AU-9(2)_store-on-separate-physical-systems-or-components

AU-9(2) Store on Separate Physical Systems or Components

Enhancement of: AU-9

High-Level Description

Family: Audit and Accountability (AU) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Storing audit records in a repository separate from the audited system or system component helps to ensure that a compromise of the system being audited does not also result in a compromise of the audit records. Storing audit records on separate physical systems or components also preserves the confidentiality and integrity of audit records and facilitates the management of audit records as an organization-wide activity. Storing audit records on separate systems or components applies to initial generation as well as backup or long-term storage of audit records.

What to Check

• Verify AU-9(2) Store on Separate Physical Systems or Components is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AU-9(2)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control AU-9

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AU-9(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

Store audit records [organization-defined] in a repository that is part of a physically different system or system component than the system or component being audited.

Implementation Guidance

Storing audit records in a repository separate from the audited system or system component helps to ensure that a compromise of the system being audited does not also result in a compromise of the audit records. Storing audit records on separate physical systems or components also preserves the confidentiality and integrity of audit records and facilitates the management of audit records as an organization-wide activity. Storing audit records on separate systems or components applies to initial generation as well as backup or long-term storage of audit records.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - AU-9(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 (AU-4, AU-5) reviewed