OVAL Terms (Simplified)

Objects

Objects are used to define items to be tested, like registry keys, file names, rpm packages etc.
An OVAL Object describes a unique set of items to look for on a system. A simple object will usually result in a single file, process, etc being identified. But through the use pattern matches, sets, and variables, multiple matching objects can be identified. Therefore an OVAL Object can identify a unique set of many individual items on a system. This unique set of items defined by the OVAL Object can then be used by an OVAL Test and compared against an OVAL State.

States

States are the actual values of properties of objects. Like the version string of a file or value of a registry key.
An OVAL State is a collection of one or more characteristics pertaining to a specific object type. The OVAL State is used by an OVAL Test to determine if a unique set of items identified on a system meet certain characteristics.

Test

Tests are the rules that evaluate to a final boolean value using objects and states.

OVAL Definitions By Referenced Objects

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