SMF shows ACID of *BYPASS*

Products

• Top Secret

Issue/Introduction

SMF runs under the ACID of *BYPASS*.  Should it be assigned an ACID and defined in the Top Secret Started Task Table?

Resolution

The SMF address space is recognized by Top Secret as a "system address space". For these spaces, Top Secret creates a dummy ACEE with *BYPASS* status to allow necessary system operations without rule validation, especially if they initialize before Top Secret is fully active or if specific system modules (like IEEPRWI2) are in control.

Recommendation:

• Leave Undefined (Default): It is safe and common practice to leave SMF undefined in the STC table. As a "system address space", Top Secret automatically assigns it a *BYPASS* status. This allows it to perform critical system functions—such as switching datasets and clearing full files—without rule validation, ensuring system stability.
• Define in STC Table: You should define SMF in the STC table only if you have a specific requirement to associate its actions with a unique ACID. However, if you do this, you must permit that ACID to all resources SMF needs to access (e.g., OPERCMDS for MVS.START.STC.CASFDUMP), or it will face security violations..