CP 9(2) Test Restoration Using Sampling

---
name: "CP-9(2)_test-restoration-using-sampling"
description: "Use a sample of backup information in the restoration of selected system functions as part of contingency plan testing."
category: "configuration"
version: "5.2.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - nist
  - sp800-53
  - rev5
  - cp-9-2
  - cp
  - enhancement
tech_stack:
  - aws
  - azure
  - gcp
cwe_ids: []
chains_with:
  - CP-4
prerequisites:
  - CP-9
severity_boost:
  CP-4: "Chain with CP-4 for comprehensive security coverage"
---

# CP-9(2) Test Restoration Using Sampling

> **Enhancement of:** CP-9

## High-Level Description

**Family:** Contingency Planning (CP)
**Framework:** NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Organizations need assurance that system functions can be restored correctly and can support established organizational missions. To ensure that the selected system functions are thoroughly exercised during contingency plan testing, a sample of backup information is retrieved to determine whether the functions are operating as intended. Organizations can determine the sample size for the functions and backup information based on the level of assurance needed.

## What to Check

- [ ] Verify CP-9(2) Test Restoration Using Sampling is documented in SSP
- [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
- [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for CP-9(2)
- [ ] Verify enhancement builds upon base control CP-9

## How to Test

### Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for CP-9(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

Use a sample of backup information in the restoration of selected system functions as part of contingency plan testing.

### Implementation Guidance

Organizations need assurance that system functions can be restored correctly and can support established organizational missions. To ensure that the selected system functions are thoroughly exercised during contingency plan testing, a sample of backup information is retrieved to determine whether the functions are operating as intended. Organizations can determine the sample size for the functions and backup information based on the level of assurance needed.

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                                 | Severity | Impact                          |
| ------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ------------------------------- |
| CP-9(2) Test Restoration Using Sampling not implemented | Medium   | Contingency Planning            |
| CP-9(2) partially implemented                           | Low      | Incomplete Contingency Planning |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID | Title                 |
| ------ | --------------------- |
| N/A    | No direct CWE mapping |

## References

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - CP-9(2)](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cprt/catalog#/cprt/framework/version/SP_800_53_5_1_1/home?element=cp-9.2)
- [NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/a/r5/final)
- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/r5/upd1/final)

## Checklist

- [ ] Control documented in SSP
- [ ] Implementation evidence collected
- [ ] Operating effectiveness validated
- [ ] Continuous monitoring in place
- [ ] Related controls (CP-4) reviewed