Recently, there has been a marked increase in the number of common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) reported, and the exploitation of older CVEs has also increased. The number of reported CVEs rose by about 30%, from 17,114 in 2023 to 22,254 in 2024, according to Qualys. And there has been a 10% increase in the exploitation of old CVEs discovered before 2024. To manage this dramatic increase in CVEs, companies need to take a multifaceted approach that incorporates the following:
Prioritize CVEs Based on Risk
The first step is to prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk. Instead of addressing CVEs in the order they are published, companies should focus on vulnerabilities most critical to their systems. This involves:
Severity Scoring: CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) scores can help rank vulnerabilities based on potential impact, with critical vulnerabilities, such as remote code execution, receiving higher scores.
Contextual Risk Factors: Beyond CVSS scores, companies should:
- Prioritize CVEs that are actively being exploited in the wild.
- Focus on vulnerabilities affecting high-value assets like databases, servers or critical applications.
- Prioritize vulnerabilities in externally exposed systems, such as internet-facing applications.
Implement Automated Patch Management
Second, automated patch management systems are essential. These systems detect vulnerabilities and deploy patches across a company’s IT infrastructure, minimizing manual intervention and reducing exposure time.
Automated patch management can help with the following:
- Streamlining the Patching Process: Automated tools can detect vulnerabilities and apply patches without human intervention.
- Patch Scheduling: Automation helps companies balance the need for timely patching with avoiding disruption to business operations. Systems can schedule patching during off-peak hours and test patches before deploying to ensure stability.
- Real-Time Monitoring and Response: Automating the detection of new CVEs and integrating with patch management tools ensures that new vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Tools like a System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) can provide automatic patch deployment across environments.
Stay Ahead of Emerging Threats
In addition, being aware of emerging threats is crucial to manage vulnerabilities successfully. To stay ahead of emerging threats, organizations should:
- Subscribe to CVE Databases and Alerts: Monitor CVE databases, like the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s National Vulnerability Database, and subscribe to vendor security bulletins to be notified about new vulnerabilities.
- Utilize Threat Intelligence: Use threat intelligence platforms to monitor active exploits. These platforms can provide real-time data on which vulnerabilities threat actors are targeting.
- Collaborate with Security Vendors: Security vendors often provide updates on high-risk vulnerabilities and emerging attack trends. Participating in vulnerability disclosure programs or bug bounty programs can also help identify and mitigate threats before they are exploited.
By combining these strategies, companies can effectively manage the increasing number of CVEs and protect their systems from cyber threats.
Are you looking to help your organization manage the increase in CVEs? MBL Technologies can help. We offer various cybersecurity services and tools to help you identify weaknesses and implement cost-effective, targeted solutions. Contact us today to get started.
