AC-16(2)_attribute-value-changes-by-authorized-individuals

AC-16(2) Attribute Value Changes by Authorized Individuals

Enhancement of: AC-16

High-Level Description

Family: Access Control (AC) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

The content or assigned values of attributes can directly affect the ability of individuals to access organizational information. Therefore, it is important for systems to be able to limit the ability to create or modify attributes to authorized individuals.

What to Check

• Verify AC-16(2) Attribute Value Changes by Authorized Individuals is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AC-16(2)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control AC-16

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-16(2) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.

Step 2: Validate Implementation

# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly

# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null

Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness

Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.

Tools

Remediation Guide

Control Statement

Provide authorized individuals (or processes acting on behalf of individuals) the capability to define or change the value of associated security and privacy attributes.

Implementation Guidance

The content or assigned values of attributes can directly affect the ability of individuals to access organizational information. Therefore, it is important for systems to be able to limit the ability to create or modify attributes to authorized individuals.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - AC-16(2)
• NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)
• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog

Checklist

• Control documented in SSP
• Implementation evidence collected
• Operating effectiveness validated
• Continuous monitoring in place
• Related controls (none) reviewed