Sc 23 3 Unique System Generated Session

---
name: "SC-23(3)_unique-system-generated-session-identifiers"
description: "Generate a unique session identifier for each session with [organization-defined] and recognize only session identifiers that are system-generated."
category: "configuration"
version: "5.2.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - nist
  - sp800-53
  - rev5
  - sc-23-3
  - sc
  - enhancement
tech_stack:
  - aws
  - azure
  - gcp
  - linux
  - windows
  - network
cwe_ids:
  - CWE-311
chains_with:
  - AC-10
  - SC-12
  - SC-13
prerequisites:
  - SC-23
severity_boost:
  AC-10: "Chain with AC-10 for comprehensive security coverage"
  SC-12: "Chain with SC-12 for comprehensive security coverage"
  SC-13: "Chain with SC-13 for comprehensive security coverage"
---

# SC-23(3) Unique System-generated Session Identifiers

> **Enhancement of:** SC-23

## High-Level Description

**Family:** System and Communications Protection (SC)
**Framework:** NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Generating unique session identifiers curtails the ability of adversaries to reuse previously valid session IDs. Employing the concept of randomness in the generation of unique session identifiers protects against brute-force attacks to determine future session identifiers.

## What to Check

- [ ] Verify SC-23(3) Unique System-generated Session Identifiers is documented in SSP
- [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
- [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-23(3)
- [ ] Verify enhancement builds upon base control SC-23

## How to Test

### Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-23(3) 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 encryption and network controls | `cloud_audit_encryption`             |
| nmap            | Network scanning                      | `nmap -sV --script ssl-enum-ciphers` |

## Remediation Guide

### Control Statement

Generate a unique session identifier for each session with [organization-defined] and recognize only session identifiers that are system-generated.

### Implementation Guidance

Generating unique session identifiers curtails the ability of adversaries to reuse previously valid session IDs. Employing the concept of randomness in the generation of unique session identifiers protects against brute-force attacks to determine future session identifiers.

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                                              | Severity | Impact                                          |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| SC-23(3) Unique System-generated Session Identifiers not implemented | High     | System and Communications Protection            |
| SC-23(3) partially implemented                                       | Medium   | Incomplete System and Communications Protection |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID  | Title                                |
| ------- | ------------------------------------ |
| CWE-311 | Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data |

## References

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-23(3)](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cprt/catalog#/cprt/framework/version/SP_800_53_5_1_1/home?element=sc-23.3)
- [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 (AC-10, SC-12, SC-13) reviewed