| name | PE-2_physical-access-authorizations |
| description | Develop, approve, and maintain a list of individuals with authorized access to the facility where the system resides; |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","pe-2","pe"] |
| tech_stack | ["any"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | ["AT-3","AU-9","IA-4","MA-5","MP-2","PE-3","PE-4","PE-5","PE-8","PM-12"] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {"AT-3":"Chain with AT-3 for comprehensive security coverage","AU-9":"Chain with AU-9 for comprehensive security coverage","IA-4":"Chain with IA-4 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
PE-2 Physical Access Authorizations
High-Level Description
Family: Physical and Environmental Protection (PE)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Physical access authorizations apply to employees and visitors. Individuals with permanent physical access authorization credentials are not considered visitors. Authorization credentials include ID badges, identification cards, and smart cards. Organizations determine the strength of authorization credentials needed consistent with applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines. Physical access authorizations may not be necessary to access certain areas within facilities that are designated as publicly accessible.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for PE-2 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
Develop, approve, and maintain a list of individuals with authorized access to the facility where the system resides;
Issue authorization credentials for facility access;
Review the access list detailing authorized facility access by individuals [organization-defined] ; and
Remove individuals from the facility access list when access is no longer required.
Implementation Guidance
Physical access authorizations apply to employees and visitors. Individuals with permanent physical access authorization credentials are not considered visitors. Authorization credentials include ID badges, identification cards, and smart cards. Organizations determine the strength of authorization credentials needed consistent with applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines. Physical access authorizations may not be necessary to access certain areas within facilities that are designated as publicly accessible.
