| name | MA-5(4)_foreign-nationals |
| description | Ensure that: Foreign nationals with appropriate security clearances are used to conduct maintenance and diagnostic activities on classified systems on |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ma-5-4","ma","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | ["PS-3"] |
| prerequisites | ["MA-5"] |
| severity_boost | {"PS-3":"Chain with PS-3 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
MA-5(4) Foreign Nationals
Enhancement of: MA-5
High-Level Description
Family: Maintenance (MA)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Personnel who conduct maintenance and diagnostic activities on organizational systems may be exposed to classified information. If non-U.S. citizens are permitted to perform maintenance and diagnostics activities on classified systems, then additional vetting is required to ensure agreements and restrictions are not being violated.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for MA-5(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 |
|---|
| Manual Review | Documentation and interview-based | N/A |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Ensure that:
Foreign nationals with appropriate security clearances are used to conduct maintenance and diagnostic activities on classified systems only when the systems are jointly owned and operated by the United States and foreign allied governments, or owned and operated solely by foreign allied governments; and
Approvals, consents, and detailed operational conditions regarding the use of foreign nationals to conduct maintenance and diagnostic activities on classified systems are fully documented within Memoranda of Agreements.
