| name | AC-6(7)_review-of-user-privileges |
| description | Review [organization-defined] the privileges assigned to [organization-defined] to validate the need for such privileges; |
| category | authorization |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ac-6-7","ac","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-284"] |
| chains_with | ["CA-7"] |
| prerequisites | ["AC-6"] |
| severity_boost | {"CA-7":"Chain with CA-7 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
AC-6(7) Review of User Privileges
Enhancement of: AC-6
High-Level Description
Family: Access Control (AC)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
The need for certain assigned user privileges may change over time to reflect changes in organizational mission and business functions, environments of operation, technologies, or threats. A periodic review of assigned user privileges is necessary to determine if the rationale for assigning such privileges remains valid. If the need cannot be revalidated, organizations take appropriate corrective actions.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-6(7) 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
Review [organization-defined] the privileges assigned to [organization-defined] to validate the need for such privileges; and
Reassign or remove privileges, if necessary, to correctly reflect organizational mission and business needs.
