CA-08 Penetration Testing
Security Assessment and Authorization
Description
Conduct penetration testing [Assignment: organization-defined frequency] on [Assignment: organization-defined systems or system components].
Supplemental Guidance
Penetration testing is a specialized type of assessment conducted on systems or individual system components to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adversaries. Penetration testing goes beyond automated vulnerability scanning and is conducted by agents and teams with demonstrable skills and experience that include technical expertise in network, operating system, and/or application level security. Penetration testing can be used to validate vulnerabilities or determine the degree of penetration resistance of systems to adversaries within specified constraints. Such constraints include time, resources, and skills. Penetration testing attempts to duplicate the actions of adversaries and provides a more in-depth analysis of security- and privacy-related weaknesses or deficiencies. Penetration testing is especially important when organizations are transitioning from older technologies to newer technologies (e.g., transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6 network protocols). Organizations can use the results of vulnerability analyses to support penetration testing activities. Penetration testing can be conducted internally or externally on the hardware, software, or firmware components of a system and can exercise both physical and technical controls. A standard method for penetration testing includes a pretest analysis based on full knowledge of the system, pretest identification of potential vulnerabilities based on the pretest analysis, and testing designed to determine the exploitability of vulnerabilities. All parties agree to the rules of engagement before commencing penetration testing scenarios. Organizations correlate the rules of engagement for the penetration tests with the tools, techniques, and procedures that are anticipated to be employed by adversaries. Penetration testing may result in the exposure of information that is protected by laws or regulations, to individuals conducting the testing. Rules of engagement, contracts, or other appropriate mechanisms can be used to communicate expectations for how to protect this information. Risk assessments guide the decisions on the level of independence required for the personnel conducting penetration testing.
Changes from Rev 4
No significant changes from Rev 4.
Enhancements (3)
What NIST adds to this control. Select one to read its statement.
CA-08(01) Independent Penetration Testing Agent or Team High
Employ an independent penetration testing agent or team to perform penetration testing on the system or system components.
CA-08(02) Red Team Exercises
Employ the following red-team exercises to simulate attempts by adversaries to compromise organizational systems in accordance with applicable rules of engagement: [Assignment: organization-defined red team exercises].
CA-08(03) Facility Penetration Testing
Employ a penetration testing process that includes [Assignment: organization-defined frequency] [Selection (one or more): announced; unannounced] attempts to bypass or circumvent controls associated with physical access points to the facility.
Patterns that use this control (7)
Grouped by the emphasis each pattern gives it.