Source URL: https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2025/04/cve-program-almost-unfunded.html
Source: Schneier on Security
Title: CVE Program Almost Unfunded
Feedly Summary: Mitre’s CVE’s program—which provides common naming and other informational resources about cybersecurity vulnerabilities—was about to be cancelled, as the US Department of Homeland Security failed to renew the contact. It was funded for eleven more months at the last minute.
This is a big deal. The CVE program is one of those pieces of common infrastructure that everyone benefits from. Losing it will bring us back to a world where there’s no single way to talk about vulnerabilities. It’s kind of crazy to think that the US government might damage its own security in this way—but I suppose no crazier than any of the other ways the US is working against its own interests right now…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the potential cancellation of MITRE’s CVE program, a crucial aspect of the cybersecurity ecosystem that standardizes vulnerability naming and tracking. The implications of this cessation could significantly impair efforts to manage and remedy software vulnerabilities, affecting the broader security landscape.
Detailed Description: The text outlines critical concerns regarding the continuation of the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, which plays a vital role in the cybersecurity community by providing a standardized method for naming and cataloging vulnerabilities. Key points include:
– **Impact on Cybersecurity Infrastructure**: The potential cancellation of the CVE program threatens a fundamental resource for cybersecurity professionals. It is a cornerstone for identifying vulnerabilities, which aids in effective communication and resolution.
– **Concerns from Experts**:
– Sasha Romanosky of the Rand Corporation highlights the “tragic” nature of ceasing the CVE program, emphasizing its foundational role in the software vulnerability ecosystem.
– Romanosky warns that without the CVE system, tracking new vulnerabilities, assessing their severity, and making informed patching decisions would become exceedingly difficult.
– Ben Edwards from Bitsight expresses disappointment over the decision and stresses the importance of the CVE program, suggesting that while other stakeholders may fill the gap, the transition could be challenging.
– **Potential Consequences**: The disruption of the CVE program could lead to:
– Loss of a unified vocabulary for discussing vulnerabilities, leading to confusion and miscommunication across the cybersecurity community.
– Increased difficulty in prioritizing vulnerability management efforts, potentially leading to slower responses and a higher risk of exploitation.
– **Future Prospects**: The text concludes with a sense of hope that the program may continue without direct government support, though uncertainty remains regarding the management and operations under another entity.
Overall, the cessation of the CVE program, if it occurs, poses serious ramifications for cybersecurity efforts, highlighting the necessity of established frameworks in vulnerability management to ensure robust security postures across organizations.