AC-16(5)_attribute-displays-on-objects-to-be-output

AC-16(5) Attribute Displays on Objects to Be Output

Enhancement of: AC-16

High-Level Description

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

System outputs include printed pages, screens, or equivalent items. System output devices include printers, notebook computers, video displays, smart phones, and tablets. To mitigate the risk of unauthorized exposure of information (e.g., shoulder surfing), the outputs display full attribute values when unmasked by the subscriber.

What to Check

• Verify AC-16(5) Attribute Displays on Objects to Be Output is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AC-16(5)
• 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(5) 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

Display security and privacy attributes in human-readable form on each object that the system transmits to output devices to identify [organization-defined] using [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

System outputs include printed pages, screens, or equivalent items. System output devices include printers, notebook computers, video displays, smart phones, and tablets. To mitigate the risk of unauthorized exposure of information (e.g., shoulder surfing), the outputs display full attribute values when unmasked by the subscriber.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - AC-16(5)
• 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