SI-7(16)_time-limit-on-process-execution-without-supervision

SI-7(16) Time Limit on Process Execution Without Supervision

Enhancement of: SI-7

High-Level Description

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

Placing a time limit on process execution without supervision is intended to apply to processes for which typical or normal execution periods can be determined and situations in which organizations exceed such periods. Supervision includes timers on operating systems, automated responses, and manual oversight and response when system process anomalies occur.

What to Check

• Verify SI-7(16) Time Limit on Process Execution Without Supervision is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SI-7(16)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SI-7

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SI-7(16) 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

Prohibit processes from executing without supervision for more than [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

Placing a time limit on process execution without supervision is intended to apply to processes for which typical or normal execution periods can be determined and situations in which organizations exceed such periods. Supervision includes timers on operating systems, automated responses, and manual oversight and response when system process anomalies occur.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SI-7(16)
• 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 (none) reviewed