| name | MA-3(2)_inspect-media |
| description | Check media containing diagnostic and test programs for malicious code before the media are used in the system. |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ma-3-2","ma","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | ["SI-3"] |
| prerequisites | ["MA-3"] |
| severity_boost | {"SI-3":"Chain with SI-3 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
MA-3(2) Inspect Media
Enhancement of: MA-3
High-Level Description
Family: Maintenance (MA)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
If, upon inspection of media containing maintenance, diagnostic, and test programs, organizations determine that the media contains malicious code, the incident is handled consistent with organizational incident handling policies and procedures.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for MA-3(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 |
|---|
| Manual Review | Documentation and interview-based | N/A |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Check media containing diagnostic and test programs for malicious code before the media are used in the system.
Implementation Guidance
If, upon inspection of media containing maintenance, diagnostic, and test programs, organizations determine that the media contains malicious code, the incident is handled consistent with organizational incident handling policies and procedures.
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|
| MA-3(2) Inspect Media not implemented | Medium |
