Mapped to NIST 800-171 Requirement: 3.4.7
CMMC Assessment Objective: CM.L2-3.4.7[b]
What This Objective Means
This is the enforcement step. After identifying the tools and control methods in CM.L2-3.4.7[a], you must now demonstrate that:
• System settings restrict access to powerful system utilities
• Controls such as role-based access, application whitelisting, or group policy restrictions are actively applied
• Only authorized users or roles can execute or even access system maintenance tools
This control applies to both interactive tools (e.g., PowerShell, MMC) and background services (e.g., system daemons, patching agents).
Why It Matters
If powerful maintenance tools are left unrestricted:
• Any user—or attacker—could reconfigure systems or access CUI
• Insider threats become harder to detect
• Baseline and audit integrity are compromised
This objective ensures your systems prevent misuse of administrative utilities by default.
How to Implement It
• Apply technical controls to restrict use of tools like:
◦ PowerShell, cmd.exe, Task Manager, Registry Editor (Windows)
◦ sudo commands, root shell access (Linux)
◦ Cloud management consoles or admin APIs
• Enforce controls via:
◦ Group Policy Objects (GPO)
◦ Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) platforms
◦ Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
◦ Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for privileged actions
◦ Application control/allowlisting (e.g., Microsoft AppLocker, macOS MDM)
• Log and monitor usage of these tools for auditing and alerting
Evidence the Assessor Will Look For
• System configuration screenshots showing access restrictions or execution blocks
• Group policy settings or device control policies that govern tool use
• Audit logs showing use (or attempted use) of high-privilege tools
• Role definitions in cloud or OS-level platforms limiting tool access
Common Gaps
• Admin tools enabled and available to all users by default
• No technical restrictions in place—policy only
• Privileged tool usage not logged or reviewed
How Cuick Trac Helps
Cuick Trac supports this requirement by:
• Locking down system utility access to pre-defined, privileged roles
• Preventing unauthorized access through centralized access controls
• Logging all privileged tool use for audit and investigation
• Helping document and verify technical enforcement of tool restrictions
With Cuick Trac, tool access is not just monitored—it’s technically controlled and audit-ready.
Final CTA
Admin tools should only be in the hands of admins—and only the right ones.
Schedule a Cuick Trac demo and turn your privileged tool policy into enforceable reality.