SC-34(1)_no-writable-storage

SC-34(1) No Writable Storage

Enhancement of: SC-34

High-Level Description

Family: System and Communications Protection (SC) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Disallowing writeable storage eliminates the possibility of malicious code insertion via persistent, writeable storage within the designated system components. The restriction applies to fixed and removable storage, with the latter being addressed either directly or as specific restrictions imposed through access controls for mobile devices.

What to Check

• Verify SC-34(1) No Writable Storage is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-34(1)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SC-34

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-34(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

Employ [organization-defined] with no writeable storage that is persistent across component restart or power on/off.

Implementation Guidance

Disallowing writeable storage eliminates the possibility of malicious code insertion via persistent, writeable storage within the designated system components. The restriction applies to fixed and removable storage, with the latter being addressed either directly or as specific restrictions imposed through access controls for mobile devices.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-34(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 (AC-19, MP-7) reviewed