What action should an IS auditor take upon finding minor flaws in a database that is outside the audit scope?

When an IS auditor identifies minor flaws in a database that are outside the scope of the audit, reporting these weaknesses as observed is the most appropriate action. This approach ensures that any significant findings, even if they are not directly related to the audit scope, are documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders. By doing so, the auditor maintains transparency and contributes to the overall improvement of the organization's security posture. It is essential for management to be aware of potential vulnerabilities that could impact the overall integrity of the systems, even if these findings do not necessitate immediate action within the current audit framework.

In this context, while other actions could be seen as proactive, adjusting the audit scope to include these findings may not be feasible or justified given their minor nature. Working with database administrators to correct the issue, although well-intentioned, might divert resources from the primary audit objectives. Documenting for future review is beneficial but may not effectively inform stakeholders about immediate risks. Hence, the decision to report the weaknesses ensures that the relevant parties are aware of them, allowing for informed decisions moving forward.