| name | SC-11(1)_irrefutable-communications-path |
| description | Provide a trusted communications path that is irrefutably distinguishable from other communications paths; |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","sc-11-1","sc","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows","network"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-311"] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | ["SC-11"] |
| severity_boost | {} |
SC-11(1) Irrefutable Communications Path
Enhancement of: SC-11
High-Level Description
Family: System and Communications Protection (SC)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
An irrefutable communications path permits the system to initiate a trusted path, which necessitates that the user can unmistakably recognize the source of the communication as a trusted system component. For example, the trusted path may appear in an area of the display that other applications cannot access or be based on the presence of an identifier that cannot be spoofed.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-11(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
| 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
Provide a trusted communications path that is irrefutably distinguishable from other communications paths; and
Initiate the trusted communications path for communications between the [organization-defined] of the system and the user.
