3.11.2
RA.L2-3.11.2 · Level 2
Scan for vulnerabilities in organizational systems and applications periodically and when new…
NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.11.2
Scan for vulnerabilities in organizational systems and applications periodically and when new vulnerabilities affecting those systems and applications are identified.
Assessment objectives
3.11.2[a]
the frequency to scan for vulnerabilities in an organizational system and its applications that process, store, or transmit CUI is defined.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Risk assessment policy; procedures addressing vulnerability scanning; risk assessment; security plan; security assessment report; vulnerability scanning tools and associated configuration documentation; vulnerability scanning results; patch and vulnerability management records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with risk assessment, security assessment and vulnerability scanning responsibilities; personnel with vulnerability scan analysis and remediation responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing; mechanisms supporting or implementing vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing].
3.11.2[b]
vulnerability scans are performed in an organizational system that processes, stores, or transmits CUI with the defined frequency.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Risk assessment policy; procedures addressing vulnerability scanning; risk assessment; security plan; security assessment report; vulnerability scanning tools and associated configuration documentation; vulnerability scanning results; patch and vulnerability management records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with risk assessment, security assessment and vulnerability scanning responsibilities; personnel with vulnerability scan analysis and remediation responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing; mechanisms supporting or implementing vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing].
3.11.2[c]
vulnerability scans are performed in an application that contains CUI with the defined frequency.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Risk assessment policy; procedures addressing vulnerability scanning; risk assessment; security plan; security assessment report; vulnerability scanning tools and associated configuration documentation; vulnerability scanning results; patch and vulnerability management records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with risk assessment, security assessment and vulnerability scanning responsibilities; personnel with vulnerability scan analysis and remediation responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing; mechanisms supporting or implementing vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing].
3.11.2[d]
vulnerability scans are performed in an organizational system that processes, stores, or transmits CUI when new vulnerabilities are identified.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Risk assessment policy; procedures addressing vulnerability scanning; risk assessment; security plan; security assessment report; vulnerability scanning tools and associated configuration documentation; vulnerability scanning results; patch and vulnerability management records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with risk assessment, security assessment and vulnerability scanning responsibilities; personnel with vulnerability scan analysis and remediation responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing; mechanisms supporting or implementing vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing].
3.11.2[e]
vulnerability scans are performed in an application that contains CUI when new vulnerabilities are identified.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Risk assessment policy; procedures addressing vulnerability scanning; risk assessment; security plan; security assessment report; vulnerability scanning tools and associated configuration documentation; vulnerability scanning results; patch and vulnerability management records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with risk assessment, security assessment and vulnerability scanning responsibilities; personnel with vulnerability scan analysis and remediation responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing; mechanisms supporting or implementing vulnerability scanning, analysis, remediation, and information sharing].
What we look for in practice
The following are placeholder notes that should be refined based on practice experience.
What assessors look for in practice. Documented evidence that this control is implemented across all CUI-handling systems within scope. Specific artifacts vary, but expect requests for written procedures, system configurations, and operational records demonstrating the control is active.
Common failure patterns. Typical issues include incomplete documentation, inconsistent implementation across systems, and missing periodic review records. Refine this section as your practice accumulates direct assessment experience.
Strong evidence looks like. Formal policy referencing this control, technical configurations demonstrating enforcement, periodic review logs with sign-off, and procedures for handling exceptions.
Scoring and POA&M context. 5-point control under the DoD Assessment Methodology. Highest scoring impact — treat as a foundational requirement. Not POA&M-eligible — must be implemented at assessment time.