MA-3(6)_software-updates-and-patches

MA-3(6) Software Updates and Patches

Enhancement of: MA-3

High-Level Description

Family: Maintenance (MA) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Maintenance tools using outdated and/or unpatched software can provide a threat vector for adversaries and result in a significant vulnerability for organizations.

What to Check

• Verify MA-3(6) Software Updates and Patches is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for MA-3(6)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control MA-3

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for MA-3(6) 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

Inspect maintenance tools to ensure the latest software updates and patches are installed.

Implementation Guidance

Maintenance tools using outdated and/or unpatched software can provide a threat vector for adversaries and result in a significant vulnerability for organizations.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - MA-3(6)
• 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 (AC-3, AC-6) reviewed