IBM z/OS ACF2 STIG Version Comparison

There are 4 differences between versions v8 r12 (July 26, 2023) (the "left" version) and v8 r14 (Jan. 24, 2024) (the "right" version).

Check ACF2-OS-000190 was removed from the benchmark in the "right" version. The text below reflects the old wording.

This check's original form is available here.

Title

IBM z/OS system administrator must develop a process to notify ISSOs of account enabling actions.

Check Content

Ask the system Administrator for the documented processes to notify the Information System Security Officers (ISSOs) of account enabling actions. If there is no process documented, this is a finding.

Discussion

Once an attacker establishes access to a system, the attacker often attempts to create a persistent method of reestablishing access. One way to accomplish this is for the attacker to enable an existing disabled account. Sending notification of account enabling actions to the system administrator and ISSO is one method for mitigating this risk. Such a capability greatly reduces the risk that operating system accessibility will be negatively affected for extended periods of time and also provides logging that can be used for forensic purposes.

Fix

Develop a documented process to notify the Information System Security Officers (ISSOs) of account enabling actions.