Self-analysis
LOW MODERATE HIGHRequirements NIST SOURCE
Implement the security design principle of self-analysis in [systems or system components].
Discussion (NIST Supplemental Guidance)
The principle of self-analysis states that a system component is able to assess its internal state and functionality to a limited extent at various stages of execution, and that this self-analysis capability is commensurate with the level of trustworthiness invested in the system. At the system level, self-analysis can be achieved through hierarchical assessments of trustworthiness established in a bottom-up fashion. In this approach, the lower-level components check for data integrity and correct functionality (to a limited extent) of higher-level components. For example, trusted boot sequences involve a trusted lower-level component that attests to the trustworthiness of the next higher-level components so that a transitive chain of trust can be established. At the root, a component attests to itself, which usually involves an axiomatic or environmentally enforced assumption about its integrity. Results of the self-analyses can be used to guard against externally induced errors, internal malfunction, or transient errors. By following this principle, some simple malfunctions or errors can be detected without allowing the effects of the error or malfunction to propagate outside of the component. Further, the self-test can be used to attest to the configuration of the component, detecting any potential conflicts in configuration with respect to the expected configuration.
Implementation Guidance
Original engineering commentary written for this explorer — not NIST source text and not authoritative guidance.
No engineering interpretation has been authored for SA-8(21) yet. This section is architected to receive it — see the Requirements and Assessment sections above for the authoritative NIST source content in the meantime.
Assessment
Assessment Objectives
- systems or system components that implement the security design principle of self-analysis are defined;
- <SA-08(21)_ODP systems or system components> implement the security design principle of self-analysis.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: System and services acquisition policy; procedures addressing the security design principle of self-analysis used in the specification, design, development, implementation, and modification of the system; system design documentation; security and privacy requirements and specifications for the system; system security and privacy architecture; system security plan; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Organizational personnel with the responsibility for determining system security and privacy requirements; organizational personnel with system specification, design, development, implementation, and modification responsibilities; system developers; organizational personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for applying the security design principle of self-analysis in system specification, design, development, implementation, and modification; mechanisms supporting the application of the security design principle of self-analysis in system specification, design, development, implementation, and modification].
Overlays
STIGs & CCIs
No STIG checks or CCI mappings are currently loaded for SA-8(21). This section is architected to display, per product: STIG ID, Finding ID, Severity, Title, Description, Check, Fix, CCI, and NIST control mapping — but nothing is populated here until a real DISA STIG/CCI dataset is ingested.
Learn more about STIG/CCI integration →Evidence
Categorized from the SP 800-53A "Examine"/"Test" artifact list above by keyword — not an authoritative NIST evidence list.
Policy
- System and services acquisition policy
- system security plan
Configuration
- system design documentation
- system security and privacy architecture
Testing
- Organizational processes for applying the security design principle of self-analysis in system specification, design, development, implementation, and modification
- mechanisms supporting the application of the security design principle of self-analysis in system specification, design, development, implementation, and modification
Other Records
- procedures addressing the security design principle of self-analysis used in the specification, design, development, implementation, and modification of the system
- security and privacy requirements and specifications for the system
- other relevant documents or records