| name | AC-3(10)_audited-override-of-access-control-mechanisms |
| description | Employ an audited override of automated access control mechanisms under [organization-defined] by [organization-defined]. |
| category | authorization |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ac-3-10","ac","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-284"] |
| chains_with | ["AU-2","AU-6","AU-10","AU-12","AU-14"] |
| prerequisites | ["AC-3"] |
| severity_boost | {"AU-2":"Chain with AU-2 for comprehensive security coverage","AU-6":"Chain with AU-6 for comprehensive security coverage","AU-10":"Chain with AU-10 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
AC-3(10) Audited Override of Access Control Mechanisms
Enhancement of: AC-3
High-Level Description
Family: Access Control (AC)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
In certain situations, such as when there is a threat to human life or an event that threatens the organization’s ability to carry out critical missions or business functions, an override capability for access control mechanisms may be needed. Override conditions are defined by organizations and used only in those limited circumstances. Audit events are defined in AU-2 . Audit records are generated in AU-12.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-3(10) 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
| Tool | Purpose | Usage |
|---|
| cloud-audit-mcp | Check IAM policies and access controls | cloud_audit_iam_policies |
| hackbrowser-mcp | Test web application access controls | browser_auth_test |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Employ an audited override of automated access control mechanisms under [organization-defined] by [organization-defined].
Implementation Guidance
In certain situations, such as when there is a threat to human life or an event that threatens the organization’s ability to carry out critical missions or business functions, an override capability for access control mechanisms may be needed. Override conditions are defined by organizations and used only in those limited circumstances. Audit events are defined in . Audit records are generated in .
