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Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)

Common Vulnerabilities & Exposures (CVE)

What is a CVE?#

A Common Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE) is a publicly disclosed security flaw in software or hardware that could be exploited by attackers. Each CVE is assigned a unique identifier to help security professionals track and manage vulnerabilities.

CVE records are maintained by the MITRE Corporation in collaboration with the cybersecurity community and the National Vulnerability Database (NVD).

How Are CVEs Identified?#

Each CVE entry includes: - CVE ID – A unique identifier (e.g., CVE-2024-12345). - Description – A summary of the vulnerability and its impact. - Affected Products – The software, hardware, or systems impacted. - Severity Rating – A risk score, often measured using the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). - References – Links to official advisories, patches, and security analysis.

Example CVE entry: CVE-2023-12345#

CVE-2023-12345 is a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in XYZ software could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

How Are CVEs Used in Cybersecurity?#

1. Vulnerability Management#

  • Organisations use CVEs to identify and patch security weaknesses before attackers exploit them.
  • CVEs help in risk assessment, prioritising which vulnerabilities need immediate attention.

2. Threat Intelligence#

  • Security teams track CVEs to understand potential attack vectors.
  • Tools like MISP, Shodan, and CVE databases help in monitoring known vulnerabilities.

3. Security Compliance#

  • Many compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR) require organisations to monitor and mitigate CVEs.
  • Regulatory bodies may issue alerts for critical CVEs that affect public safety.

Where to Find CVE Information#

Security professionals and NGOs should regularly monitor CVEs to protect against known threats.

How to Mitigate CVEs#

To reduce the risk of cyber attacks related to CVEs, organisations should: ✅ Apply security patches as soon as they are released.
✅ Use vulnerability scanners (e.g., Nessus, OpenVAS) to detect unpatched systems.
✅ Restrict internet exposure for vulnerable services.
✅ Follow security advisories from vendors and security agencies.
✅ Implement multi-layered security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS).

CVE records are essential for cybersecurity. They provide a standard way to track vulnerabilities, allowing organisations to: - Stay informed about security risks. - Patch systems to prevent exploitation. - Improve overall cyber resilience.

By monitoring and responding to CVEs, NGOs and businesses can enhance their security posture and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.