| name | SI-10(3)_predictable-behavior |
| description | Verify that the system behaves in a predictable and documented manner when invalid inputs are received. |
| category | input-validation |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","si-10-3","si","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-20"] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | ["SI-10"] |
| severity_boost | {} |
SI-10(3) Predictable Behavior
Enhancement of: SI-10
High-Level Description
Family: System and Information Integrity (SI)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
A common vulnerability in organizational systems is unpredictable behavior when invalid inputs are received. Verification of system predictability helps ensure that the system behaves as expected when invalid inputs are received. This occurs by specifying system responses that allow the system to transition to known states without adverse, unintended side effects. The invalid inputs are those related to the information inputs defined by the organization in the base control ( SI-10).
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SI-10(3) 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 integrity monitoring | cloud_audit_monitoring |
| AWS CLI | Review GuardDuty/Inspector | aws guardduty list-detectors |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Verify that the system behaves in a predictable and documented manner when invalid inputs are received.
Implementation Guidance
A common vulnerability in organizational systems is unpredictable behavior when invalid inputs are received. Verification of system predictability helps ensure that the system behaves as expected when invalid inputs are received. This occurs by specifying system responses that allow the system to transition to known states without adverse, unintended side effects. The invalid inputs are those related to the information inputs defined by the organization in the base control ( ).
