RA.L2-3.11.3 Vulnerability Remediation

Remediate vulnerabilities in accordance with risk assessments.

Source: NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 3.11.3

Discussion: Vulnerabilities discovered, for example, via the scanning conducted in response to 3.11.2, are remediated with consideration of the related assessment of risk. The consideration of risk influences the prioritization of remediation efforts and the level of effort to be expended in the remediation for specific vulnerabilities.

Assessment Objectives:

Determine if:

• [a] vulnerabilities are identified; and
• [b] vulnerabilities are remediated in accordance with risk assessments.

Examine: [SELECT FROM: Risk assessment policy; procedures addressing vulnerability scanning; risk assessment; security plan; security assessment report; vulnerability scanning tools and associated configuration documentation; vulnerability scanning results; patch and vulnerability management records; other relevant documents or records].

Interview: [SELECT FROM: Personnel with risk assessment, security assessment and vulnerability scanning responsibilities; personnel with vulnerability scan analysis responsibilities; personnel with vulnerability remediation responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].

Test: [SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing; mechanisms supporting or implementing vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing].

SPRS Score: 1

POA&M Allowed: Yes