# IA-5(13)_expiration-of-cached-authenticators

> Prohibit the use of cached authenticators after [organization-defined].

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/ia-5-13-expiration-of-cached-authenticators` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/ia-5-13-expiration-of-cached-authenticators`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/ia-5-13-expiration-of-cached-authenticators/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/ia-5-13-expiration-of-cached-authenticators

---


# IA-5(13) Expiration of Cached Authenticators

> **Enhancement of:** IA-5

## High-Level Description

**Family:** Identification and Authentication (IA)
**Framework:** NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Cached authenticators are used to authenticate to the local machine when the network is not available. If cached authentication information is out of date, the validity of the authentication information may be questionable.

## What to Check

- [ ] Verify IA-5(13) Expiration of Cached Authenticators is documented in SSP
- [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
- [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for IA-5(13)
- [ ] Verify enhancement builds upon base control IA-5

## How to Test

### Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for IA-5(13) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.

### Step 2: Validate Implementation

```
# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly

# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null
```

### Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness

Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.

## Tools

| Tool            | Purpose                        | Usage                      |
| --------------- | ------------------------------ | -------------------------- |
| cloud-audit-mcp | Check authentication settings  | `cloud_audit_iam_policies` |
| hackbrowser | Test authentication mechanisms | `hackbrowser`        |

## Remediation Guide

### Control Statement

Prohibit the use of cached authenticators after [organization-defined].

### Implementation Guidance

Cached authenticators are used to authenticate to the local machine when the network is not available. If cached authentication information is out of date, the validity of the authentication information may be questionable.

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                                      | Severity | Impact                                       |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | -------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| IA-5(13) Expiration of Cached Authenticators not implemented | High     | Identification and Authentication            |
| IA-5(13) partially implemented                               | Medium   | Incomplete Identification and Authentication |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID  | Title                   |
| ------- | ----------------------- |
| CWE-287 | Improper Authentication |

## References

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - IA-5(13)](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cprt/catalog#/cprt/framework/version/SP_800_53_5_1_1/home?element=ia-5.13)
- [NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/a/r5/final)
- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/r5/upd1/final)

## Checklist

- [ ] Control documented in SSP
- [ ] Implementation evidence collected
- [ ] Operating effectiveness validated
- [ ] Continuous monitoring in place
- [ ] Related controls (none) reviewed