Mapped to NIST 800-171 Requirement: 3.4.7
CMMC Assessment Objective: CM.L2-3.4.7[e]
What This Objective Means
This is the final validation step for controlling system maintenance tools. It ensures your audit logs include evidence that:
• Privileged tools were executed (e.g., PowerShell, sudo, regedit, RDP)
• Those actions were logged in sufficient detail (e.g., timestamp, user, system, command)
• Logs are complete, accessible, and reviewed as part of your audit strategy
This objective confirms that what should be monitored is, in fact, being logged.
Why It Matters
Logging tool access is only useful if logs contain:
• The event of the tool being used
• Who used it
• When and where it happened
Without this detail, you can’t investigate incidents, prove accountability, or pass an audit.
How to Implement It
• Configure audit policies to log usage of:
◦ PowerShell (enable Script Block Logging, Module Logging, and Transcription)
◦ Windows Event ID 4688 (process creation) and 4672 (special privileges assigned)
◦ Linux sudo activity and shell access
◦ Remote access tools like RDP or SSH
• Test logs by executing a tool and verifying the log entry is created
• Store logs in a centralized, secure repository and retain per policy
• Review logs regularly and alert on unusual patterns
Evidence the Assessor Will Look For
• Audit logs showing real examples of system tool usage (with metadata)
• Screenshots or exports of log entries for tools like PowerShell, cmd, or SSH
• Policy or procedure references linking log events to review requirements
• Evidence that log review includes checks for privileged tool activity
Common Gaps
• Logs exist but don’t include tool usage (e.g., PowerShell run without logging enabled)
• Incomplete or missing fields (no user ID, timestamp, or command)
• Logging configured but not tested or validated
How Cuick Trac Helps
Cuick Trac supports this requirement by:
• Logging all privileged tool use within the secure enclave
• Providing audit-ready log formats with timestamps, user attribution, and event types
• Helping validate that your logging policies capture the right level of detail
• Supporting alerts and reviews tied to privileged tool usage
With Cuick Trac, tool usage is more than controlled—it’s documented, traceable, and reviewable.
Final CTA
Logs don’t lie—unless they’re missing the facts.
Schedule a Cuick Trac demo and confirm your system maintenance tools leave a trail that meets CMMC standards.