AC-6(3)_network-access-to-privileged-commands

AC-6(3) Network Access to Privileged Commands

Enhancement of: AC-6

High-Level Description

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

Network access is any access across a network connection in lieu of local access (i.e., user being physically present at the device).

What to Check

• Verify AC-6(3) Network Access to Privileged Commands is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AC-6(3)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control AC-6

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-6(3) 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

Authorize network access to [organization-defined] only for [organization-defined] and document the rationale for such access in the security plan for the system.

Implementation Guidance

Network access is any access across a network connection in lieu of local access (i.e., user being physically present at the device).

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - AC-6(3)
• 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 (AC-17, AC-18, AC-19) reviewed