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safemode.space
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IMP-0009
ST0009Impact

Configuration Manipulation

Description

Configuration Manipulation is the deliberate alteration of authoritative, non-executable settings or structured artifacts that govern spacecraft behavior. These settings may define thresholds, limits, gains, access rules, routing behavior, schedules, or operating profiles. The existing software, firmware, or programmable logic remains intact. It interprets the altered configuration and operates under the new conditions. This mechanism applies to both operator-managed settings and internal values that are not normally changed during routine operations. It does not include changes to measured or derived information, which fall under Data Manipulation. It also does not include changes to executable code or programmed hardware behavior.
VectorIllustrative Application
CollectIf the objective is Collect, an adversary could alter access-control or data-handling settings to expose protected engineering or mission information.
PivotIf the objective is Pivot, an adversary could alter routing or interface configuration to create a path into another connected asset or trust domain.
SubvertTIf the objective is Subvert, an adversary could lower fault thresholds so normal conditions trigger repeated recovery actions and disrupt mission operations.
SeizeIf the objective is Seize, an adversary could alter command-authorization settings to grant unauthorized tasking authority and restrict the legitimate operator.
DisableIf the objective is Disable, an adversary could alter startup configuration so mission software no longer loads, leaving the spacecraft unable to perform its intended mission or an essential mission function.

Reproduced verbatim from SPARTA v4.0, including its own citation markers, spelling and formatting. Nothing in the text above is SafeMode Space's wording, and nothing has been corrected.

Mappings

No mappings have been made here yet. That is a statement about this corpus, not about the law: it means curation has not reached this entity, not that nothing applies to it.

No ruling has been recorded either way.

Cite as SafeMode Space, IMP-0009 (SPARTA v4.0), https://safemode.space/reference/techniques/imp-0009, accessed YYYY-MM-DD. Replace YYYY-MM-DD with the date you read the page; the corpus is curated continuously, so mappings can change between readings. To cite one mapping rather than this page, append its anchor to the URL — every mapping row has an id of the form technique--collection--target, the same on every page that lists it. See how to cite. Sources and licence: sources and attribution. A mapping on this page is interpretive analysis of how a technique and a provision relate, not a statement of law and not compliance guidance. Read the disclaimer.

Corpus 2026.08.24-1, built 2026-08-24 from 226 techniques, 308 regulation articles, 125 ENISA controls, 2,610 framework controls, and 90 countermeasures.