CVE Program Overview

Summary

The CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) program is an international effort that maintains an open data registry of publicly known cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Its goals are to scale the program for broader adoption, improve coverage, and accelerate the creation of CVE entries. The program is operated by MITRE, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and supported by a diverse range of global stakeholders. Through a network of CNAs (CVE Numbering Authorities), the program ensures effective vulnerability management, fosters collaboration, and plays a crucial role in improving cybersecurity hygiene across industries.

Takeaways

• 😀 CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, a global initiative to catalog publicly known cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• 😀 The CVE program is aimed at improving cybersecurity by providing a standardized way to identify vulnerabilities with unique CVE IDs.
• 😀 CVE IDs are assigned by CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs), which are organizations that participate on a voluntary basis.
• 😀 The CVE program is operated by the MITRE Corporation, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
• 😀 The main goal of the CVE program is to expand its adoption and coverage, leading to broader community participation and increased vulnerability identification.
• 😀 The second goal of the program is to produce CVE entries more quickly, with clearer guidelines and flexible infrastructure for early-stage vulnerability management.
• 😀 The CVE program is governed by a board that ensures strategic oversight, governance, and transparent decision-making.
• 😀 The MITRE Corporation serves as the root CNA, managing the program operations, maintaining the CVE master list, and executing process improvements.
• 😀 The CNA of last resort is responsible for handling cases that are not covered by other CNAs, resolving conflicts, and identifying new industries requiring coverage.
• 😀 Root CNAs manage sub-CNAs within specific scopes, mentor and onboard new sub-CNAs, and ensure vulnerability information is submitted to the CVE list.
• 😀 Sub-CNAs are responsible for assigning CVE IDs for vulnerabilities in their defined scope and making that information public.

Q & A

What is CVE?

CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures. It is an international, community-based effort that maintains an open data registry of publicly known cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

What is the main purpose of CVE identifiers (CVE IDs)?

CVE IDs are used to assign unique identifiers to vulnerabilities, which allows stakeholders to quickly discover and correlate vulnerability information, helping to protect systems against attacks.

Who assigns CVE IDs?

CVE IDs are assigned by CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs), which are operated by participating organizations on a voluntary basis.

What are the main goals of the CVE program?

The two main goals of the CVE program are: 1) To scale the program for broader adoption and coverage, and 2) To produce more CVE entries faster by onboarding more CNAs and simplifying processes.

What is the role of the CVE program in cybersecurity?

The CVE program provides a standardized approach to identifying vulnerabilities, which is essential for effective vulnerability management, coordination, and cyber hygiene.

Who operates the CVE program?

The CVE program is operated by the MITRE Corporation, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

What does the CVE Board do?

The CVE Board provides strategic governance and advisory functions, ensuring program oversight, decision-making, and that the program delivers value to stakeholders while adhering to its guiding principles.

What is the role of MITRE in the CVE program?

MITRE is the root CNA, responsible for managing the CVE program operations, hosting the CVE master list, assigning CVE IDs for products not covered by other CNAs, and executing various program improvement activities.

What is the CNA of Last Resort?

The CNA of Last Resort is a role held by MITRE, which covers all vulnerabilities not assigned to any other CNA. It also coordinates between root CNAs in case of conflicts and identifies new industries where coverage is needed.

How do Root CNAs and Sub-CNAs collaborate in the CVE program?

Root CNAs manage sub-CNAs within a defined scope, mentoring and onboarding new sub-CNAs. Sub-CNAs assign CVE IDs for vulnerabilities within their scope and submit vulnerability information to the CVE list.