Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, security is of paramount importance. For organizations leveraging Splunk for data analytics and visualization, aligning with web browser standards and enhancing security protocols is a crucial step. One significant aspect is changing Splunk web port from default port 8000 to 443. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps required for this transition and shed light on why it’s imperative for a more secure Splunk deployment.

Why Changing Splunk Web Port?

Web browsers predominantly operate on either HTTP (port 80) or the secure HTTPS (port 443). The default Splunk web port, set at 8000, may pose challenges in terms of compatibility and security. By transitioning to port 443, we not only adhere to industry standards but also ensure encrypted data transmission, thus fortifying the overall security of the Splunk web interface.

Ensuring a Secure Splunk Environment

Step 1: Update splunk-launch.conf

The process begins with updating the splunk-launch.conf file. This configuration file holds crucial information about how Splunk launches, and by adding the appropriate stanza, we pave the way for a smooth transition.

SPLUNK_OS_USER=splunk

This addition sets the stage for subsequent configurations by specifying the user context under which Splunk operates.

Step 2: Modify web.conf

Navigate to the web.conf file, a pivotal configuration file for Splunk’s web interface settings. Here, we introduce the necessary changes to accommodate the new port and enable SSL.

[settings]
httpport = 443
enableSplunkWebSSL = true
privkeyPath = SSPLUNK_HOME/etc/auth/splunkweb/cert_name.key
caCertPath = SSPLUNK_HOME/etc/auth/splunkweb/cert_name.pem

In this step, we not only set the web port to 443 but also enable Splunk Web SSL, ensuring secure communication. The specified paths for the private key and certificate files are crucial for establishing a secure connection.

Step 3: Edit server.conf

The server.conf file comes next. Here, we add the server name in the [general] stanza, ensuring proper identification of the Splunk server.

[general]
serverName = <hostname>…com

This step is vital, especially in standalone Splunk environments, for accurate server identification and seamless communication.

Step 4: Execute Commands

Transitioning to port 443 requires a few commands to be executed on the server. These commands, involving setting capabilities and configuring library paths, ensure that the Splunk server operates effectively on the new port.

[user@host]$ sudo setcap 'cap_net bind_service=+ep' /opt/splunk/bin/splunkd
[user@host]$ echo /opt/splunk/lib | sudo tee /etc/ld.so.conf.d/splunk.conf
[user@host]$ sudo ldconfig
[user@host]$ sudo setcap 'cap_net bind_service=+ep' /opt/splunk/bin/splunk

By executing these commands, we enhance the capabilities of the Splunk server, making it adept at handling the transition to port 443.

Step 5: Restart Splunk

To bring all the changes into effect, a simple restart of the Splunk server is necessary.

[splunk@<splunk-host>]$ /opt/splunk/bin/splunk restart

This step finalizes the transition, ensuring that the Splunk server now operates securely on port 443.

Validation

To validate the success of the port change:

Open Splunk Web without adding the port in the URL, for example: https://<your_website>.com.
Navigate to Settings > Server settings > General settings. Confirm that the Splunk Web > Web port is running on 443.

By following these detailed steps, you not only ensure a seamless transition but also contribute to a more secure Splunk environment, aligning with modern web standards and best practices. Always remember to take a compatible backup before making such changes, ensuring a safety net for any unforeseen issues.

Remember, maintaining a secure environment is an ongoing effort, so stay vigilant and keep abreast of future advancements in Splunk and web security. Happy Splunking!