The network device hardware and software must be a version supported by the vendor.

Unsupported software and systems must not be used because fixes to newly identified bugs will not be implemented by the vendor. The lack of support can result in potential vulnerabilities.

Software and systems at unsupported servicing levels or releases will not receive security updates for new vulnerabilities, which leaves them subject to exploitation.

When maintenance updates and patches are no longer available, software is no longer considered supported and must be upgraded or decommissioned.

Verify that the network device hardware and software are a version supported by the vendor.

If the network device hardware and software are not a version supported by the vendor, this is a finding.

Install or upgrade the network device hardware and software to a version supported by the vendor.