cyberstrikeus/cyberstrike/ac-18-wireless-access

AC-18 Wireless Access

High-Level Description

Family: Access Control (AC) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Wireless technologies include microwave, packet radio (ultra-high frequency or very high frequency), 802.11x, and Bluetooth. Wireless networks use authentication protocols that provide authenticator protection and mutual authentication.

What to Check

• [ ] Verify AC-18 Wireless Access is documented in SSP
• [ ] Validate all 2 control requirements are implemented
• [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
• [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AC-18

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-18 implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.

Step 2: Validate Implementation

# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly
 
# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null

Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness

Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.

Tools

Remediation Guide

Control Statement

Establish configuration requirements, connection requirements, and implementation guidance for each type of wireless access; and Authorize each type of wireless access to the system prior to allowing such connections.

Implementation Guidance

Wireless technologies include microwave, packet radio (ultra-high frequency or very high frequency), 802.11x, and Bluetooth. Wireless networks use authentication protocols that provide authenticator protection and mutual authentication.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - AC-18
• NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)
• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog

Checklist

• [ ] Control documented in SSP
• [ ] Implementation evidence collected
• [ ] Operating effectiveness validated
• [ ] Continuous monitoring in place
• [ ] Related controls (AC-2, AC-3, AC-17, AC-19, CA-9) reviewed