# CM-7(9)_prohibiting-the-use-of-unauthorized-hardware

> Identify [organization-defined];

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cm-7-9-prohibiting-the-use-of-unauthorized-hardware` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cm-7-9-prohibiting-the-use-of-unauthorized-hardware`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cm-7-9-prohibiting-the-use-of-unauthorized-hardware/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cm-7-9-prohibiting-the-use-of-unauthorized-hardware

---


# CM-7(9) Prohibiting The Use of Unauthorized Hardware

> **Enhancement of:** CM-7

## High-Level Description

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

Hardware components provide the foundation for organizational systems and the platform for the execution of authorized software programs. Managing the inventory of hardware components and controlling which hardware components are permitted to be installed or connected to organizational systems is essential in order to provide adequate security.

## What to Check

- [ ] Verify CM-7(9) Prohibiting The Use of Unauthorized Hardware is documented in SSP
- [ ] Validate all 3 control requirements are implemented
- [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
- [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for CM-7(9)
- [ ] 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(9) 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

| Tool            | Purpose                       | Usage                                     |
| --------------- | ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| cloud-audit-mcp | Check configuration baselines | `cloud_audit_config`                      |
| AWS CLI         | Review Config rules           | `aws configservice describe-config-rules` |

## Remediation Guide

### Control Statement

Identify [organization-defined];
Prohibit the use or connection of unauthorized hardware components;
Review and update the list of authorized hardware components [organization-defined].

### Implementation Guidance

Hardware components provide the foundation for organizational systems and the platform for the execution of authorized software programs. Managing the inventory of hardware components and controlling which hardware components are permitted to be installed or connected to organizational systems is essential in order to provide adequate security.

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                                              | Severity | Impact                              |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------- |
| CM-7(9) Prohibiting The Use of Unauthorized Hardware not implemented | Medium   | Configuration Management            |
| CM-7(9) partially implemented                                        | Low      | Incomplete Configuration Management |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID | Title         |
| ------ | ------------- |
| CWE-16 | Configuration |

## References

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - CM-7(9)](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cprt/catalog#/cprt/framework/version/SP_800_53_5_1_1/home?element=cm-7.9)
- [NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/a/r5/final)
- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/r5/upd1/final)

## Checklist

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