AU.L2-3.3.9 · NIST SP 800-171 3.3.9

Audit Management

Limit management of audit logging functionality to a subset of privileged users.

1 point if not metPOA&M eligible2 assessment objectives

What an assessor scores, 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 a C3PAO checks it

NIST SP 800-171A defines three assessment methods. For AU.L2-3.3.9, an assessor uses these:

Examine

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

Interview

Personnel with audit and accountability responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators; system developers

Test

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. Potential Assessment Considerations • Are audit records of nonlocal accesses to privileged accounts and the execution of privileged functions protected [b]?

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.

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Prove AU.L2-3.3.9, and the other 109

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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.

Key references
  • NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 3.3.9