MA 3(6) Software Updates And Patches

---
name: "MA-3(6)_software-updates-and-patches"
description: "Inspect maintenance tools to ensure the latest software updates and patches are installed."
category: "configuration"
version: "5.2.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - nist
  - sp800-53
  - rev5
  - ma-3-6
  - ma
  - enhancement
tech_stack:
  - linux
  - windows
cwe_ids: []
chains_with:
  - AC-3
  - AC-6
prerequisites:
  - MA-3
severity_boost:
  AC-3: "Chain with AC-3 for comprehensive security coverage"
  AC-6: "Chain with AC-6 for comprehensive security coverage"
---

# MA-3(6) Software Updates and Patches

> **Enhancement of:** MA-3

## High-Level Description

**Family:** Maintenance (MA)
**Framework:** NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Maintenance tools using outdated and/or unpatched software can provide a threat vector for adversaries and result in a significant vulnerability for organizations.

## What to Check

- [ ] Verify MA-3(6) Software Updates and Patches is documented in SSP
- [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
- [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for MA-3(6)
- [ ] Verify enhancement builds upon base control MA-3

## How to Test

### Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for MA-3(6) 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 |
| ------------- | --------------------------------- | ----- |
| Manual Review | Documentation and interview-based | N/A   |

## Remediation Guide

### Control Statement

Inspect maintenance tools to ensure the latest software updates and patches are installed.

### Implementation Guidance

Maintenance tools using outdated and/or unpatched software can provide a threat vector for adversaries and result in a significant vulnerability for organizations.

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                              | Severity | Impact                 |
| ---------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ---------------------- |
| MA-3(6) Software Updates and Patches not implemented | Medium   | Maintenance            |
| MA-3(6) partially implemented                        | Low      | Incomplete Maintenance |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID | Title                 |
| ------ | --------------------- |
| N/A    | No direct CWE mapping |

## References

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - MA-3(6)](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cprt/catalog#/cprt/framework/version/SP_800_53_5_1_1/home?element=ma-3.6)
- [NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/a/r5/final)
- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/r5/upd1/final)

## Checklist

- [ ] Control documented in SSP
- [ ] Implementation evidence collected
- [ ] Operating effectiveness validated
- [ ] Continuous monitoring in place
- [ ] Related controls (AC-3, AC-6) reviewed