High-Level Compliance Check (XCCDF):
In the SCAP ecosystem, an XCCDF benchmark might define a policy stating:
Ensure the Apache web server is configured with secure SSL/TLS settings.
This would describe what needs to be checked (e.g., SSL protocol, cipher suites) in a structured, human-readable format.
Technical Validation (OVAL):
OVAL definition defines how to validate that compliance programmatically:
It specifies that two specific tests need to be conducted:
Check if TLS 1.2 or higher is enabled (test_ref="oval:org.example:tst:54321").
Check if weak cipher suites are disabled (test_ref="oval:org.example:tst:54322").
These tests are tied to actual system settings or configurations that can be programmatically verified.
The separation of XCCDF and OVAL exists to maintain a clear distinction between defining high-level compliance policies (XCCDF) and implementing detailed, platform-specific checks (OVAL). This modular approach ensures flexibility, simplicity, and adaptability, allowing each standard to evolve independently while enabling specialized tools and teams to focus on their respective domains.
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B) OVAL doesn't primarily generate remediation scripts. While some OVAL definitions can include remediation instructions, its main purpose is assessment. Remediation is typically handled separately, often using tools like Ansible or Puppet, guided by the results of the SCAP scan.
C) XCCDF doesn't contain executable remediation code itself. It defines the structure and references OVAL for assessment.
D) XCCDF and OVAL are distinct standards with specific, complementary roles. They are not interchangeable.