3.1.6

Use non-privileged accounts or roles when accessing non-security functions.

DISCUSSION

This requirement limits exposure when operating from within privileged accounts or roles. The inclusion of roles addresses situations where organizations implement access control policies such as role-based access control and where a change of role provides the same degree of assurance in the change of access authorizations for the user and all processes acting on behalf of the user as would be provided by a change between a privileged and non-privileged account.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE

Determine if:

3.1.6[a] nonsecurity functions are identified.

3.1.6[b] users are required to use non-privileged accounts or roles when accessing nonsecurity functions.

POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT METHODS AND OBJECTS

Examine: [SELECT FROM: Access control policy; procedures addressing least privilege; system security plan; list of system-generated security functions assigned to system accounts or roles; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].

Interview: [SELECT FROM: Personnel with responsibilities for defining least privileges necessary to accomplish specified organizational tasks; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].

Test: [SELECT FROM: Mechanisms implementing least privilege functions].