SC-2(1)_interfaces-for-non-privileged-users

SC-2(1) Interfaces for Non-privileged Users

Enhancement of: SC-2

High-Level Description

Family: System and Communications Protection (SC) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Preventing the presentation of system management functionality at interfaces to non-privileged users ensures that system administration options, including administrator privileges, are not available to the general user population. Restricting user access also prohibits the use of the grey-out option commonly used to eliminate accessibility to such information. One potential solution is to withhold system administration options until users establish sessions with administrator privileges.

What to Check

• Verify SC-2(1) Interfaces for Non-privileged Users is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-2(1)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SC-2

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-2(1) 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

Prevent the presentation of system management functionality at interfaces to non-privileged users.

Implementation Guidance

Preventing the presentation of system management functionality at interfaces to non-privileged users ensures that system administration options, including administrator privileges, are not available to the general user population. Restricting user access also prohibits the use of the grey-out option commonly used to eliminate accessibility to such information. One potential solution is to withhold system administration options until users establish sessions with administrator privileges.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-2(1)
• 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) reviewed