovery

Enumerate the target environment and identify the attack surface
relevant to performing log based anomaly detection.

```bash
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode parse --phase discovery
```

**Expected output**: JSON inventory of identified targets and initial findings.

### Phase 2 — Analysis

Perform deep analysis of discovered items to determine risk level
and exploitability.

```bash
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode analyze --phase analysis
```

**Expected output**: Categorized findings with severity ratings.

### Phase 3 — Remediation

Apply recommended fixes and generate compliance evidence.

```bash
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode report --phase remediation
```

**Expected output**: Remediation report with before/after comparison.

## Verification

### Automated Verification

```bash
# Verify remediation was applied correctly
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode parse --verify

# Run regression check
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode analyze --regression
```

### Manual Verification Checklist

- [ ] All identified issues have been addressed
- [ ] Remediation does not break functionality
- [ ] Detection rules are deployed and tested
- [ ] Documentation is updated with findings
- [ ] Stakeholders have been notified of changes

### Validation Criteria

| Check | Expected Result | Tool |
|-------|----------------|------|
| Configuration audit | No critical findings | `agent.js --mode parse` |
| Regression test | All tests pass | `agent.js --verify` |
| Detection coverage | Rules firing on test data | SIEM validation |

## Detection Opportunities

When operating in BLUE mode, consider these detection angles:

- Monitor for configuration changes related to performing log based anomaly detection
- Alert on anomalous patterns that indicate exploitation attempts
- Correlate findings with threat intelligence feeds
- Baseline normal behavior to identify deviations

```yaml
title: Log Based Anomaly Detection Detection
id: bd32206e-c52c-4d9a-a700-79331d37ad43
status: experimental
description: Detects suspicious activity related to performing log based anomaly detection techniques in log analysis context
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    CommandLine: "*performing*log*"
  condition: selection
level: medium
tags:
  - attack.t1078
  - attack.defense_evasion
falsepositives:
  - Log aggregation pipeline performing scheduled data normalization
```

## References

- [MITRE ATT&CK](https://attack.mitre.org/) — Technique mapping
- [CIS Benchmarks](https://www.cisecurity.org/cis-benchmarks) — Hardening standards
- [NIST SP 800-53](https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-53/rev-5/final) — Security controls
- [OWASP](https://owasp.org/) — Web application security guidance
- See also: `references/api-reference.md` for API documentation
