cyberstrikeus SC-34(2) Integrity Protection on Read-only Media
Enhancement of: SC-34
High-Level Description
Family: System and Communications Protection (SC) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Controls prevent the substitution of media into systems or the reprogramming of programmable read-only media prior to installation into the systems. Integrity protection controls include a combination of prevention, detection, and response.
What to Check
- Verify SC-34(2) Integrity Protection on Read-only Media is documented in SSP
- Confirm control is operating effectively
- Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-34(2)
- 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(2) 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 encryption and network controls | cloud_audit_encryption |
| nmap | Network scanning | nmap -sV --script ssl-enum-ciphers |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Protect the integrity of information prior to storage on read-only media and control the media after such information has been recorded onto the media.
Implementation Guidance
Controls prevent the substitution of media into systems or the reprogramming of programmable read-only media prior to installation into the systems. Integrity protection controls include a combination of prevention, detection, and response.
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| SC-34(2) Integrity Protection on Read-only Media not implemented | High | System and Communications Protection |
| SC-34(2) partially implemented | Medium | Incomplete System and Communications Protection |
CWE Categories
| CWE ID | Title |
|---|---|
| CWE-311 | Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data |
References
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-34(2)
- 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 (CM-3, CM-5, CM-9, MP-2, MP-4) reviewed