What does CMMC 3.14.1 require?

Identify, report, and correct system flaws in a timely manner. The key word is 'timely': you must define the time frames for identifying, reporting, and correcting flaws — and then meet them. In practice this is your patch and remediation program with documented SLAs.

What's the difference between 3.14.1 and 3.11.2?

3.11.2 is vulnerability scanning — finding weaknesses. 3.14.1 is flaw remediation — fixing them (and the OS/software flaws like missing patches) within defined time frames. Assessors expect scanning to feed remediation, and remediation to close the loop with evidence.

Do I need defined patch timelines for 3.14.1?

Yes. Several 3.14.1 objectives hinge on whether you've specified the time within which flaws are identified, reported, and corrected. A patch policy that says 'critical within X days, high within Y days' and evidence that you actually meet it is what satisfies the control.

CMMC 3.14.1 (Flaw Remediation): Evidence Examples & What Assessors Actually Check

Control: NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 §3.14.1 · CMMC Practice: SI.L2-3.14.1 · Updated June 2026

Plain-English answer

3.14.1 requires you to identify, report, and correct system flaws in a timely manner. The word that decides it is timely: you must define the time frames for each step — identify, report, correct — and then show you meet them. This is your patch and remediation program with real SLAs, fed by your scanning (3.11.2).

Who this applies to

Every organization seeking CMMC Level 2 for a CUI environment.

Why it matters

Most breaches exploit known, unpatched flaws. Finding them isn't enough — closing them on a defined clock is what reduces risk. It carries a weighted SPRS deduction if unmet (verify the exact value against the DoD Assessment Methodology).

Control lineage

CMMC Practice: SI.L2-3.14.1
NIST 800-171 Rev. 2: §3.14.1 — identify, report, and correct system flaws in a timely manner.
NIST 800-171A objectives: [a] the time within which to identify system flaws is specified; [b] system flaws are identified within the specified time frame; [c] the time within which to report system flaws is specified; [d] system flaws are reported within the specified time frame; [e] the time within which to correct system flaws is specified; [f] system flaws are corrected within the specified time frame.

What the assessor will EXAMINE

The patch/flaw-remediation policy that specifies time frames to identify, report, and correct (e.g., by severity).
Patch-management reports/dashboards showing flaws found and remediated against those time frames.
The link from scan findings (3.11.2) into remediation tracking/tickets.
SSP narrative for 3.14.1.

What the assessor will INTERVIEW & TEST

Interview: "What are your time frames to identify, report, and correct flaws, and how do you know you meet them?" — point to the policy + remediation metrics.
Test: Pick a recent critical flaw and trace it from discovery to patch, checking it closed within the SLA.
Test: Review patch compliance across in-scope assets for overdue items.

Evidence examples (produce these)

Patch/flaw-remediation policy with defined time frames by severity (identify / report / correct).
Patch-management compliance report showing remediation within SLA.
A worked example: a flaw from scan finding → ticket → patched, with dates inside the SLA.
Evidence that overdue items flow to the POA&M where needed.
SSP section 3.14.1 referencing the above.

Common failure patterns

Patching happens but no time frames are specified — objectives [a]/[c]/[e] fail even if systems are current.
Time frames defined on paper but routinely missed — objectives [b]/[d]/[f] fail.
Scan findings never become remediation actions — the loop from 3.11.2 to 3.14.1 is broken.
Servers patched, but workstations or appliances drift out of compliance.

SPRS impact & POA&M

SPRS: 3.14.1 carries a weighted deduction (verify the exact value). POA&M: confirm 3.14.1's POA&M eligibility against current CMMC rules before assuming it can be deferred.

Assessor-ready summary

You're good on 3.14.1 when time frames to identify, report, and correct flaws are defined by severity; remediation metrics show you meet them; scan findings flow into tracked, closed fixes; overdue items hit the POA&M; and the SSP matches the practice.

Can you prove critical patches close inside your SLA? Get a flaw-remediation evidence map →

Athena prepares organizations for CMMC Level 2; certification rests with C3PAOs/DIBCAC. Verify all control facts against NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, NIST SP 800-171A, and current CMMC rules.