ac-12-3-timeout-warning-message

name	AC-12(3)_timeout-warning-message
description	Display an explicit message to users indicating that the session will end in [organization-defined].
category	authorization
version	5.2.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ac-12-3","ac","enhancement"]
tech_stack	["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-284"]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	["AC-12"]
severity_boost	{}

AC-12(3) Timeout Warning Message

Enhancement of: AC-12

High-Level Description

Family: Access Control (AC) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

To increase usability, notify users of pending session termination and prompt users to continue the session. The pending session termination time period is based on the parameters defined in the AC-12 base control.

What to Check

• Verify AC-12(3) Timeout Warning Message is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AC-12(3)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control AC-12

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-12(3) 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

Display an explicit message to users indicating that the session will end in [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

To increase usability, notify users of pending session termination and prompt users to continue the session. The pending session termination time period is based on the parameters defined in the AC-12 base control.

Risk Assessment