Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)

Let’s break down what Cyber Security CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) are, provide examples, and explain their usage.

1. What are Cyber Security CVEs? A Cyber Security CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) is a unique identifier assigned to a specific software vulnerability. It’s a standardized way of tracking and referring to vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or systems. CVEs are used to facilitate communication and collaboration among cybersecurity professionals, vendors, researchers, and the general public regarding security vulnerabilities.

2. How CVEs Work: CVEs are assigned by organizations known as CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs), which can include software vendors, cybersecurity researchers, and other organizations involved in the security community. Each CVE consists of a unique identifier (year + sequential number) and a brief description of the vulnerability.

3. Examples of CVEs: Let’s look at a couple of examples to understand how CVEs work:

Example 1: CVE-2021-12345

  • CVE Identifier: CVE-2021-12345
  • Description: Insecure Authentication in XYZ Software allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access.

Example 2: CVE-2022-56789

  • CVE Identifier: CVE-2022-56789
  • Description: Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in ABC Application could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

4. Usages and Benefits of CVEs:

a. Communication and Awareness: CVEs provide a common language for discussing vulnerabilities. When a vulnerability is discovered, researchers and vendors can refer to its CVE identifier, making it easier to share information across the cybersecurity community.

b. Tracking and Documentation: Organizations and security teams use CVEs to keep track of vulnerabilities within their systems. They can use CVEs to cross-reference vulnerabilities with security advisories, patches, and other relevant information.

c. Vulnerability Management: CVEs help prioritize which vulnerabilities need to be addressed urgently. Organizations can assess the severity of a CVE and determine the appropriate response, such as applying patches or implementing workarounds.

d. Patch Management: Vendors release patches or updates to fix vulnerabilities. CVEs make it clear which vulnerabilities a patch addresses, allowing users to identify if their systems are at risk and need updating.

e. Research and Analysis: Security researchers use CVEs to study trends in vulnerabilities over time, identify patterns, and conduct analysis to understand the landscape of cybersecurity threats.

f. Compliance and Auditing: CVEs play a role in compliance efforts, allowing organizations to track vulnerabilities that might impact their adherence to industry regulations and standards.

g. Threat Intelligence: CVEs are integrated into threat intelligence platforms and databases, allowing organizations to stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities and potential risks.

h. Public Awareness: CVEs help raise public awareness about cybersecurity issues. News articles, blog posts, and security advisories often reference CVEs to provide information to a wider audience.

Cyber Security CVEs are standardized identifiers that help the cybersecurity community communicate, track, and address vulnerabilities effectively. They play a crucial role in vulnerability management, patching, research, compliance, and overall cybersecurity awareness.

However, keep in mind that the availability of these providers and their URLs might change over time. Here are some notable CVE list providers:

  1. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) – NIST:
  2. MITRE Corporation – CVE Details:
  3. CVE Search – by CVE Details:
  4. CVE Mitre – MITRE Corporation:
  5. SecurityFocus:
  6. Exploit Database:
  7. CVE Tracker – Security Trails:
  8. CVEDetails.com:
  9. Vulmon:
  10. Intruder – CVE Feed:
  11. CVE Alert – CERT NZ:
  12. Circl CVE Search:
  13. Red Hat Security Data:
  14. Alienvault OTX – CVE Tracker:
  15. Tenable – CVE Dashboard:
  16. Security Tracker – Ubuntu:
  17. CVE Details – VulnDB:
  18. CVE Search – CIRCL:
  19. Alert Logic – CVE Search:
  20. CVE Search – SecurityScorecard:

Please note that URLs and services may have changed or evolved since my last update. Always ensure you’re using reputable sources for your cybersecurity information.

Author: tonyhughes