Why Remote Code Execution (RCE) Isn’t the Only Vulnerability You Should Worry About

Why Remote Code Execution (RCE) Isn’t the Only Vulnerability You Should Worry About


I've been speding some time analysing the technical impact and consequences of attacks.

In this research series, I will be writing blog posts on this topic.

In this one, I'll focus on CISA KEV and, specifically, the trends and patterns we notice leveraging?Phoenix Security | ASPM ?on the data from 2022.


Remote Code Execution (RCE) often takes center stage—especially when analyzing data from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. RCE is undoubtedly a significant threat, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on a target system, often with devastating consequences. But is it the only vulnerability you should be concerned about?

This is an article extracted from the eBook we recently published, Building Resilient Application and Cloud Security Programs Using Data



The Bias data and some caveats

While RCE vulnerabilities are critical, focusing exclusively on them can create blind spots in your security posture. The CISA KEV catalog, invaluable as it is, tends to emphasize vulnerabilities that affect infrastructure and operating systems. This bias can skew your perception of risks, potentially causing you to overlook other vulnerabilities that are just as dangerous.


Why You Should Care About Other Vulnerabilities

My deep dive into the CISA KEV data reveals that other vulnerabilities—like Authentication Bypass, Denial of Service (DoS), and Privilege Escalation—can be equally damaging. These vulnerabilities may not make the headlines as often, but they pose significant risks to your systems and data. For instance:

? Authentication Bypass can allow attackers to circumvent security controls, giving them unauthorized access to sensitive information.

? Denial of Service (DoS) can disrupt system availability, potentially crippling your business operations.

? Privilege Escalation allows attackers to gain elevated access rights, enabling them to execute more harmful actions within your network.

Although less talked about, these types of vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences if not properly managed.

Learn More

Curious to learn more about the risks beyond RCE and how to mitigate them? Check out our in-depth analysis in the article

By expanding your focus, you can ensure that your security efforts are effective and you can explore data, covering all potential entry points that attackers might exploit. Don’t let the bias toward infrastructure and operating systems vulnerabilities blind you—take action to secure your entire attack surface.

#CyberSecurity #VulnerabilityManagement #ApplicationSecurity #CISAKev #EPSS #PhoenixSecurity

Mauricio Ortiz, CISA

Great dad | Inspired Risk Management and Security Profesional | Cybersecurity | Leveraging Data Science & Analytics My posts and comments are my personal views and perspectives but not those of my employer

2 个月

The attack vectors are ample and diverse that you cannot focus on one because of its risk. Adversaries will use any vector (the least resistant and quicker) to exploit and accomplish their objectives.

Sam Moore, CISM, CEH, CCFE, CCSP

Capable, Collaborative, Professional, Cyber Security Leader | Vulnerability Management | Cyber Risk Assessment | Cyber Security | Operations Management | Threat Intelligence Analysis

2 个月

Well said! There are always more than one way to gain entry. This is why it is harder to defend than to attack.

Marcel Velica

Senior Security Program Manager | Leading Cybersecurity Initiatives | Driving Strategic Security Solutions| Cybersecurity Excellence | Cloud Security

2 个月

Thanks for highlighting the importance of a comprehensive security approach! ?? Francesco ?? Cipollone

?? Francesco ?? Cipollone

Reduce risk - focus on vulnerabilities that matter - Contextual ASPM - CEO & Founder - Phoenix security - ??♂? Runner - ?? Application Security Cloud Security | 40 under 40 | CSA UK Board | CSCP Podcast Host

2 个月
Atul Joshi

A Passionate Developer turned Security Researcher with 16+ Years of IT Experience | With a Mission to Motivate, Educate, and Empower Techies in Cyber Security | eJPT2, eWPT, CCNA Certified

2 个月

I was really surprised to know that : "CISA KEV catalog has a strong bias towards vulnerabilities that impact infrastructure and operating systems (O/S), providing a partial view of the broader threat landscape". Does this mean that application-level vulnerabilities are given less importance to ?

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