CM-7(7)_code-execution-in-protected-environments

CM-7(7) Code Execution in Protected Environments

Enhancement of: CM-7

High-Level Description

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

Code execution in protected environments applies to all sources of binary or machine-executable code, including commercial software and firmware and open-source software.

What to Check

• Verify CM-7(7) Code Execution in Protected Environments is documented in SSP
• Validate all 2 control requirements are implemented
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for CM-7(7)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control CM-7

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for CM-7(7) 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

Allow execution of binary or machine-executable code only in confined physical or virtual machine environments and with the explicit approval of [organization-defined] when such code is: Obtained from sources with limited or no warranty; and/or Without the provision of source code.

Implementation Guidance

Code execution in protected environments applies to all sources of binary or machine-executable code, including commercial software and firmware and open-source software.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - CM-7(7)
• 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 (CM-10, SC-44) reviewed