| name | AC-7(4)_use-of-alternate-authentication-factor |
| description | Allow the use of [organization-defined] that are different from the primary authentication factors after the number of organization-defined consecu... |
| category | authorization |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ac-7-4","ac","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-284"] |
| chains_with | ["IA-3"] |
| prerequisites | ["AC-7"] |
| severity_boost | {"IA-3":"Chain with IA-3 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
AC-7(4) Use of Alternate Authentication Factor
Enhancement of: AC-7
High-Level Description
Family: Access Control (AC)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
The use of alternate authentication factors supports the objective of availability and allows a user who has inadvertently been locked out to use additional authentication factors to bypass the lockout.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-7(4) 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
Allow the use of [organization-defined] that are different from the primary authentication factors after the number of organization-defined consecutive invalid logon attempts have been exceeded; and
Enforce a limit of [organization-defined] consecutive invalid logon attempts through use of the alternative factors by a user during a [organization-defined].
Implementation Guidance
