NIST 800-171 3.11.3: Vulnerability Remediation
Vulnerability remediation is a cornerstone of NIST 800-171 compliance. This control requires organizations to systematically identify, prioritize, and fix security vulnerabilities based on risk assessments. Without a structured remediation program, exploitable weaknesses can expose sensitive CUI data to unauthorized access.
What this means
Control 3.11.3 mandates that your organization establish and execute a vulnerability remediation process driven by risk assessment outcomes. This means scanning systems for weaknesses, evaluating the severity and business impact of each vulnerability, and then remediating them in priority order—not ad hoc. The control acknowledges that not all vulnerabilities can be fixed immediately; your approach must be evidence-based and documented, showing auditors that you're managing risk proportionally and systematically.
How to comply
- 1.Conduct regular vulnerability scans using automated tools across all systems handling CUI.
- 2.Document each discovered vulnerability with details: location, severity rating, affected asset, and exploitability.
- 3.Perform risk assessments for vulnerabilities to determine remediation priority (likelihood × impact).
- 4.Establish remediation timelines based on risk level (e.g., critical within 30 days, high within 90 days).
- 5.Assign ownership and track remediation progress with target completion dates.
- 6.Remediate vulnerabilities or implement compensating controls; document all remediation actions.
- 7.Re-scan to confirm fixes resolved the vulnerability; maintain evidence of verification.
- 8.Review and update your vulnerability management program quarterly or when risk factors change.
Evidence auditors look for
- Vulnerability scanning tool output (e.g., Nessus, OpenVAS reports) dated and scoped
- Risk assessment matrix showing vulnerability severity ratings and remediation priority
- Remediation ticket system or spreadsheet with vulnerability ID, risk score, owner, deadline, and status
- Evidence of remediation actions (patch deployment logs, configuration change records, compensating control documentation)
- Re-scan reports confirming vulnerability closure or control effectiveness
- Documented exceptions or waivers for vulnerabilities not remediated, signed by authorized personnel
- Quarterly or annual vulnerability management program review and update records
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
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