3.2.2.1: Unix

7. Risk: Unidentifiable users may compromise critical business processes and data.

a. SOX.4.2.1.7: The UNIX system will not allow identical administrator IDs.

Testing Procedures

Obtain a copy of the user control file from the system and verify that there are no duplicate system accounts.

An example of this might be one of the following:

• Solaris Unix: etc/passwd
  
• AIX Unix: etc/passwd
  
• Linux Unix: etc/passwd
  

Testing Frequency

Quarterly validation of all systems within scope.

Evidence Archive Location

Insert hyperlink or location of evidence archive.

Control Stewards Process Narrative

The AIX operating system prevents the addition of duplicate Ids. Furthermore, the regular review of administrator IDs listed above serves as a backstop for this control.

Control Steward – Steve Somebody

Process Illustration

Replace this test by inserting a process diagram, flowchart or other visual representation to illustrate the process narrative as necessary. Include a brief description of the process illustration.

Control Status and Auditors Commentary

The control is effective. It is technically impossible to establish identical user accounts on a UNIX operating system.

File:Greenlock.jpg

Status is acceptable.

Control Exception Commentary

Status is acceptable.

Remediation Plan

Remediation is not required at this time.

8. Risk: Insufficient security standards may allow unauthorized access to production systems and business data stores.

a. SOX.4.2.1.8: UNIX passwords are required for each system ID. Password configuration is based on Corporate IT standards.

Testing Procedures

Obtain a copy of the configuration file enforcing the password parameters as defined by the corporate policy document: Technical Standard – Access Controls.

An example of this might be one of the following:

• Solaris Unix: etc/default/passwd
  
• AIX Unix: etc/security/user
  
• Linux Unix: etc/login.defs
  

Testing Frequency

Quarterly validation of all systems within scope.

Evidence Archive Location

Insert hyperlink or location of evidence archive.

Control Stewards Process Narrative

Passwords on all platforms adhere to the corporate policy document: Technical Standard – Access Controls.
The password complexity standards include the following:

• Password Length: 8 characters.
  

• Password Complexity: At least one each of alpha (a - z), numeric (0 - 9) and special characters (#, $ and @).
  

• Passwords may not be reused again for nine months.
  

• Password must be changed every thirteen weeks.
  

Control Steward – Pat Manager

Process Illustration

Replace this test by inserting a process diagram, flowchart or other visual representation to illustrate the process narrative as necessary. Include a brief description of the process illustration.

Control Status and Auditors Commentary

The control is effective at this time because the appropriate password parameters are automatically enforced and they meet or exceed corporate information technology password standards.

File:Greenlock.jpg

Continued ongoing random sample testing of all UNIX systems on a quarterly basis is advised.

Control Exception Commentary

Status acceptable. Control exceptions do not exist at this time.

Remediation Plan

Status acceptable. Remediation not required at this time.

9. Risk: Inappropriate administrative actions are executed without accountability measures.

a. SOX.4.2.1.9: The UNIX operating system application has forensic auditing enabled to enable the monitoring of administrative access related events.

Testing Procedures

Obtain a copy of an automatic notification message produced by the system being tested to verify that the security administrators are being proactively notified of possible access violations.

An example might be a monitoring background process that sends an electronic message to the security administrative group automatically when root access occurs. The email message will provide a date, time, source, destination, and responsible entity to satisfy compliance requirements.

Testing Frequency

Semi- Annual validation of all systems within scope.

Evidence Archive Location

Insert hyperlink or location of evidence archive.

Control Stewards Process Narrative

Currently, no active notification of security violations occurs. If there is suspicion of activity, IT Security would work with the Systems Software group to access to security logs on each AIX host.

Control Steward – Steve Somebody

Process Illustration

Replace this test by inserting a process diagram, flowchart or other visual representation to illustrate the process narrative as necessary. Include a brief description of the process illustration.

Control Status and Auditors Commentary

The control is not effective at this time because automatic system alerts are not being generated to provide effective proactive security event alerts to the security administrators.

File:Redlock.jpg

Creating simple monitoring shell scripts or implementing a commercial solution is advised.

Control Exception Commentary

Status in not acceptable.

Remediation Plan

Implement a CRON driven shell script to monitor activity logs. Alert activity should be proactively forwarded to security administrators as these events occur ideally through electronic mail. The security administrator should investigate suspect activities and document any findings. This action report should be archived for compliance testing purposes.