Title

Policy must require that administrative user accounts not be used with applications that access the internet, such as web browsers, or with potential internet sources, such as email. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

Using applications that access the internet or have potential internet sources using administrative privileges exposes a system to compromise. If a flaw in an application is exploited while running as a privileged user, the entire system could be compromised. Web browsers and email are common attack vectors for introducing malicious code and must not be run with an administrative user account. Since administrative user accounts may generally change or work around technical restrictions for running a web browser or other applications, it is essential that policy requires administrative users not access the internet or use applications, such as email. The policy should define specific exceptions for local service administration. These exceptions may include HTTP(S)-based tools that are used for the administration of the local system, services, or attached devices.

Check Content

Determine if site policy prohibits the use of applications that access the internet, such as web browsers, or with potential internet sources, such as email, by administrative user accounts, except as necessary for local service administration. If it does not, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Establish a site policy to prohibit the use applications that access the internet, such as web browsers, or with potential internet sources, such as email, by administrative user accounts. Ensure the policy is enforced.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-47861r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-36451

Group Title: Accounts with administrative privileges Internet access

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.