AC.L2-3.1.11 Session Termination

Terminate (automatically) a user session after a defined condition.

Source: NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 3.1.11

Discussion: This requirement addresses the termination of user-initiated logical sessions in contrast to the termination of network connections that are associated with communications sessions (i.e., disconnecting from the network). A logical session (for local, network, and remote access) is initiated whenever a user (or process acting on behalf of a user) accesses an organizational system. Such user sessions can be terminated (and thus terminate user access) without terminating network sessions. Session termination terminates all processes associated with a user’s logical session except those processes that are specifically created by the user (i.e., session owner) to continue after the session is terminated. Conditions or trigger events requiring automatic session termination can include organization-defined periods of user inactivity, targeted responses to certain types of incidents, and time-of-day restrictions on system use

Assessment Objectives:

Determine if:

• [a] conditions requiring a user session to terminate are defined; and
• [b] a user session is automatically terminated after any of the defined conditions occur.

Examine: [SELECT FROM: Access control policy; procedures addressing session termination; system design documentation; security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; list of conditions or trigger events requiring session disconnect; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].

Interview: [SELECT FROM: System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; system developers].

Test: [SELECT FROM: Mechanisms implementing user session termination].

SPRS Score: 1

POA&M Allowed: Yes