CIS Controls 7.7: Remediate Detected Vulnerabilities
CIS Controls 7.7 requires organizations to remediate software vulnerabilities on a monthly or more frequent basis through documented processes and tooling. For SMBs managing multiple systems and applications, this continuous remediation cycle is critical to reducing attack surface and maintaining security posture. Without structured remediation workflows, vulnerabilities pile up and expose your organization to preventable breaches.
What this means
This control mandates that your organization establish and execute a formal vulnerability remediation process that operates on at least a monthly cadence. It requires both process definition (how vulnerabilities are prioritized, assigned, and tracked) and tooling (automated vulnerability scanning and remediation tracking). The goal is to systematically identify, assess, and close security gaps before attackers can exploit them.
How to comply
- 1.Deploy automated vulnerability scanning tools that continuously identify vulnerabilities in software and systems across your environment
- 2.Establish a documented remediation process that defines severity levels, remediation timelines, and escalation procedures
- 3.Prioritize vulnerabilities based on severity, exploitability, and asset criticality to focus resources on highest-risk items
- 4.Assign remediation tasks to responsible teams with clear ownership and deadlines
- 5.Track all remediation efforts from identification through verification and closure
- 6.Execute remediation on at least a monthly schedule, or more frequently based on threat severity and your risk tolerance
- 7.Document evidence of all scans, remediation actions, and verification that vulnerabilities have been resolved
- 8.Review and report on remediation metrics (open, in-progress, resolved vulnerabilities) to leadership and auditors
Evidence auditors look for
- Vulnerability scanning tool reports showing monthly scans with identified vulnerabilities
- Remediation tracking spreadsheet or ticketing system documenting vulnerability ID, severity, assigned owner, target remediation date, and closure evidence
- Vulnerability management policy outlining the remediation process, timelines, and escalation procedures
- Patched system logs and change management records showing when vulnerabilities were remediated
- Monthly vulnerability remediation status reports provided to leadership and security team
- Verification screenshots or system scan reports confirming vulnerabilities were successfully patched or mitigated
- Risk acceptance documentation for any vulnerabilities not remediated within defined timelines
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automatically collects and organizes vulnerability scan reports, remediation tickets, and verification evidence—eliminating manual evidence gathering and ensuring you always have audit-ready documentation for monthly vulnerability remediation cycles.
See how GRCWatch handles this control automatically
Start free trial