id: "CM-10(01)" title: "Open-source Software" family: "CM" family_name: "Configuration Management" sort_id: "cm-10.01" priority: "P1" implementation_level: "organization" parent: "CM-10" enhancement: True
Statement
Establish the following restrictions on the use of open-source software: {{ insert: param, cm-10.01_odp }}.
Guidance
Open-source software refers to software that is available in source code form. Certain software rights normally reserved for copyright holders are routinely provided under software license agreements that permit individuals to study, change, and improve the software. From a security perspective, the major advantage of open-source software is that it provides organizations with the ability to examine the source code. In some cases, there is an online community associated with the software that inspects, tests, updates, and reports on issues found in software on an ongoing basis. However, remediating vulnerabilities in open-source software may be problematic. There may also be licensing issues associated with open-source software, including the constraints on derivative use of such software. Open-source software that is available only in binary form may increase the level of risk in using such software.
Assessment Objective
{{ insert: param, cm-10.01_odp }} are established for the use of open-source software.
Configuration management policy
software usage restrictions
software contract agreements and copyright laws
site license documentation
list of software usage restrictions
software license tracking reports
configuration management plan
system security plan
system security plan
other relevant documents or records
Organizational personnel operating, using, and/or maintaining the system
organizational personnel with software license management responsibilities
organizational personnel with information security responsibilities
system/network administrators
Organizational processes for tracking the use of software protected by quantity licenses
organizational processes for controlling/documenting the use of peer-to-peer file sharing technology
mechanisms implementing software license tracking
mechanisms implementing and controlling the use of peer-to-peer files sharing technology