SC-31 ยท Covert Channel Analysis

Control Description

Perform a covert channel analysis to identify those aspects of communications within the system that are potential avenues for covert {{ insert: param, sc-31_odp }} channels; and Estimate the maximum bandwidth of those channels.

Impact Baselines
Security baselines where this control applies
Not in any baseline
Control Properties
SP800-53
organization
Assurance
Control Statement
The control requirements

a. Perform a covert channel analysis to identify those aspects of communications within the system that are potential avenues for covert {{ insert: param, sc-31_odp }} channels; and

b. Estimate the maximum bandwidth of those channels.

Supplemental Guidance

Developers are in the best position to identify potential areas within systems that might lead to covert channels. Covert channel analysis is a meaningful activity when there is the potential for unauthorized information flows across security domains, such as in the case of systems that contain export-controlled information and have connections to external networks (i.e., networks that are not controlled by organizations). Covert channel analysis is also useful for multilevel secure systems, multiple security level systems, and cross-domain systems.

Related NIST Controls
Other NIST 800-53 controls related to this one