AC-4(28)_linear-filter-pipelines

AC-4(28) Linear Filter Pipelines

Enhancement of: AC-4

High-Level Description

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

Content filtering is the process of inspecting information as it traverses a cross-domain solution and determines if the information meets a predefined policy. The use of linear content filter pipelines ensures that filter processes are non-bypassable and always invoked. In general, the use of parallel filtering architectures for content filtering of a single data type introduces bypass and non-invocation issues.

What to Check

• Verify AC-4(28) Linear Filter Pipelines is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AC-4(28)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control AC-4

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-4(28) 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

When transferring information between different security domains, implement a linear content filter pipeline that is enforced with discretionary and mandatory access controls.

Implementation Guidance

Content filtering is the process of inspecting information as it traverses a cross-domain solution and determines if the information meets a predefined policy. The use of linear content filter pipelines ensures that filter processes are non-bypassable and always invoked. In general, the use of parallel filtering architectures for content filtering of a single data type introduces bypass and non-invocation issues.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - AC-4(28)
• 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