| name | AC-6(3)_network-access-to-privileged-commands |
| description | Authorize network access to [organization-defined] only for [organization-defined] and document the rationale for such access in the security plan for |
| category | authorization |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ac-6-3","ac","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-284"] |
| chains_with | ["AC-17","AC-18","AC-19"] |
| prerequisites | ["AC-6"] |
| severity_boost | {"AC-17":"Chain with AC-17 for comprehensive security coverage","AC-18":"Chain with AC-18 for comprehensive security coverage","AC-19":"Chain with AC-19 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
AC-6(3) Network Access to Privileged Commands
Enhancement of: AC-6
High-Level Description
Family: Access Control (AC)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Network access is any access across a network connection in lieu of local access (i.e., user being physically present at the device).
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-6(3) 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
Authorize network access to [organization-defined] only for [organization-defined] and document the rationale for such access in the security plan for the system.
Implementation Guidance
Network access is any access across a network connection in lieu of local access (i.e., user being physically present at the device).
Risk Assessment
