SI.L1-b.1.xii  

Reference: CMMC v2.13

Family: SI

Level Introduced: 1

Title: Flaw Remediation [FCI Data]

Practice:
Identify, report, and correct information and information system flaws in a timely manner.

Further Discussion:
All software and firmware have potential flaws. Many vendors work to remedy those flaws by releasing vulnerability information and updates to their software and firmware. OSAs should have a process to review relevant vendor notifications and updates about problems or weaknesses. After reviewing the information, the OSA should implement a patch management process that allows for software and firmware flaws to be fixed without adversely affecting the system functionality. OSAs should define the time frames within which flaws are identified, reported, and corrected for all systems.

Example
You know that software vendors typically release patches, service packs, hot fixes, etc. and want to make sure your software that processes FCI is up to date. You develop a policy that requires checking vendor websites for flaw notifications every week [a]. The policy further requires that those flaws be assessed for severity and patched on end-user computers once each week and servers once each month [c,e]. Consistent with that policy, you configure the system to check for updates weekly or daily depending on the criticality of the software [b,e]. Your team reviews available updates and implements the applicable ones according to the defined schedule [f].

Potential Assessment Considerations
• Is the time frame (e.g., a set number of days) within which system flaw identification activities (e.g., vulnerability scans, configuration scans, manual review) must be performed defined and documented [a]?
• Are system flaws (e.g., vulnerabilities, misconfigurations) identified in accordance with the specified time frame [b]?
• Is the time frame (e.g., a set number of days dependent on the assessed severity of a flaw) within which system flaws must be corrected defined and documented [e]?
• Are system flaws (e.g., applied security patches, made configuration changes, or implemented workarounds or mitigations) corrected within the specified time frame [f]?

Source: CMMC v2.13