Department of Homeland Security’s Catalog of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Hits 1000 Entries
In an era where cyber threats loom large, every organization grapples with a common challenge – the ever-expanding landscape of vulnerabilities in technology products. With a staggering 25,000 new vulnerabilities emerging in 2022 alone, the question arises: how can organizations effectively allocate their limited cybersecurity resources?
The Birth of The KEV Catalog
In November 2021, the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) took a significant step to address this dilemma. They introduced the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, affectionately known as “The KEV.” Its purpose was clear: to serve as the go-to source for vulnerabilities that have been actively exploited “in the wild” by cyber adversaries.
A Glimpse into the KEV Universe
Fast forward to September 18, 2023, and The KEV has notched up a remarkable milestone, surpassing 1000 entries. To commemorate this achievement, CISA’s Eric Goldstein, Elizabeth Cardona, and Tod Beardsley penned a blog post that delves into the inner workings of the KEV program and the lessons learned along the way.
Prioritization and Mitigation
The blog emphasizes two crucial points: First, organizations must prioritize mitigating KEVs as part of their vulnerability management programs, considering factors such as the product’s usage and exploitability. Second, it underscores the imperative of technology providers developing products with reduced vulnerabilities from the outset, in line with the National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Cracking the Code: How it Works
Maintaining The KEV catalog is no small feat. CISA’s team follows a stringent three-step process to identify vulnerabilities for inclusion. They require each candidate vulnerability to have a CVE ID, solid evidence of active exploitation in the wild, and an available mitigation solution.
Measurable Progress
The blog post also celebrates the progress achieved since the KEV’s inception. Federal agencies have demonstrated a significant reduction in the exposure time of KEVs, ensuring swifter remediation.
Strategic Prioritization
Organizations seeking to improve cybersecurity are encouraged to use The KEV as a starting point for prioritizing vulnerability management. The importance of a vulnerability varies based on its context within an organization, and models like the Stakeholder Specific Vulnerability Categorization (SSVC) aid in tailored prioritization.
The Road Ahead
CISA’s mission with The KEV is far from over. They are dedicated to making it more accessible and informative, with plans to integrate it into existing vulnerability management tools. They also aim to provide additional context by adding fields such as notes on whether a KEV is being used by ransomware actors.
A Collective Effort
The KEV is a testament to collaboration. CISA actively seeks feedback and input from the cybersecurity community to refine and improve this invaluable resource.
In a world where cybersecurity is paramount, The KEV catalog stands as a beacon of hope, aiding organizations in their ongoing battle against cyber threats. With 1000 entries and counting, it’s a testament to the dedication and vigilance of those working tirelessly to secure the digital realm.
Source: KEV Catalog Reaches 1000, What Does That Mean and What Have We Learned
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