In the Check Point Security Gateway architecture, the Observer, implemented as the fwobserver process, plays a crucial role in monitoring. Its primary function is to collect status and statistical information from various components of the gateway, including kernel modules and user-space daemons. This data, which includes metrics like CPU utilization, memory usage, and connection statistics, is then reported to the Security Management Server. The Security Management Server uses this information to display the gateway's health and performance status in SmartConsole, enabling administrators to monitor the system effectively.

A. Observers attach object IDs to traffic

This is incorrect. Packet classification and object identification occur within the firewall kernel during the initial stages of packet inspection, not by the Observer process.

B. They store Rule Base matching state related information

This is incorrect. State-related information for traffic matching the Rule Base is maintained in the kernel's connection tables (state tables), not by the Observer.

D. Observers decide whether or not to publish a CLOB to the Security Policy

This is incorrect. The process of compiling and publishing a policy (CLOB - Compiled Loadable Object Block) is managed by the FWM process on the Security Management Server and the CPD process on the gateway.

1. Check Point Official Documentation: R81.10 Security Gateway Architecture Guide. In the "Main Processes on Security Gateway" section, the fwobserver process is explicitly defined: "Monitors the Security Gateway state and reports it to the Security Management Server." (Reference: Page 11)

2. Check Point Official Documentation: R80.x Architecture and Performance Tuning - Advanced Guide. The guide details the fwobserver process as part of the monitoring infrastructure, responsible for gathering data for commands like cpstat and for reporting to the Security Management Server. (Reference: Chapter "Monitoring", Section "Key Monitoring Processes")