SC-46 Cross Domain Policy Enforcement

Guidance: nonePolicy clause: noneWhat these mean

Baselines	Implementation level	Enhancements
Not in a baseline	System	None

Related controls: AC-4, SC-7

Control statement

Implement a policy enforcement mechanism [Selection: physically; logically] between the physical and/or network interfaces for the connecting security domains.

NIST discussion

For logical policy enforcement mechanisms, organizations avoid creating a logical path between interfaces to prevent the ability to bypass the policy enforcement mechanism. For physical policy enforcement mechanisms, the robustness of physical isolation afforded by the physical implementation of policy enforcement to preclude the presence of logical covert channels penetrating the security domain may be needed. Contact ncdsmo@nsa.gov for more information.

Assessment objectives (SP 800-53A)

Objectives and methods for SC-46

Determine if a policy enforcement mechanism is [Selection: physically; logically] implemented between the physical and/or network interfaces for the connecting security domains.

Examine: System and communications protection policy; procedures addressing cross-domain policy enforcement; system design documentation; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system audit records; system security plan; other relevant documents or records.

Interview: System/network administrators; organizational personnel with information security responsibilities; organizational personnel installing, configuring, and/or maintaining the system.

Test: Mechanisms supporting and/or implementing cross-domain policy enforcement.