Source URL: https://www.zetter-zeroday.com/u-s-government-disclosed-39-zero-day-vulnerabilities-in-2023-per-first-ever-report/
Source: Hacker News
Title: U.S. Government Disclosed 39 Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in 2023, First-Ever Report
Feedly Summary: Comments
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the U.S. government’s disclosure of zero-day vulnerabilities through its Vulnerabilities Equities Process (VEP) in 2023. It highlights a significant shift in the level of transparency around these vulnerabilities, revealing specific numbers and examining the implications for cybersecurity strategy and public safety.
Detailed Description:
The content revolves around the U.S. government’s Vulnerabilities Equities Process (VEP), a systematic approach to determining whether to disclose or exploit zero-day vulnerabilities. Key points include:
– **Number of Disclosures**: In 2023, the government revealed that it disclosed 39 zero-day vulnerabilities, prompting discussions on the implications for national cybersecurity.
– **Historical Context**: Prior to this report, the government claimed to disclose over 90% of vulnerabilities through the VEP without specific numbers, creating public uncertainty about the stockpile of undisclosed vulnerabilities.
– **Deciding Factors**: The article notes that the VEP decisions are influenced by factors such as the potential risk posed by a vulnerability to critical infrastructure and public safety.
– **Secrecy vs. Disclosure**: There’s growing concern that under the Trump administration, the inclination might shift towards withholding vulnerabilities for offensive cyber operations instead of favoring disclosure, which has traditionally been the guiding principle.
– **Transparency Issues**: The report underlines ongoing transparency issues, explaining that much of the VEP’s workings remain classified, making it hard for the public to understand how decisions are made.
– **Public Knowledge and Oversight**: Senator Ron Wyden’s office has expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding VEP decisions, stating that the American public lacks sufficient visibility into the process.
– **VEP Process Mechanism**: The VEP includes input from various U.S. government entities, where a discovered vulnerability is reviewed, and decisions are made collectively. If consensus isn’t reached, a vote occurs.
– **Shift in Cyber Operations**: It’s suggested that a pivot towards increased cyber offensive operations could limit the default stance on disclosure, raising risks associated with unaddressed vulnerabilities.
– **Public Safety Concerns**: The potential increase in undisclosed vulnerabilities carried by the government poses significant risks to public safety, especially as the government may engage in more aggressive hacking strategies.
In conclusion, the text reveals critical updates regarding government policy towards zero-day vulnerability disclosures, highlighting implications for both cybersecurity professionals and the general public as the dynamics of disclosure and exploitation shift within the context of national security strategies.