| name | AC-2(3)_disable-accounts |
| description | Disable accounts within [organization-defined] when the accounts: Have expired; Are no longer associated with a user or individual; Are in violation o |
| category | authorization |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ac-2-3","ac","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-284"] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | ["AC-2"] |
| severity_boost | {} |
AC-2(3) Disable Accounts
Enhancement of: AC-2
High-Level Description
Family: Access Control (AC)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Disabling expired, inactive, or otherwise anomalous accounts supports the concepts of least privilege and least functionality which reduce the attack surface of the system.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-2(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
Disable accounts within [organization-defined] when the accounts:
Have expired;
Are no longer associated with a user or individual;
Are in violation of organizational policy; or
Have been inactive for [organization-defined].
Implementation Guidance
Disabling expired, inactive, or otherwise anomalous accounts supports the concepts of least privilege and least functionality which reduce the attack surface of the system.
