Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, or CVE, is a public catalog listing known security threats. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, it’s split into two main categories: vulnerabilities and exposures.
At its core, the CVE is a straightforward list of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. For a flaw to make it into this list, it must be fixable on its own, recognized by a vendor as a current or future threat, and only affect one specific product. The Mitre Corporation manages the CVE list, with support from the DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This catalog helps security teams grasp their organization’s risk landscape and apply the right controls to address known threats.
So, how does the CVE function? It assigns unique identifiers, known as CVE IDs, to publicly disclosed security flaws. This allows organizations to track and tackle vulnerabilities in their systems. Once a vulnerability is identified, it goes into the CVE database, making it available for security professionals and vendors to reference.
Each CVE entry includes an ID, a description, and public references. Thousands of these IDs are issued every year as new vulnerabilities come to light. Each entry has one record, presented in formats that people and machines can easily read. When an organization uncovers a vulnerability, it requests a CVE ID, which a designated authority reserves. Before the issue goes public, this authority confirms the essential details of the vulnerability, ensuring accuracy before it’s published.
Security advisories and tools utilize the CVE system to automate vulnerability detection and manage risks. Standardized identifiers help organizations integrate threat intelligence more effectively. Big names like Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle often refer to CVE entries for their patches and updates.
Now, let’s talk about what a vulnerability means in this context. It refers to any flaw in software, firmware, hardware, or services that a cybercriminal might exploit. If a vulnerability exists and the organization doesn’t take action, it can lead to serious risks—compromising data or business operations. However, not every flaw leads to a CVE record. Only those that allow unauthorized access or expose sensitive information typically make the list. A reliable source, like a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), must verify these vulnerabilities.
Indicators of compromise often include malicious software or suspicious IP addresses.
The primary aim of CVE is to standardize how known vulnerabilities are identified. This lets security teams quickly find technical details about specific threats from various CVE-compatible sources. IT and cybersecurity professionals rely on CVE records to understand vulnerabilities and prioritize their responses effectively. They also use this information for discussions and to coordinate their mitigation efforts.
Next up, we have the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). This system, while separate from CVE, helps assess known vulnerabilities. It assigns a numerical score that reflects the severity of a vulnerability. The U.S. National Vulnerability Database offers a CVSS calculator, allowing security teams to create severity ratings and prioritize their actions based on these scores.
Difference time: CVE focuses on known vulnerabilities, while the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) lists various weaknesses in software and hardware that may lead to vulnerabilities. Think of CWE as a dictionary of software flaws that could set the stage for vulnerabilities to emerge.
Examples of weaknesses include core issues in CPUs and GPUs, access control problems, and concerns with shared resources or power management.
Now, let’s talk about the CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs). These entities, including vendors, researchers, and CERTs, have the authority to assign CVE IDs and publish records within their defined scope. Authorization from the CVE program is needed for CNAs to operate, which also requires a public vulnerability disclosure policy and a source for new disclosures.
The term “Root” refers to an authorized organization that oversees CNAs and can manage multiple CNAs or other Roots. A Top-Level Root, or TL-Root, operates independently without reporting to another Root and answers solely to the CVE Board.
Lastly, we have the CVE Board—the governing body that keeps the CVE system in check. Members include representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and major IT companies like Microsoft and Oracle. The board manages the CVE program’s policies, ensuring the database stays current and accurate. They work with organizations reporting vulnerabilities and research teams to maintain the system’s reliability, collaborating with agencies like the National Institute of Standards and Technology to align standards.
Explore top online cybersecurity courses and certifications to further boost your career in this vital field.