| name | CM-7(7)_code-execution-in-protected-environments |
| description | Allow execution of binary or machine-executable code only in confined physical or virtual machine environments and with the explicit approval of [orga |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","cm-7-7","cm","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-16"] |
| chains_with | ["CM-10","SC-44"] |
| prerequisites | ["CM-7"] |
| severity_boost | {"CM-10":"Chain with CM-10 for comprehensive security coverage","SC-44":"Chain with SC-44 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
CM-7(7) Code Execution in Protected Environments
Enhancement of: CM-7
High-Level Description
Family: Configuration Management (CM)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Code execution in protected environments applies to all sources of binary or machine-executable code, including commercial software and firmware and open-source software.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for CM-7(7) 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 execution of binary or machine-executable code only in confined physical or virtual machine environments and with the explicit approval of [organization-defined] when such code is:
Obtained from sources with limited or no warranty; and/or
Without the provision of source code.
Implementation Guidance
Code execution in protected environments applies to all sources of binary or machine-executable code, including commercial software and firmware and open-source software.
