3.11.3
RA.L2-3.11.3 · Level 2
Remediate vulnerabilities in accordance with risk assessments.
NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.11.3
Remediate vulnerabilities in accordance with risk assessments.
Assessment objectives
From NIST SP 800-171A · 2 objectives must be met to satisfy this control
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 responsibilities; personnel with vulnerability 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].
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 responsibilities; personnel with vulnerability 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. 1-point control under the DoD Assessment Methodology. Lower scoring impact, but still required for full compliance. POA&M-eligible — deferral up to 180 days is allowed under conditional certification per 32 CFR 170.21.