SI-14(3)_non-persistent-connectivity

SI-14(3) Non-persistent Connectivity

Enhancement of: SI-14

High-Level Description

Family: System and Information Integrity (SI) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Persistent connections to systems can provide advanced adversaries with paths to move laterally through systems and potentially position themselves closer to high value assets. Limiting the availability of such connections impedes the adversary’s ability to move freely through organizational systems.

What to Check

• Verify SI-14(3) Non-persistent Connectivity is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SI-14(3)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SI-14

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SI-14(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

Establish connections to the system on demand and terminate connections after [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

Persistent connections to systems can provide advanced adversaries with paths to move laterally through systems and potentially position themselves closer to high value assets. Limiting the availability of such connections impedes the adversary’s ability to move freely through organizational systems.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SI-14(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 (SC-10) reviewed