Performing SSL/TLS Security Assessment

Overview

Assess SSL/TLS server configurations using sslyze, a fast Python-based scanning library. This guide covers evaluating supported protocol versions (SSLv2/3, TLS 1.0-1.3), cipher suite strength, certificate chain validation, HSTS enforcement, OCSP stapling, and scanning for known vulnerabilities including Heartbleed, ROBOT, and session renegotiation weaknesses.

Prerequisites

• Python 3.9+ with sslyze library (pip install sslyze)
• Network access to target HTTPS servers on port 443
• Understanding of TLS protocol versions and cipher suite classifications

Steps

Step 1: Configure Server Scan

Create ServerScanRequest with ServerNetworkLocation specifying target hostname and port.

Step 2: Execute TLS Scan

Use sslyze Scanner to queue and execute scans for all TLS check commands concurrently.

Step 3: Analyze Results

Evaluate accepted cipher suites, certificate validity, protocol versions, and vulnerability scan results.

Step 4: Generate Security Report

Produce a JSON report with compliance findings and remediation recommendations.

Expected Output

JSON report with supported protocols, accepted cipher suites, certificate details, vulnerability results (Heartbleed, ROBOT), and HSTS status.

Verification Criteria

Confirm successful execution by validating:

• [ ] All prerequisite tools and access requirements are satisfied
• [ ] Each workflow step completed without errors
• [ ] Output matches expected format and contains expected data
• [ ] No security warnings or misconfigurations detected
• [ ] Results are documented and evidence is preserved for audit

Compliance Framework Mapping

This skill supports compliance evidence collection across multiple frameworks:

• SOC 2: CC6.6 (System Boundaries), CC6.7 (Restriction on Transmission)
• ISO 27001: A.13.1 (Network Security), A.13.2 (Information Transfer)
• NIST 800-53: SC-7 (Boundary Protection), AC-17 (Remote Access), SI-4 (System Monitoring)
• NIST CSF: PR.AC (Access Control), PR.PT (Protective Technology)

Claw GRC Tip: When this skill is executed by a registered agent, compliance evidence is automatically captured and mapped to the relevant controls in your active frameworks.

Deploying This Skill with Claw GRC

Agent Execution

Register this skill with your Claw GRC agent for automated execution:

# Install via CLI
npx claw-grc skills add performing-ssl-tls-security-assessment

# Or load dynamically via MCP
grc.load_skill("performing-ssl-tls-security-assessment")

Audit Trail Integration

When executed through Claw GRC, every step of this skill generates tamper-evident audit records:

• SHA-256 chain hashing ensures no step can be modified after execution
• Evidence artifacts (configs, scan results, logs) are automatically attached to relevant controls
• Trust score impact — successful execution increases your agent's trust score

Continuous Compliance

Schedule this skill for recurring execution to maintain continuous compliance posture. Claw GRC monitors for drift and alerts when re-execution is needed.