ac-18-3-disable-wireless-networking

name	AC-18(3)_disable-wireless-networking
description	Disable, when not intended for use, wireless networking capabilities embedded within system components prior to issuance and deployment.
category	authorization
version	5.2.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ac-18-3","ac","enhancement"]
tech_stack	["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-284"]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	["AC-18"]
severity_boost	{}

AC-18(3) Disable Wireless Networking

Enhancement of: AC-18

High-Level Description

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

Wireless networking capabilities that are embedded within system components represent a significant potential vulnerability that can be exploited by adversaries. Disabling wireless capabilities when not needed for essential organizational missions or functions can reduce susceptibility to threats by adversaries involving wireless technologies.

What to Check

• Verify AC-18(3) Disable Wireless Networking is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AC-18(3)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control AC-18

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-18(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, when not intended for use, wireless networking capabilities embedded within system components prior to issuance and deployment.

Implementation Guidance

Wireless networking capabilities that are embedded within system components represent a significant potential vulnerability that can be exploited by adversaries. Disabling wireless capabilities when not needed for essential organizational missions or functions can reduce susceptibility to threats by adversaries involving wireless technologies.