CMDB

Asset inventory and infrastructure mapping for comprehensive IT environment visibility.

The CMDB (Configuration Management Database) module provides centralized asset inventory management and infrastructure relationship mapping. Track hardware, software, network devices, and their interdependencies to maintain accurate IT environment documentation and support incident response, change management, and compliance reporting.

Overview

CMDB enables organizations to:

  • Asset Discovery: Automatically discover and inventory IT assets

  • Relationship Mapping: Track dependencies between infrastructure components

  • Change Tracking: Record configuration changes and their impact

  • Compliance Support: Maintain accurate inventory for audit requirements

  • Incident Response: Quickly identify affected systems during security events

Asset Management

Asset Types

CMDB tracks multiple asset categories:

  • Servers: Physical and virtual servers with OS, applications, and services

  • Network Devices: Routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers

  • Endpoints: Workstations, laptops, and mobile devices

  • Applications: Software applications and their dependencies

  • Cloud Resources: Cloud instances, containers, and services

Asset Attributes

Each asset maintains comprehensive attributes:

  • Hostname/FQDN

  • IP addresses and network configuration

  • Operating system and version

  • Installed software and patches

  • Hardware specifications

  • Location and ownership

  • Criticality and business impact

Infrastructure Mapping

Relationship Types

CMDB tracks various relationship types:

  • Runs On: Application → Server

  • Connects To: Server → Database

  • Depends On: Service → Network Device

  • Hosts: Physical Server → Virtual Machines

  • Protected By: Application → Firewall

Topology Visualization

Visual representation of infrastructure:

  • Network topology diagrams

  • Application dependency maps

  • Service relationship views

  • Critical path identification

  • Impact analysis visualization

Integration with Security Operations

SIEM Integration

CMDB enriches security events with asset context:

  • Map security alerts to affected assets

  • Identify asset criticality and business impact

  • Track asset ownership for incident assignment

  • Correlate events across related infrastructure

Incident Response Support

During security incidents:

  • Quickly identify all affected systems

  • Understand dependencies and potential impact

  • Locate asset owners for notification

  • Access configuration baselines for comparison

Data Collection

Discovery Methods

CMDB populates through multiple sources:

  • Network Scanning: Active discovery of network devices

  • Agent-Based Collection: Installed agents report system details

  • Log Integration: Parse system logs for asset information

  • API Integration: Import from external CMDBs or asset management systems

  • Manual Entry: Administrative input for assets not auto-discovered

Update Frequency

Asset data refresh:

  • Critical systems: Real-time or every 15 minutes

  • Standard systems: Hourly updates

  • Network devices: Every 4 hours

  • Applications: Daily refresh

  • Manual verification: Monthly review

Reporting and Analytics

Standard Reports

Pre-built CMDB reports:

  • Asset inventory by type and location

  • Software installation compliance

  • Hardware lifecycle management

  • Configuration drift detection

  • Vulnerability exposure by asset

Custom Reports

Build custom views:

  • Filter by asset attributes

  • Group by location, owner, or criticality

  • Export to CSV or PDF

  • Schedule automated report delivery

Best Practices

  • Maintain Accuracy: Regular audits to verify CMDB data

  • Define Ownership: Assign asset owners for accountability

  • Document Changes: Record all configuration modifications

  • Classify Assets: Categorize by criticality and business impact

  • Integrate Workflows: Connect CMDB to incident and change management