| name | CM-11(2)_software-installation-with-privileged-status |
| description | Allow user installation of software only with explicit privileged status. |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","cm-11-2","cm","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-16"] |
| chains_with | ["AC-5","AC-6"] |
| prerequisites | ["CM-11"] |
| severity_boost | {"AC-5":"Chain with AC-5 for comprehensive security coverage","AC-6":"Chain with AC-6 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
CM-11(2) Software Installation with Privileged Status
Enhancement of: CM-11
High-Level Description
Family: Configuration Management (CM)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Privileged status can be obtained, for example, by serving in the role of system administrator.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for CM-11(2) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.
Step 2: Validate Implementation
# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly
# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null
Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness
Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.
Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Usage |
|---|
| cloud-audit-mcp | Check configuration baselines | cloud_audit_config |
| AWS CLI | Review Config rules | aws configservice describe-config-rules |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Allow user installation of software only with explicit privileged status.
Implementation Guidance
Privileged status can be obtained, for example, by serving in the role of system administrator.
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|
| CM-11(2) Software Installation with Privileged Status not implemented | Medium | Configuration Management |
