MA.L2-3.7.5
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Requirement
Require multifactor authentication to establish nonlocal maintenance sessions via external network connections and terminate such connections when nonlocal maintenance is complete.
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Discussion
Nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic activities are those activities conducted by individuals communicating through an external network. The authentication techniques employed in the establishment of these nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic sessions reflect the network access requirements in IA.L2-3.5.3.
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Further Discussion
Nonlocal maintenance activities must use multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication requires at least two factors, such as:- something you know (e.g., password, personal identification number [PIN]);
- something you have (e.g., cryptographic identification device, token); or
- something you are (e.g., biometric fingerprint or facial scan).
- AC.L2-3.1.12 requires the control of remote access sessions.
- AC.L2-3.1.14 limits remote access to specific access control points.
- AC.L2-3.1.13 requires the use of cryptographic mechanisms when enabling remote sessions.
- AC.L2-3.1.15 requires authorization for privileged commands executed during a remote session.
- Finally, IA.L2-3.5.3 requires multifactor authentication for network access to non-privileged accounts.
Example
You are responsible for maintaining your company’s firewall. In order to conduct maintenance while working remotely, you connect to the firewall’s management interface and log in using administrator credentials. The firewall then sends a verification request to the multifactor authentication app on your smartphone [a]. You need both of these things to prove your identity [a]. After you respond to the multifactor challenge, you have access to the maintenance interface. When you finish your activities, you shut down the remote connection by logging out and quitting your web browser [b].Potential Assessment Considerations
- Is multifactor authentication required prior to maintenance of a system when connecting remotely from outside the system boundary [a]?
- Are personnel required to manually terminate remote maintenance sessions established via external network connections when maintenance is complete, or are connections terminated automatically through system session management mechanisms [b]?
NIST 800-171A Assessment Guidance
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