Title

The application must utilize FIPS-validated cryptographic modules when protecting unclassified information that requires cryptographic protection. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Use of weak or untested encryption algorithms undermines the purposes of utilizing encryption to protect data. The application must implement cryptographic modules adhering to the higher standards approved by the federal government since this provides assurance they have been tested and validated.

Check Content

Interview the system administrator, review the application components, and the application requirements to determine if the application processes data requiring cryptographic protection. Review the application documentation and interview the application administrator to identify the cryptographic modules used by the application. Access the NIST site to determine if the cryptographic modules used by the application have been FIPS-validated. http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/140val-all.htm If the application is using cryptographic modules that are not FIPS-validated to protect unclassified data, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the application to use a FIPS-validated cryptographic module.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-222572r961857_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-222572

Group Title: SRG-APP-000514

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.