Parsing More Than Tags in XML FlexConnectors
- Pavan Raja
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Summary:
This document provides a comprehensive guide on utilizing XML Flex Connectors within HP's ESP Global Services for security and vulnerability scanning environments. Key points include understanding the purpose and installation of these connectors, introduction to basic XML concepts such as root nodes, leaf nodes, intermediate nodes, attributes, text, and namespaces, detailing how to set up an XML parser using XQuery/XPath expressions, instructions on post-installation actions, and answering common queries related to the topic. The document aims to facilitate effective handling of security events from devices generating XML reports through these connectors.
Details:
This document outlines the basics of using XML Flex Connectors in various security and vulnerability scanning environments, with an emphasis on HP's ESP Global Services. It covers why these connectors are useful, available documentation and tools, fundamental XML concepts, how to install a connector, post-installation actions, and provides guidance through Q&A sessions related to the topic.
### Key Points:
1. **Purpose of XML Flex Connectors**: Designed for devices that produce XML reports such as vulnerability scanners, these connectors are used due to their standardized log format which allows customers to create unique XML schemas for generating logs.
2. **Documentation and Tools**: Users have access to ArcSight documentation (specific pages from the Flex Developer Guide), a Deep Dive into XML FlexConnectors presentation available online, external websites with tutorials on XQuery/XPath concepts, and various tools like XML Viewer, Stylus Studio XML Enterprise Suite, and Altova XMLSpy for viewing and editing XML files.
3. **Basic XML Concepts**: The document introduces basic XML terms such as root node, leaf nodes, intermediate nodes, attributes, and text. It also explains the role of XML FlexConnector with its trigger node, hop node, and name spaces.
4. **XML Parser Setup**: Before writing a parser, one must identify the trigger node, namespace (if applicable), hop nodes (optional but useful for more complex scenarios), and all tokens including attributes and necessary nodes.
5. **Installation and Usage**: The document details steps on how to install XML Flex Connectors and what actions should be taken post-installation to ensure optimal functionality in processing security events from the devices mentioned earlier.
6. **Q&A Session**: The final section of this document outlines questions that may arise during implementation or usage, providing clear answers for a better understanding of the topic at hand.
This guide serves as an introduction and reference material to effectively utilize XML Flex Connectors within HP's ESP Global Services for handling security events generated by various devices using XML reports.
This document outlines a method for creating an XML parser using XQuery/XPath expressions in a properties file named "*.xqueryparser.properties". Key components include namespaces, trigger nodes, tokens, and built-in functions within the XQuery/XPath framework. The parser is designed to map token values to specific event fields and handle conditional logic based on node emptiness.
The setup involves:
1. Defining a "Trigger Node" with associated expressions that select child nodes using XPath syntax.
2. Using built-in functions like `name()`, `string()`, `empty()`, and `string-join()` to manipulate data within the XML structure.
3. Mapping tokens to event fields, optionally categorizing unmapped tokens as additional data fields in a specified format (e.g., CEF).
4. Configuring the parser for execution either as a service or standalone application, with specific instructions on file location and naming conventions for processed files.
5. Implementing conditional expressions based on XML node content to determine processing logic.
The document concludes with instructions for deploying the Flex agent to run the connector, specifying how to configure the agent via a properties file to interact with the parser and handle parsed data accordingly.