SC.L2-3.13.3 Role Separation

Separate user functionality from system management functionality.

Source: NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 3.13.3

Discussion: System management functionality includes functions necessary to administer databases, network components, workstations, or servers, and typically requires privileged user access. The separation of user functionality from system management functionality is physical or logical. Organizations can implement separation of system management functionality from user functionality by using different computers, different central processing units, different instances of operating systems, or different network addresses; virtualization techniques; or combinations of these or other methods, as appropriate. This type of separation includes web administrative interfaces that use separate authentication methods for users of any other system resources. Separation of system and user functionality may include isolating administrative interfaces on different domains and with additional access controls.

Assessment Objectives:

Determine if:

• [a] user functionality is identified;
• [b] system management functionality is identified; and
• [c] user functionality is separated from system management functionality.

Examine: [SELECT FROM: System and communications protection policy; procedures addressing application partitioning; system design documentation; system configuration settings and associated documentation; security plan; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].

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

Test: [SELECT FROM: Separation of user functionality from system management functionality].

SPRS Score: 1

POA&M Allowed: Yes