Audit Management
Limit management of audit logging functionality to a subset of privileged users.
What gets scored, the objectives
AU.L2-3.3.9 is met only when every one of these 2 objectives, from NIST SP 800-171A, is satisfied. A single missed objective makes the whole requirement not met.
- a.a subset of privileged users granted access to manage audit logging functionality is defined
- b.management of audit logging functionality is limited to the defined subset of privileged users
How this is assessed
NIST SP 800-171A defines three assessment methods. For AU.L2-3.3.9, whoever assesses it, including your own team in a self assessment, uses these:
Audit and accountability policy; access control policy and procedures; procedures addressing protection of audit information; system security plan; system design documentation; system configuration setting s and associated documentation; access authorizations; system-generated list of privileged users with access to management of audit logging functionality; access control list; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records
Personnel with audit and accountability responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators; system developers
Mechanisms managing access to audit logging functionality
What it means, in context
Individuals with privileged access to a system and who are also the subject of an audit by that system, may affect the reliability of audit information by inhibiting audit logging activities or modifying audit record s. This requirement specifies that privileged access be further defined between audit-related privileges and other privileges, thus limiting the users with audit-related privileges.
Companies should restrict access to audit logging functions to a limited number of privileged users who can modify audit logs and audit settings . General users should not be granted permissions to perform audit management. All audit managers should be privileged users, but only a small subset of privileged users will be given audit management responsibilities . Functions performed by privileged users must be distinctly separate from the functions performed by users who have audit-related responsibilities to reduce the potential of fraudulent activities by privileged users not being detected or reported. When possible , individuals who manage audit logs should not have access to other privileged functions. Example You are responsible for the administration of select company infrastructure that contains CUI, but you are not responsible for managing audit information. You are not permitted to review audit logs, delete audit logs, or modify audit log settings [b]. Full control of audit logging functions has been given to senior system administrators [a,b]. This separation of system administration duties from audit logging management is necessary to prevent possible log file tampering.
What passing evidence looks like
The short list of who may manage audit functionality (turn auditing on and off, change what is collected, purge) and the role screenshot showing only they can.
Common ways contractors fail AU.L2-3.3.9
- !This is a subset question of 3.3.8: management of logging itself. Keep the privileged subset tiny, ideally one named admin plus a break glass account.
The step by step walkthrough for Microsoft 365 GCC High, Google Workspace, and on premises setups, plus the exact evidence to capture, lives inside the CMMC Level 2 plan.
Prove AU.L2-3.3.9, and the other 109
The Level 2 workspace walks your team through all 110 requirements at the objective level, drafts your SSP section by section from your own record for your team to read and accept, gives a prime or your own internal auditor a read only seat on the same record, and a credentialed officer reviews every step.
Book a free advisory callNo credit card, and Level 1 and Level 2 are both open, so sign up for the level your contracts call for. Self assessed and self attested: you score yourself in SPRS on a three year cycle and your senior official affirms it every year. As of September 3, 2026 a class deviation directs contracting officers to remove third party assessment from contracts. The program rule still provides for it, so your solicitation sets the track. Your team builds the same evidence either way. DFARS 252.204-7012 is unaffected, and the NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 baseline is unchanged.
AU.L2-3.3.9 questions, answered
How many points is CMMC requirement AU.L2-3.3.9 worth?+
AU.L2-3.3.9 is worth 1 point in the CMMC Level 2 score under 32 CFR 170.24. If it is not met, you lose 1 from your total of 110.
Can AU.L2-3.3.9 be placed on a POA&M?+
Yes. A gap on AU.L2-3.3.9 can be deferred to a Plan of Action and Milestones, provided your overall score is 88 or better and the item closes within 180 days.
What family does AU.L2-3.3.9 belong to?+
AU.L2-3.3.9 is in the Audit & Accountability (AU) family, one of the 14 families of NIST SP 800-171 that make up CMMC Level 2.
- NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 3.3.9