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 simply modify an existing account. Auditing of account modification is one method for mitigating this risk. A comprehensive account management process will ensure an audit trail documents the modification of user accounts and, as required, notifies administrators and/or managers. Such a process greatly reduces the risk that accounts will be surreptitiously modified and provides logging that can be used for forensic purposes.
If AAA Services rely on directory services for user account management, this is not applicable and the connected directory services must perform this function. Verify AAA Services are configured to automatically audit account modification. If AAA Services are not configured to automatically audit account modification, this is a finding.
Configure AAA Services to automatically audit account modification.