SI.L2-3.14.1: Flaw Remediation in CMMC Level 2
Flaw remediation is your systematic defense against known vulnerabilities. SI.L2-3.14.1 requires you to identify, report, and correct information system flaws before attackers exploit them. For CMMC Level 2 organizations, this means establishing a disciplined process that catches weaknesses early and eliminates them quickly.
What this means
This control mandates a formal process to discover system vulnerabilities, document them properly, prioritize fixes based on risk severity, and apply patches or corrections within acceptable timeframes. It applies to all information systems, including hardware, software, firmware, and middleware. The focus is timeliness—flaws cannot languish unaddressed.
How to comply
- 1.Establish a flaw identification process that includes vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, security reviews, and monitoring of vendor security bulletins
- 2.Create a centralized tracking system to log all discovered flaws with severity ratings and affected components
- 3.Define remediation timelines based on flaw criticality (e.g., critical flaws within 7 days, high-risk within 30 days)
- 4.Assign clear ownership for flaw remediation and ensure accountability across teams
- 5.Test all patches and fixes in a non-production environment before deploying to production systems
- 6.Document the remediation of each flaw, including what was fixed, when, and by whom
- 7.Monitor vendors and manufacturers for security updates and apply them promptly when available
- 8.Maintain an ongoing inventory of known flaws and track remediation progress
Evidence auditors look for
- Vulnerability scan reports from automated tools (Nessus, OpenVAS, Qualys) showing discovery dates and flaw details
- Flaw tracking spreadsheet or ticketing system (Jira, ServiceNow) with severity levels, remediation dates, and closure documentation
- Change management records showing patch deployment dates and environments tested
- Vendor security advisories and bulletins with timestamps matching your remediation records
- System hardening checklists and configuration baselines documented and dated
- Proof of patch testing in lab/staging environments before production rollout
- Remediation completion reports signed by authorized personnel
- Metrics dashboard showing mean time to remediation (MTTR) for different severity levels
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
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