| name | IA-5(8)_multiple-system-accounts |
| description | Implement [organization-defined] to manage the risk of compromise due to individuals having accounts on multiple systems. |
| category | authentication |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ia-5-8","ia","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","active-directory","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-287"] |
| chains_with | ["PS-6"] |
| prerequisites | ["IA-5"] |
| severity_boost | {"PS-6":"Chain with PS-6 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
IA-5(8) Multiple System Accounts
Enhancement of: IA-5
High-Level Description
Family: Identification and Authentication (IA)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
When individuals have accounts on multiple systems and use the same authenticators such as passwords, there is the risk that a compromise of one account may lead to the compromise of other accounts. Alternative approaches include having different authenticators (passwords) on all systems, employing a single sign-on or federation mechanism, or using some form of one-time passwords on all systems. Organizations can also use rules of behavior (see PL-4 ) and access agreements (see PS-6 ) to mitigate the risk of multiple system accounts.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for IA-5(8) 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 authentication settings | cloud_audit_iam_policies |
| hackbrowser-mcp | Test authentication mechanisms | browser_auth_test |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Implement [organization-defined] to manage the risk of compromise due to individuals having accounts on multiple systems.
Implementation Guidance
