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AC-6(10)Least Privilege | Prohibit Non-privileged Users from Executing Privileged Functions

IL4 Mod
IL4 High
IL5
IL6

>Control Description

Prevent non-privileged users from executing privileged functions.

>DoD Impact Level Requirements

No specific parameter values or requirements for this impact level.

>Discussion

Privileged functions include disabling, circumventing, or altering implemented security or privacy controls, establishing system accounts, performing system integrity checks, and administering cryptographic key management activities. Non-privileged users are individuals who do not possess appropriate authorizations. Privileged functions that require protection from non-privileged users include circumventing intrusion detection and prevention mechanisms or malicious code protection mechanisms.

Preventing non-privileged users from executing privileged functions is enforced by AC-3.

>Programmatic Queries

Beta

Related Services

IAM
AWS Organizations SCPs
IAM Permission Boundaries

CLI Commands

Create SCP to deny privileged actions for non-admin OUs
aws organizations create-policy --name deny-privileged --type SERVICE_CONTROL_POLICY --content '{"Version":"2012-10-17","Statement":[{"Effect":"Deny","Action":["iam:Create*","iam:Delete*","iam:Attach*"],"Resource":"*"}]}'
Attach SCP to organizational unit
aws organizations attach-policy --policy-id POLICY_ID --target-id OU_ID
Create permission boundary to restrict privilege escalation
aws iam put-user-permissions-boundary --user-name USERNAME --permissions-boundary arn:aws:iam::ACCOUNT_ID:policy/non-admin-boundary
Simulate principal policy to verify restrictions
aws iam simulate-principal-policy --policy-source-arn arn:aws:iam::ACCOUNT_ID:user/USERNAME --action-names iam:CreateUser iam:AttachRolePolicy

>Assessment Interview Topics

Questions assessors commonly ask

Process & Governance:

  • What formal policies and procedures govern the implementation of AC-6(10) (Prohibit Non-Privileged Users From Executing Privileged Functions)?
  • Who are the designated roles responsible for implementing, maintaining, and monitoring AC-6(10)?
  • How frequently is the AC-6(10) policy reviewed and updated, and what triggers policy changes?
  • What training or awareness programs ensure personnel understand their responsibilities related to AC-6(10)?

Technical Implementation:

  • Describe the specific technical mechanisms or controls used to enforce AC-6(10) requirements.
  • What automated tools, systems, or technologies are deployed to implement AC-6(10)?
  • How is AC-6(10) integrated into your system architecture and overall security posture?
  • What configuration settings, parameters, or technical specifications enforce AC-6(10) requirements?

Evidence & Documentation:

  • What documentation demonstrates the complete implementation of AC-6(10)?
  • What audit logs, records, reports, or monitoring data validate AC-6(10) compliance?
  • Can you provide evidence of periodic reviews, assessments, or testing of AC-6(10) effectiveness?
  • What artifacts would you present during a FedRAMP assessment to demonstrate AC-6(10) compliance?

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