SI-7(15)_code-authentication

SI-7(15) Code Authentication

Enhancement of: SI-7

High-Level Description

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

Cryptographic authentication includes verifying that software or firmware components have been digitally signed using certificates recognized and approved by organizations. Code signing is an effective method to protect against malicious code. Organizations that employ cryptographic mechanisms also consider cryptographic key management solutions.

What to Check

• Verify SI-7(15) Code Authentication is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SI-7(15)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SI-7

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SI-7(15) 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

Implement cryptographic mechanisms to authenticate the following software or firmware components prior to installation: [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

Cryptographic authentication includes verifying that software or firmware components have been digitally signed using certificates recognized and approved by organizations. Code signing is an effective method to protect against malicious code. Organizations that employ cryptographic mechanisms also consider cryptographic key management solutions.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SI-7(15)
• 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-5, SC-12, SC-13) reviewed