The application must utilize FIPS-validated cryptographic modules when protecting unclassified information that requires cryptographic protection.

From Application Security and Development Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-002450

SV-84817r1_rule The application must utilize FIPS-validated cryptographic modules when protecting unclassified information that requires cryptographic protection.

Vulnerability 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.

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.