What is CVE cybersecurity?

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) is a vulnerability that is named or identified commonly among different communities in the cybersecurity world.

  • Vulnerability: A vulnerability is a software, hardware, or firmware flaw that, when exploited, negatively impacts a service or service component.

  • Exposure: An exposure is an event or circumstance that allows the adversary to exploit a vulnerability.

CVE list

The CVE list refers to a publicly available list of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and exposures that are designed to name and identify these issues consistently across various teams, communities, and domains for better communication and collaboration.

The CVE listing can be found on the official CVE websitehttps://www.cve.org/.

CVE program

The CVE initiative was officially launched in September 1999 by the MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). The creation of CVE was a collaborative effort involving various cybersecurity experts and organizations. It was established to address the challenges arising from the lack of a standardized method for identifying and referencing vulnerabilities. The initiative aimed to improve communication and collaboration in the cybersecurity community by providing a common language for discussing security vulnerabilities.

The CVE program is a community-driven effort that facilitates the sharing of data about security vulnerabilities among different information security products and organizations.

Each CVE entry can be divided into two distinct parts:

  • CVE identifier: The CVE ID is a unique identifier of each vulnerability disclosed by the CVE program.

    The CVE ID has the following format:

    CVE-YYYY-NNNN     // CVE ID
    

    Here, CVE is the prefix for the ID, YYYY is the year in which this particular vulnerability was published by the CVE program, and NNNN is an arbitrary number assigned by the CNA.

  • CVE record: The CVE record is the data associated with each CVE ID provided by the CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs).

    A CVE Record can have the following states:

    • Reserved: The initial status of the CVE when a CNA associates a number to it.
    • Published: The final status of the data associated with the CVE when the record is disclosed on the internet for community discussions.
    • Rejected: This status is assigned to the record if the associated vulnerability does not meet the criteria for publication.

Let’s see how we can find a CVE record and the associated details.

Navigate to CVE website
Navigate to CVE website
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How does the CVE program work?

Various entities, including software vendors, security researchers, and users, discover vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are reported to CNAs, usually large vendors like Microsoft and open-source projects. CNAs assign CVE IDs to vulnerabilities within their authorized scope of the CVE Program. They then create a CVE record, initiating the investigation and remediation process. Once completed, they submit the necessary details, such as the vulnerability type and solutions then the CVE record is published for public awareness and further investigation.

The following illustration depicts the phases involved in the CVE creation:

Working of CVE program
Working of CVE program

Not every vulnerability is assigned a CVE ID to ensure that the process serves its primary purpose of facilitating clear and impactful communication about cybersecurity vulnerabilities while avoiding unnecessary noise and ensuring that the focus remains on addressing the most significant security challenges.

Point to Ponder

Question

Which vulnerabilities qualify for a CVE ID?

Show Answer

The bright side of CVEs

CVEs contribute to a safer digital environment by allowing users to stay informed, take proactive measures, and reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Here are some key advantages of CVEs for end users:

  • Community collaboration: The CVE system promotes community collaboration by encouraging information sharing among security researchers, vendors, and users. This collaborative approach enhances the collective ability to identify, address, and prevent cybersecurity threats.

  • Vulnerability awareness: CVEs provide a standardized way for the general public to stay informed about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in their software, applications, and devices.

  • Timely security updates: CVEs allow developers and vendors to quickly release security patches after identifying vulnerabilities using the CVE ID.

  • Protection against exploits: CVEs help end users understand the specific vulnerabilities that exist in their software or devices. This knowledge allows them to take proactive measures to protect themselves against potential exploits and cyberattacks.

  • Vendor accountability: CVEs hold software vendors accountable for addressing security vulnerabilities in their products. When vulnerabilities are publicly disclosed with a CVE ID, vendors are more likely to prioritize and release patches to maintain the trust and security of their user base.

  • Regulatory compliance: In some industries and regions, regulatory frameworks require organizations to address known vulnerabilities promptly. End users benefit from these regulations as organizations are motivated to maintain a secure and compliant digital environment.

  • Risk mitigation: Understanding CVEs helps end users assess and mitigate risks associated with their software and devices. By prioritizing the patching of high-severity vulnerabilities, users can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to cyberattacks.

The dark side of CVEs

The CVE program is vital for cybersecurity, but there are certain potential risks and concerns associated with publishing CVEs. Consider the following aspects:

  • Zero-day exploitation: The release of CVEs can alert malicious actors to vulnerabilities in software or systems. In particular, if a patch is unavailable, it poses a serious threat, especially if the software is widely used and the vulnerability is severe.

  • Ineffective patching: In some cases, vendors might not be able to release an effective patch immediately after a CVE is published. This uncertainty could leave users exposed to potential attacks during the vulnerability disclosure period.

  • Increased attack surface: Knowledge of vulnerabilities might prompt attackers to target specific systems or software versions, increasing the attack surface for potential exploitation. This can also lead to targeted attacks, especially if they know that some organizations or users are slow to apply patches. This can be a concern in critical infrastructure or high-profile environments.

  • Supply chain risks: Publicly disclosed vulnerabilities in third-party components or software used in a supply chain can have cascading effects. It may affect multiple organizations relying on the same vulnerable software.

Conclusion

Despite debates about security through obscurity vs. transparency, the CVE program predominates in the cybersecurity community for its transparency and pivotal importance in collaboration. It provides a standardized framework for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, significantly contributing to a more secure digital environment, improved vulnerability awareness, and vendor accountability.

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