Navigating through software vulnerabilities

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the proliferation of software vulnerabilities is a growing concern for IT and security teams worldwide. With an average of 150 new Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) disclosed each business day, the challenge is not just identifying these vulnerabilities but also effectively managing and mitigating them.

1. Where to Find CVE information?

The first step in managing vulnerabilities is knowing where to look. CVEs are typically disclosed through several sources, including:

- Official Databases: CVE.org, NVD, CISA and similar local repositories.

- Security Advisories: Issued by software vendors and cybersecurity organizations

- Threat Intelligence Feeds: Provided by specialized cybersecurity firms.

- Community Platforms: Forums and open-source communities often discuss and report vulnerabilities.

2. Identifying Trusted Sources

Given the sheer volume of CVEs, it's critical to rely on trusted sources. While the NVD is a widely known repository, it’s essential to recognize that not all vulnerabilities listed are analyzed promptly (understatement) . Therefore, supplementing NVD data with other reputable sources, such as vendor-specific advisories and specialized security feeds, is vital for accurate and timely information.

3. Determining Relevance to Your Organization

Not every CVE affects the software you use. To ascertain relevance:

- Inventory Check: Regularly update and maintain an accurate inventory of all software and hardware in use. ( you can't protect what you don't know)

- Automated Tools: Use vulnerability management tools that integrate (API) with your systems to automatically map vulnerabilities to your software inventory or enrich data like with Brinqa who have an extended support of connectors to common security solutions.

- Vendor Notifications: Stay informed through direct communications from software vendors regarding vulnerabilities affecting their products.

4. Prioritization of Vulnerabilities

With on average 150 vulnerabilities disclosed daily, prioritization is key. Factors to consider include:

- CVSS Score: The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) provides a baseline severity rating.

- Impact Assessment: Evaluate potential damage and exploitation impact.

- Zero-Day Status: Prioritize vulnerabilities that are actively being exploited or for which no patch is yet available.

- Prevalence: Consider how widespread the vulnerability is within your software ecosystem.

- Threat Intelligence: Leverage threat intelligence to understand active exploitation trends.

- Attack Vector and Sensitivity: Assess how the vulnerability could be exploited and the sensitivity of the data involved.

- Other variables that can be helpful: EPSS, CWE, historical Vulnerability Data, CISA KEV etc.

5. Automating the Process

While some aspects of vulnerability management can be automated—such as data collection, initial triage, and even some elements of prioritization—human expertise remains crucial for contextual understanding and decision-making. Automation tools can significantly reduce manual workload and enhance response efficiency, but should be complemented by expert analysis.

6. Managing Vulnerability Information

Once a vulnerability is identified and prioritized, the next steps include:

- Creating Tickets: For tracking and remediation efforts.

- Notifications: Use email, SMS, or internal communication channels to alert relevant teams.

- Delegation: Assign tasks to appropriate personnel or teams.

- Outsourcing: Consider external services for complex vulnerabilities or overflow management.

7. Timing and SLAs

The speed of response is crucial, particularly for highly critical vulnerabilities. Establishing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for different severity levels helps ensure timely action:

- Extreme Critical: Immediate response, often within hours.

- Highly Critical: Address within 24-48 hours.

- Moderate: Typically within a week.

8. Evaluating the Risk Window

The period between vulnerability disclosure and remediation (the "Risk Window") should be closely monitored. Regularly review and refine processes to minimize this window and enhance your overall security posture.

9. Seeking Better Solutions

If managing vulnerabilities feels overwhelming, exploring advanced solutions and services can be beneficial. Automated vulnerability management platforms, enhanced threat intelligence services, and comprehensive security solutions can help streamline processes and improve response times.

In conclusion, while the growing number of vulnerabilities presents a significant challenge, adopting a systematic approach to discovery, prioritization, and remediation can help manage and mitigate risks effectively. Leveraging automation where possible and continuously refining your processes will contribute to a more robust security posture and better protection against emerging threats.

At Flexera, we understand these challenges and offer comprehensive solutions designed to streamline vulnerability management. Our Software Vulnerability Management (SVM) and Software Vulnerability Research (SVR) solutions are built to address the complexities of identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating vulnerabilities efficiently.

We invite you to experience how our solutions can transform your approach to vulnerability management. Contact us to schedule a demo and see firsthand how Flexera can help you stay ahead of threats and enhance your security operations.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article,

looking forward to hear from you

Jeroen