CM-3(8)_prevent-or-restrict-configuration-changes

CM-3(8) Prevent or Restrict Configuration Changes

Enhancement of: CM-3

High-Level Description

Family: Configuration Management (CM) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

System configuration changes can adversely affect critical system security and privacy functionality. Change restrictions can be enforced through automated mechanisms.

What to Check

• Verify CM-3(8) Prevent or Restrict Configuration Changes is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for CM-3(8)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control CM-3

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for CM-3(8) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.

Step 2: Validate Implementation

# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly

# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null

Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness

Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.

Tools

Remediation Guide

Control Statement

Prevent or restrict changes to the configuration of the system under the following circumstances: [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

System configuration changes can adversely affect critical system security and privacy functionality. Change restrictions can be enforced through automated mechanisms.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - CM-3(8)
• NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)
• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog

Checklist

• Control documented in SSP
• Implementation evidence collected
• Operating effectiveness validated
• Continuous monitoring in place
• Related controls (none) reviewed