SI-3(10)_malicious-code-analysis

SI-3(10) Malicious Code Analysis

Enhancement of: SI-3

High-Level Description

Family: System and Information Integrity (SI) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

The use of malicious code analysis tools provides organizations with a more in-depth understanding of adversary tradecraft (i.e., tactics, techniques, and procedures) and the functionality and purpose of specific instances of malicious code. Understanding the characteristics of malicious code facilitates effective organizational responses to current and future threats. Organizations can conduct malicious code analyses by employing reverse engineering techniques or by monitoring the behavior of executing code.

What to Check

• Verify SI-3(10) Malicious Code Analysis is documented in SSP
• Validate all 2 control requirements are implemented
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SI-3(10)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SI-3

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SI-3(10) 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 the following tools and techniques to analyze the characteristics and behavior of malicious code: [organization-defined] ; and Incorporate the results from malicious code analysis into organizational incident response and flaw remediation processes.

Implementation Guidance

The use of malicious code analysis tools provides organizations with a more in-depth understanding of adversary tradecraft (i.e., tactics, techniques, and procedures) and the functionality and purpose of specific instances of malicious code. Understanding the characteristics of malicious code facilitates effective organizational responses to current and future threats. Organizations can conduct malicious code analyses by employing reverse engineering techniques or by monitoring the behavior of executing code.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SI-3(10)
• 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