CM-7(4) Unauthorized Software — Deny-by-exception

Control enhancement of CM-7 Least Functionality

Control

(a)

Identify [Assignment: software programs];

(b)

Employ an allow-all, deny-by-exception policy to prohibit the execution of unauthorized software programs on the system; and

(c)

Review and update the list of unauthorized software programs [Assignment: frequency].

Discussion

Unauthorized software programs can be limited to specific versions or from a specific source. The concept of prohibiting the execution of unauthorized software may also be applied to user actions, system ports and protocols, IP addresses/ranges, websites, and MAC addresses.

Related controls

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Control catalog and framework text on this page is reproduced from official NIST publications — a public-domain work of the U.S. Government (17 U.S.C. §105). Maverc commentary, groupings, and readiness guidance are our own and are not part of any NIST publication.