V-259879

Discussion

Control of program execution is a mechanism used to prevent execution of unauthorized programs. Some VMs may provide a capability that runs counter to the mission or provides users with functionality that exceeds mission requirements. This includes functions and services installed at the VM level. Some of the service and helper VMs, installed by default, may be harmful or may not be necessary to support essential organizational operations (e.g., key missions, functions). Removal of such VMs is not always possible; therefore, establishing a method of preventing VM activation is critical to maintaining a secure system baseline. Methods for complying with this requirement include restricting execution of VMs in certain environments while preventing execution in other environments or limiting execution of certain VM functionality based on organizationally defined criteria (e.g., privileges, subnets, sandboxed environments, or roles).

Check Content

If this is a Software as a Service (SaaS) implementation, this is not a finding.

If cloud VMs are managed by the cloud service provider (CSP), verify separation requirements are addressed in the Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Verify the IaaS/PaaS is configured to disable or remove cloud services and helper VMs that are no longer required based on mission requirements.

If the IaaS/PaaS has not been configured to disable or remove cloud services and helper VMs that are no longer required based on mission requirements, this is a finding.