Understanding the Role of Configuration Management (CM) in CMMC 2.0

TheConfiguration Management (CM) domainin CMMC 2.0 ensures that systems aresecurely configured and maintainedto prevent unauthorized or unnecessary changes that could introduce vulnerabilities. One key requirement in CM is torestrict, disable, or prevent the use of nonessential programsto reduce security risks.

Relevant CMMC 2.0 Practice:

CM.L2-3.4.1 – Establish and enforce security configuration settings for information technology products employed in organizational systems.

This practicerequires organizations to control system configurations, including the removal or restriction ofnonessential programs, functions, ports, and servicestoreduce attack surfaces.

The goal is tominimize exposure to cyber threatsby ensuring only necessary and approved software is running on the system.

Why is the Correct Answer CM (D)?

A. Access Control (AC) → Incorrect

Access Control (AC) focuses onmanaging user permissions and accessto systems and data, not restricting programs.

B. Media Protection (MP) → Incorrect

Media Protection (MP) deals withprotecting and controlling removable media(e.g., USBs, hard drives) rather than software or system configurations.

C. Asset Management (AM) → Incorrect

Asset Management (AM) is aboutidentifying and tracking IT assets, not configuring or restricting software.

D. Configuration Management (CM) → Correct

CM explicitly coverssecuring system configurationsbyrestricting nonessential programs, ports, services, and functions, making it the correct answer.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting this Answer:

CMMC 2.0 Practice CM.L2-3.4.1(Security Configuration Management)

Requires organizations toenforce security configuration settingsandremove unnecessary programsto protect systems.

NIST SP 800-171 Requirement 3.4.1

Supportssecure configuration settingsandrestricting unauthorized applicationsto prevent security risks.

CMMC 2.0 Level 2 Requirement

This practice is aLevel 2 (Advanced) requirement, meaningorganizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)must comply with it.