FIPS Validation and FedRAMP Compliance

The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140 is a security standard developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It specifically focuses on requirements for cryptographic modules used in both hardware and software components. A common misconception is that entire systems or distributions can be “FIPS compliant.” In reality, only individual cryptographic modules can receive FIPS validation through NIST’s Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP).

For Linux distributions, this means that specific cryptographic libraries and modules must be individually validated. When a module achieves FIPS validation, it has successfully passed rigorous testing and verification processes to ensure it meets federal security requirements. This validation is crucial because, without it, the U.S. government treats data encrypted with non-validated modules as effectively unprotected.

1. Module-Level Validation
   • ndividual cryptographic modules must be validated
   • The validation applies to specific versions of the modules
   • Changes to the module may require revalidation
2. Validation Process
   • Modules must be tested by approved laboratories
   • The process can take significant time
   • Updates to modules may require new validation
3. Security Updates
   • Critical security patches may be needed before revalidation is complete
   • Organizations need a strategy for managing this balance
   • Documentation of any deviations is crucial

Maintaining both FIPS validation and a strong security posture presents unique challenges. One of the most critical issues is how organizations handle security updates to cryptographic modules while ensuring continued compliance. 
When vulnerabilities are discovered in Linux packages containing FIPS-validated cryptographic modules, system administrators face a critical decision:

1. Continue using the validated but vulnerable version
2. Update to a newer, more secure version that may temporarily lose FIPS validation

This challenge is particularly acute in Linux environments where regular security updates are crucial for maintaining system security, but updating cryptographic modules can affect their validation status.

AlmaLinix Enterprise Support from TuxCare helps organizations maintain both their security posture and compliance status by providing validated cryptographic modules for AlmaLinux while ensuring timely security updates.

The affected cryptographic modules in AlmaLinux are the Kernel Crypto API, OpenSSL, NSS, libgcrypt and GnuTLS. You can check the status of the validation process for these modules in the FIPS for AlmaLinux page, which contains the validation status and links to the online certificate information.

Since the certification process is very long, auditors can verify compliance by checking the NIST CMVP lists linked on that page.

Currently, TuxCare offers AlmaLinux 9.2 FIPS validated modules, and thus is listed under the “Modules In Process” (MIP) NIST list, with openssl and the kernel already on the Active list.

TuxCare is also in the process of obtaining similar status for AlmaLinux 9.6 modules, and this can be seen in the “Implementation Under Test” (IUT) NIST list.

For organizations seeking to navigate these complex requirements, TuxCare’s AlmaLinux Enterprise Support service offers a comprehensive solution. Through our Extended Security Updates (ESU) service, we provide:

FIPS-validated cryptographic packages for AlmaLinux

• Regular security updates that maintain the balance between validation status and security
• Extended support to help organizations manage their compliance requirements
• Expert guidance on maintaining FIPS validation while keeping systems secure

We are currently also looking into providing openssl and kernel live patches for FIPS/ESU soon.

While FIPS validation focuses specifically on cryptographic modules, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) takes a broader approach to security. FedRAMP provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by federal agencies. A critical point often overlooked is that FIPS validation is a mandatory component of FedRAMP compliance – not an optional enhancement.

For cloud service providers and organizations working with federal agencies, this creates a clear imperative: FIPS validation isn’t just a “nice to have” security feature, but a fundamental requirement for FedRAMP authorization. Without FIPS-validated cryptographic modules, a system cannot achieve FedRAMP authorization, potentially limiting its ability to serve federal customers.

Recent changes in the Linux ecosystem have significantly impacted FIPS validation strategies. As of March 2021, CentOS users can no longer rely on RHEL’s FIPS validation status, following CentOS’s shift in support policies and end-of-life announcement – formally acknowledged by FedRAMP. This means CentOS no longer meets federal compliance requirements, forcing organizations to seek currently validated alternatives.

Similarly, RHEL 7’s FIPS certifications are gradually being moved to the historical list, signaling that they are no longer actively maintained. Key modules, including the RHEL 7 kernel and NSS, still hold FIPS 140-2 validation, but these certifications are set to expire soon, requiring organizations to plan their transition.

To maintain compliance, organizations using CentOS or relying on RHEL 7’s FIPS validation must evaluate alternatives that currently hold FIPS validation and provide long-term stability with ongoing security updates.

As compliance requirements evolve and previously validated systems reach their end of life, organizations must adopt proactive strategies to maintain both security and regulatory alignment. This is where TuxCare’s Enterprise Support for AlmaLinux becomes essential.

Our approach ensures access to FIPS-validated modules, supports long-term compliance in an evolving security landscape, and helps meet FedRAMP requirements by implementing NIST 800-53 security controls – typically achieved through CIS/STIG hardening. The service provides:

• FIPS-validated modules for AlmaLinux with FIPS-compliant security updates and ongoing re-validation for FIPS security-relevant CVEs
• A seamless transition pathway from end-of-life or historically validated systems
• Continuous compliance support to help organizations navigate evolving security requirements, including CIS/STIG hardening

Organizations seeking a stable, compliant environment should consider that simply relying on historical validations or end-of-life distributions is no longer a viable strategy. The combination of FedRAMP requirements and evolving FIPS validation statuses demands a more proactive approach to compliance management.