SA-10(1)_software-and-firmware-integrity-verification

SA-10(1) Software and Firmware Integrity Verification

Enhancement of: SA-10

High-Level Description

Family: System and Services Acquisition (SA) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Software and firmware integrity verification allows organizations to detect unauthorized changes to software and firmware components using developer-provided tools, techniques, and mechanisms. The integrity checking mechanisms can also address counterfeiting of software and firmware components. Organizations verify the integrity of software and firmware components, for example, through secure one-way hashes provided by developers. Delivered software and firmware components also include any updates to such components.

What to Check

• Verify SA-10(1) Software and Firmware Integrity Verification is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SA-10(1)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SA-10

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SA-10(1) 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

Remediation Guide

Control Statement

Require the developer of the system, system component, or system service to enable integrity verification of software and firmware components.

Implementation Guidance

Software and firmware integrity verification allows organizations to detect unauthorized changes to software and firmware components using developer-provided tools, techniques, and mechanisms. The integrity checking mechanisms can also address counterfeiting of software and firmware components. Organizations verify the integrity of software and firmware components, for example, through secure one-way hashes provided by developers. Delivered software and firmware components also include any updates to such components.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SA-10(1)
• 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 (SI-7, SR-11) reviewed