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CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures)

CVE is a standardized system for identifying publicly known software vulnerabilities. Each CVE provides a unique identifier that makes it easier for organizations to track and remediate security flaws.

What is CVE?How it typically works?Common techniquesImpactFurther reading

What is CVE?

The **Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)** program was launched in 1999 by MITRE to provide a standardized way of naming vulnerabilities. Before CVE, the same flaw might be described differently by vendors, researchers, and security tools, creating confusion and delays in patching. Each CVE entry assigns a unique identifier (CVE ID), such as **CVE-2021-44228** for Log4Shell, a critical vulnerability in the Apache Log4j library. The CVE does not include technical details or fixes itself but serves as a universal reference point, allowing organizations, vendors, and researchers to speak the same language about security issues. CVE is closely tied to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), which enriches CVE records with detailed scoring, impact analysis, and references.

How it typically works?

  1. Discovery: a vulnerability is found by researchers, vendors, or users.
  2. Request: the researcher or vendor requests a CVE ID from a CVE Numbering Authority (CNA).
  3. Assignment: the CNA assigns a CVE ID to the vulnerability.
  4. Publication: the CVE entry is published with a short description and references.
  5. Integration: vendors, security advisories, and scanners use the CVE ID to ensure consistency.
  6. Follow-up: patches and mitigations are associated with the CVE entry, often via NVD.

This workflow ensures that all stakeholders reference the same identifier when discussing or addressing the vulnerability.

Common techniques

  • Vendor advisories with CVE IDs: Microsoft, Red Hat, and Cisco publish security bulletins tied to CVEs.
  • Security scanners: tools like Nessus and Qualys use CVE identifiers to detect unpatched systems.
  • Threat intelligence reports: analysts reference CVEs when tracking exploits used in campaigns.
  • Public databases: CVE records appear in MITRE’s directory and in the NVD.
  • Critical case studies: vulnerabilities such as CVE-2017-0144 (EternalBlue) and CVE-2021-44228 (Log4Shell) illustrate the global impact of a single CVE.

Impact

CVE plays a critical role in cybersecurity operations. By providing a consistent identifier, it allows defenders to prioritize and patch vulnerabilities more efficiently. Security teams use CVE data to:

  • Correlate vulnerabilities across different systems and advisories.
  • Automate scanning and patch management workflows.
  • Communicate clearly with vendors and peers about risks.

For SecOps teams, CVEs are part of daily work. They appear in vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, red team exercises, and compliance checks. High-profile CVEs such as Log4Shell show how a single identifier can mobilize the global security community to take action.

CVE’s impact goes beyond technical details. It has become a foundation for vulnerability management, compliance frameworks, and industry-wide coordination.

Further reading

  • MITRE: CVE program overview. Read more
  • NIST NVD: National Vulnerability Database. Read more
  • CISA: Known exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Read more
  • FIRST: Vulnerability coordination. Read more

Related topics

CVSSExploit KitPatch ManagementBug Bounty