ia-7-cryptographic-module-authentication

name	IA-7_cryptographic-module-authentication
description	Implement mechanisms for authentication to a cryptographic module that meet the requirements of applicable laws, executive orders, directives, policie
category	authentication
version	5.2.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ia-7","ia"]
tech_stack	["aws","azure","active-directory","linux","windows"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-287"]
chains_with	["AC-3","IA-5","SA-4","SC-12","SC-13"]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{"AC-3":"Chain with AC-3 for comprehensive security coverage","IA-5":"Chain with IA-5 for comprehensive security coverage","SA-4":"Chain with SA-4 for comprehensive security coverage"}

IA-7 Cryptographic Module Authentication

High-Level Description

Family: Identification and Authentication (IA) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Authentication mechanisms may be required within a cryptographic module to authenticate an operator accessing the module and to verify that the operator is authorized to assume the requested role and perform services within that role.

What to Check

• Verify IA-7 Cryptographic Module Authentication is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for IA-7

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for IA-7 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 authentication settings	cloud_audit_iam_policies
hackbrowser-mcp	Test authentication mechanisms	browser_auth_test

Remediation Guide

Control Statement

Implement mechanisms for authentication to a cryptographic module that meet the requirements of applicable laws, executive orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidelines for such authentication.

Implementation Guidance

Authentication mechanisms may be required within a cryptographic module to authenticate an operator accessing the module and to verify that the operator is authorized to assume the requested role and perform services within that role.

Risk Assessment

Finding	Severity	Impact