MA-3(5)_execution-with-privilege

MA-3(5) Execution with Privilege

Enhancement of: MA-3

High-Level Description

Family: Maintenance (MA) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Maintenance tools that execute with increased system privilege can result in unauthorized access to organizational information and assets that would otherwise be inaccessible.

What to Check

• Verify MA-3(5) Execution with Privilege is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for MA-3(5)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control MA-3

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

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

Monitor the use of maintenance tools that execute with increased privilege.

Implementation Guidance

Maintenance tools that execute with increased system privilege can result in unauthorized access to organizational information and assets that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - MA-3(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 (AC-3, AC-6) reviewed