AC-17(4)—Remote Access | Privileged Commands and Access
IL4 Mod
IL4 High
IL5
IL6
>Control Description
(a) Authorize the execution of privileged commands and access to security-relevant information via remote access only in a format that provides assessable evidence and for the following needs: ⚙organization-defined needs; and
(b) Document the rationale for remote access in the security plan for the system.
>DoD Impact Level Requirements
No specific parameter values or requirements for this impact level.
>Discussion
Remote access to systems represents a significant potential vulnerability that can be exploited by adversaries. As such, restricting the execution of privileged commands and access to security-relevant information via remote access reduces the exposure of the organization and the susceptibility to threats by adversaries to the remote access capability.
>Programmatic Queries
Beta
Related Services
AWS Systems Manager Session Manager
AWS CloudTrail
IAM Identity Center
CLI Commands
List active SSM sessions (privileged remote access)
aws ssm describe-sessions --state Active --query 'Sessions[].{Id:SessionId,Target:Target,Owner:Owner,StartDate:StartDate}'Get session logging configuration
aws ssm get-document --name SSM-SessionManagerRunShell --query 'Content'Search CloudTrail for privileged session events
aws cloudtrail lookup-events --lookup-attributes AttributeKey=EventName,AttributeValue=StartSession --max-results 20Enable session logging to S3 and CloudWatch
aws ssm update-document --name SSM-SessionManagerRunShell --content '{"schemaVersion":"1.0","inputs":{"s3BucketName":"session-logs","cloudWatchLogGroupName":"ssm-sessions"}}' --document-version '$LATEST'>Related Controls
>Assessment Interview Topics
Questions assessors commonly ask
Process & Governance:
- •What formal policies and procedures govern the implementation of AC-17(4) (Privileged Commands And Access)?
- •Who are the designated roles responsible for implementing, maintaining, and monitoring AC-17(4)?
- •How frequently is the AC-17(4) policy reviewed and updated, and what triggers policy changes?
- •What training or awareness programs ensure personnel understand their responsibilities related to AC-17(4)?
Technical Implementation:
- •Describe the specific technical mechanisms or controls used to enforce AC-17(4) requirements.
- •What automated tools, systems, or technologies are deployed to implement AC-17(4)?
- •How is AC-17(4) integrated into your system architecture and overall security posture?
- •What configuration settings, parameters, or technical specifications enforce AC-17(4) requirements?
Evidence & Documentation:
- •What documentation demonstrates the complete implementation of AC-17(4)?
- •What audit logs, records, reports, or monitoring data validate AC-17(4) compliance?
- •Can you provide evidence of periodic reviews, assessments, or testing of AC-17(4) effectiveness?
- •What artifacts would you present during a FedRAMP assessment to demonstrate AC-17(4) compliance?
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