MA.L2-3.7.2 System Maintenance Control

Provide controls on the tools, techniques, mechanisms, and personnel used to conduct system maintenance.

Source: NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 3.7.2

Discussion: This requirement addresses security-related issues with maintenance tools that are not within the organizational system boundaries that process, store, or transmit CUI, but are used specifically for diagnostic and repair actions on those systems. Organizations have flexibility in determining the controls in place for maintenance tools, but can include approving, controlling, and monitoring the use of such tools. Maintenance tools are potential vehicles for transporting malicious code, either intentionally or unintentionally, into a facility and into organizational systems. Maintenance tools can include hardware, software, and firmware items, for example, hardware and software diagnostic test equipment and hardware and software packet sniffers.

Assessment Objectives:

Determine if:

Examine: [SELECT FROM: System maintenance policy; procedures addressing system maintenance tools and media; maintenance records; system maintenance tools and associated documentation; maintenance tool inspection records; security plan; other relevant documents or records].

Interview: [SELECT FROM: Personnel with system maintenance responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities].

Test: [SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for approving, controlling, and monitoring maintenance tools; mechanisms supporting or implementing approval, control, and monitoring of maintenance tools; organizational processes for inspecting maintenance tools; mechanisms supporting or implementing inspection of maintenance tools; organizational process for inspecting media for malicious code; mechanisms supporting or implementing inspection of media used for maintenance].

SPRS Score: 5

POA&M Allowed: No