cyberstrikeus AU-9(7) Store on Component with Different Operating System
Enhancement of: AU-9
High-Level Description
Family: Audit and Accountability (AU) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Storing auditing information on a system component running a different operating system reduces the risk of a vulnerability specific to the system, resulting in a compromise of the audit records.
What to Check
- Verify AU-9(7) Store on Component with Different Operating System is documented in SSP
- Confirm control is operating effectively
- Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AU-9(7)
- 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(7) 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
| Tool | Purpose | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| cloud-audit-mcp | Check logging configuration | cloud_audit_logging |
| AWS CLI | Review CloudTrail/CloudWatch | aws cloudtrail describe-trails |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Store audit information on a component running a different operating system than the system or component being audited.
Implementation Guidance
Storing auditing information on a system component running a different operating system reduces the risk of a vulnerability specific to the system, resulting in a compromise of the audit records.
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| AU-9(7) Store on Component with Different Operating System not implemented | Medium | Audit and Accountability |
| AU-9(7) partially implemented | Low | Incomplete Audit and Accountability |
CWE Categories
| CWE ID | Title |
|---|---|
| CWE-778 | Insufficient Logging |
References
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - AU-9(7)
- 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, AU-11, SC-29) reviewed