FedRAMP Control Explorer

CM-3 Configuration Change Control

Control

a.
Determine and document the types of changes to the system that are configuration-controlled;
b.
Review proposed configuration-controlled changes to the system and approve or disapprove such changes with explicit consideration for security and privacy impact analyses;
c.
Document configuration change decisions associated with the system;
d.
Implement approved configuration-controlled changes to the system;
e.
Retain records of configuration-controlled changes to the system for [Assignment: organization-defined time period];
f.
Monitor and review activities associated with configuration-controlled changes to the system; and
g.
Coordinate and provide oversight for configuration change control activities through [Assignment: organization-defined configuration change control element] that convenes [Selection (one or more): [Assignment: organization-defined frequency] ; when [Assignment: organization-defined configuration change conditions] ].
Requirement:
The service provider establishes a central means of communicating major changes to or developments in the information system or environment of operations that may affect its services to the federal government and associated service consumers (e.g., electronic bulletin board, web status page). The means of communication are approved and accepted by the JAB/AO.
(e) Guidance:
In accordance with record retention policies and procedures.

Discussion

Configuration change control for organizational systems involves the systematic proposal, justification, implementation, testing, review, and disposition of system changes, including system upgrades and modifications. Configuration change control includes changes to baseline configurations, configuration items of systems, operational procedures, configuration settings for system components, remediate vulnerabilities, and unscheduled or unauthorized changes. Processes for managing configuration changes to systems include Configuration Control Boards or Change Advisory Boards that review and approve proposed changes. For changes that impact privacy risk, the senior agency official for privacy updates privacy impact assessments and system of records notices. For new systems or major upgrades, organizations consider including representatives from the development organizations on the Configuration Control Boards or Change Advisory Boards. Auditing of changes includes activities before and after changes are made to systems and the auditing activities required to implement such changes. See also SA-10.

FedRAMP-Defined Assignment / Selection Parameters