| name | CM-8(4)_accountability-information |
| description | Include in the system component inventory information, a means for identifying by [organization-defined] , individuals responsible and accountable for |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","cm-8-4","cm","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-16"] |
| chains_with | ["AC-3"] |
| prerequisites | ["CM-8"] |
| severity_boost | {"AC-3":"Chain with AC-3 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
CM-8(4) Accountability Information
Enhancement of: CM-8
High-Level Description
Family: Configuration Management (CM)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Identifying individuals who are responsible and accountable for administering system components ensures that the assigned components are properly administered and that organizations can contact those individuals if some action is required (e.g., when the component is determined to be the source of a breach, needs to be recalled or replaced, or needs to be relocated).
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for CM-8(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 configuration baselines | cloud_audit_config |
| AWS CLI | Review Config rules | aws configservice describe-config-rules |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Include in the system component inventory information, a means for identifying by [organization-defined] , individuals responsible and accountable for administering those components.
Implementation Guidance
Identifying individuals who are responsible and accountable for administering system components ensures that the assigned components are properly administered and that organizations can contact those individuals if some action is required (e.g., when the component is determined to be the source of a breach, needs to be recalled or replaced, or needs to be relocated).
