| name | AC-4(15)_detection-of-unsanctioned-information |
| description | When transferring information between different security domains, examine the information for the presence of [organization-defined] and prohibit the |
| category | authorization |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ac-4-15","ac","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-284"] |
| chains_with | ["SI-3"] |
| prerequisites | ["AC-4"] |
| severity_boost | {"SI-3":"Chain with SI-3 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
AC-4(15) Detection of Unsanctioned Information
Enhancement of: AC-4
High-Level Description
Family: Access Control (AC)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Unsanctioned information includes malicious code, information that is inappropriate for release from the source network, or executable code that could disrupt or harm the services or systems on the destination network.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-4(15) 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
When transferring information between different security domains, examine the information for the presence of [organization-defined] and prohibit the transfer of such information in accordance with the [organization-defined].
Implementation Guidance
Unsanctioned information includes malicious code, information that is inappropriate for release from the source network, or executable code that could disrupt or harm the services or systems on the destination network.
