AC-6(1)—Least Privilege | Authorize Access to Security Functions

IL4 Mod

IL4 High

IL5

IL6

>Control Description

Authorize access for ⚙organization-defined individuals or roles to: (a) ⚙organization-defined security functions (deployed in hardware, software, and firmware); and (b) ⚙organization-defined security-relevant information.

>DoD Impact Level Requirements

FedRAMP Parameter Values

AC-6 (1) (a) [all functions not publicly accessible] AC-6 (1) (b) [all security-relevant information not publicly available]

>Discussion

Security functions include establishing system accounts, configuring access authorizations (i.e., permissions, privileges), configuring settings for events to be audited, and establishing intrusion detection parameters. Security-relevant information includes filtering rules for routers or firewalls, configuration parameters for security services, cryptographic key management information, and access control lists. Authorized personnel include security administrators, system administrators, system security officers, system programmers, and other privileged users.

>Programmatic Queries

Beta

Related Services

IAM

AWS Organizations

AWS Security Hub

CLI Commands

List users with admin access

aws iam list-entities-for-policy --policy-arn arn:aws:iam::aws:policy/AdministratorAccess

List IAM policies with security-related permissions

aws iam list-policies --scope Local --query "Policies[?contains(PolicyName,'Security')].{Name:PolicyName,Arn:Arn}"

Get access advisor data for a role

aws iam generate-service-last-accessed-details --arn ROLE_ARN && aws iam get-service-last-accessed-details --job-id JOB_ID

Simulate access to security functions

aws iam simulate-principal-policy --policy-source-arn ARN --action-names iam:CreateRole iam:AttachRolePolicy iam:PutRolePolicy

Open AWS Console Documentation

>Related Controls

>Assessment Interview Topics

Questions assessors commonly ask

Process & Governance:

•What formal policies and procedures govern the implementation of AC-6(1) (Authorize Access To Security Functions)?
•Who are the designated roles responsible for implementing, maintaining, and monitoring AC-6(1)?
•How frequently is the AC-6(1) policy reviewed and updated, and what triggers policy changes?
•What training or awareness programs ensure personnel understand their responsibilities related to AC-6(1)?

Technical Implementation:

•Describe the specific technical mechanisms or controls used to enforce AC-6(1) requirements.
•What automated tools, systems, or technologies are deployed to implement AC-6(1)?
•How is AC-6(1) integrated into your system architecture and overall security posture?
•What configuration settings, parameters, or technical specifications enforce AC-6(1) requirements?

Evidence & Documentation:

•What documentation demonstrates the complete implementation of AC-6(1)?
•What audit logs, records, reports, or monitoring data validate AC-6(1) compliance?
•Can you provide evidence of periodic reviews, assessments, or testing of AC-6(1) effectiveness?
•What artifacts would you present during a FedRAMP assessment to demonstrate AC-6(1) compliance?

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