V-279016

Discussion

Security flaws with operating systems are discovered daily. Vendors are constantly updating and patching their products to address newly discovered security vulnerabilities. Organizations (including any contractor to the organization) are required to promptly install security-relevant software updates (e.g., patches, service packs, and hot fixes). Flaws discovered during security assessments, continuous monitoring, incident response activities, or information system error handling must also be addressed expeditiously. Organization-defined time periods for updating security-relevant software may vary based on a variety of factors including, for example, the security category of the information system or the criticality of the update (i.e., severity of the vulnerability related to the discovered flaw). Patch criticality, as well as system criticality, will vary; therefore, the tactical situations regarding the patch management process will also vary. This means that the time period used must be a configurable parameter. Time frames for application of security-relevant software updates may depend on the Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) process. The application will be configured to check for and install security-relevant software updates within an identified time period from the availability of the update. The specific time period will be defined by an authoritative source (e.g., IAVM, CTOs, DTMs, and STIGs).

Check Content

Verify security-relevant software updates are installed on the VMM within 30 days unless the time period is directed by an authoritative source (e.g., IAVM, CTOs, DTMs, STIGs).

If security-relevant software updates are not installed on the VMM within 30 days unless the time period is directed by an authoritative source (e.g., IAVM, CTOs, DTMs, STIGs), this is a finding.