Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) / Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system is a standardized dictionary of publicly known information security vulnerabilities. CVE provides a unique identifier for each vulnerability, making it easier to reference and track vulnerabilities across different systems, products, and organizations.

Key Aspects of CVE:

• Vulnerability Identification: CVE assigns a unique identifier, known as a CVE ID, to each vulnerability. This allows security professionals and organizations to reference and discuss vulnerabilities consistently.
• Centralized Database: The CVE system maintains a centralized database that serves as a comprehensive repository of known vulnerabilities. This enables efficient collaboration and information sharing among the security community.
• Interoperability: CVE IDs can be used by security vendors, researchers, and organizations to label vulnerabilities consistently across different tools, products, and databases. This enhances interoperability and simplifies vulnerability management.
• Tracking and Monitoring: CVE IDs facilitate tracking and monitoring of vulnerabilities over time. This helps organizations stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities and apply appropriate mitigation measures.

Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a framework for assessing and communicating the severity of software vulnerabilities. CVSS provides a standardized scoring system that allows security professionals to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their severity and potential impact.

Key Aspects of CVSS:

• Severity Assessment: CVSS assigns a numerical score to each vulnerability based on its characteristics, impact, and exploitability. The score helps security teams prioritize their response efforts and allocate resources accordingly.
• Exploitability Factors: CVSS considers various factors, such as ease of exploit, attack vectors, and available countermeasures, to assess the exploitability of a vulnerability.
• Impact Metrics: CVSS evaluates the potential impact of a vulnerability on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system or data. This includes factors such as data loss, privilege escalation, or system disruption.
• Base, Temporal, and Environmental Scores: CVSS provides a structured framework with three main score components: Base Score (inherent risk), Temporal Score (time-related factors), and Environmental Score (customized to the organization's environment). This allows for a more comprehensive assessment of vulnerabilities.
• Common Language: CVSS provides a common language for discussing and sharing vulnerability severity among security professionals. The numerical scores facilitate efficient communication and decision-making related to vulnerability management.