cyberstrikeus IA-5(5) Change Authenticators Prior to Delivery
Enhancement of: IA-5
High-Level Description
Family: Identification and Authentication (IA) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Changing authenticators prior to the delivery and installation of system components extends the requirement for organizations to change default authenticators upon system installation by requiring developers and/or installers to provide unique authenticators or change default authenticators for system components prior to delivery and/or installation. However, it typically does not apply to developers of commercial off-the-shelf information technology products. Requirements for unique authenticators can be included in acquisition documents prepared by organizations when procuring systems or system components.
What to Check
- Verify IA-5(5) Change Authenticators Prior to Delivery is documented in SSP
- Confirm control is operating effectively
- Review evidence of continuous monitoring for IA-5(5)
- 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(5) 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
Require developers and installers of system components to provide unique authenticators or change default authenticators prior to delivery and installation.
Implementation Guidance
Changing authenticators prior to the delivery and installation of system components extends the requirement for organizations to change default authenticators upon system installation by requiring developers and/or installers to provide unique authenticators or change default authenticators for system components prior to delivery and/or installation. However, it typically does not apply to developers of commercial off-the-shelf information technology products. Requirements for unique authenticators can be included in acquisition documents prepared by organizations when procuring systems or system components.
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| IA-5(5) Change Authenticators Prior to Delivery not implemented | High | Identification and Authentication |
| IA-5(5) 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(5)
- NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog
Checklist
- Control documented in SSP
- Implementation evidence collected
- Operating effectiveness validated
- Continuous monitoring in place
- Related controls (none) reviewed