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What Is the Difference Between CVE and CVSS?

What Is the Difference Between CVE and CVSS?

CVE is the database of known vulnerabilities and exposures. Every entry in that database has a corresponding CVSS score. The CVSS score calculates the severity of the CVE.

Understanding CVE vs CVSS

CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures)

CVE is simply a list of all publicly disclosed vulnerabilities that includes:

  • CVE ID - Unique identifier for the vulnerability
  • Description - Details about the security issue
  • Dates - When the vulnerability was discovered and disclosed
  • Comments - Additional information and references

CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System)

CVSS is the overall score assigned to a vulnerability. The CVSS score is not reported in the CVE listing – you must use the NVD (National Vulnerability Database) to find assigned CVSS scores.

Tetrate Vulnerability Scanner (TVS) provides advanced CVE scanning for Istio and Envoy components. Identify security vulnerabilities in your service mesh infrastructure and stay ahead of emerging threats.

Learn about TVS

How They Work Together

The Relationship

  1. CVE provides the standardized naming and cataloging of vulnerabilities
  2. CVSS provides the standardized scoring system to assess severity
  3. NVD combines both CVE information and CVSS scores in one database

Example

  • CVE-2021-44228 (Log4Shell) - The vulnerability identifier
  • CVSS Score: 10.0 - The severity rating (Critical)
  • NVD Entry - Contains both the CVE details and CVSS score

CVSS Scoring System

Score Ranges

  • 0.1 - 3.9: Low severity
  • 4.0 - 6.9: Medium severity
  • 7.0 - 8.9: High severity
  • 9.0 - 10.0: Critical severity

Scoring Components

CVSS scores are calculated based on multiple factors:

Base Score Metrics

  • Attack Vector - How the vulnerability can be exploited
  • Attack Complexity - Difficulty of exploitation
  • Privileges Required - Level of privileges needed
  • User Interaction - Whether user interaction is required
  • Scope - Impact on other components
  • Confidentiality Impact - Impact on data confidentiality
  • Integrity Impact - Impact on data integrity
  • Availability Impact - Impact on system availability

Temporal Score Metrics

  • Exploit Code Maturity - Availability of exploit code
  • Remediation Level - Availability of fixes
  • Report Confidence - Confidence in the vulnerability report

Environmental Score Metrics

  • Security Requirements - Organization-specific security needs
  • Modified Base Metrics - Environment-specific modifications

Using CVE and CVSS in Practice

Vulnerability Management

  • CVE IDs help track and reference specific vulnerabilities
  • CVSS scores help prioritize remediation efforts
  • Combined approach enables effective risk assessment

Prioritization Strategy

  1. Critical (9.0-10.0): Immediate attention required
  2. High (7.0-8.9): Address within days/weeks
  3. Medium (4.0-6.9): Address within weeks/months
  4. Low (0.1-3.9): Address as resources permit

Tools and Resources

CVE Databases

CVSS Calculators

Vulnerability Management

Security Solutions

Best Practices

CVE Management

  • Regular monitoring of CVE databases for relevant vulnerabilities
  • Automated scanning to identify affected systems
  • Documentation of CVE tracking and remediation efforts

CVSS Assessment

  • Use latest CVSS version (currently 3.1) for scoring
  • Consider environmental factors when calculating scores
  • Regular review of CVSS scores as new information becomes available

Integration with Security Tools

  • Vulnerability scanners that report CVE IDs and CVSS scores
  • Security information and event management (SIEM) systems
  • Patch management systems that prioritize based on CVSS scores

Understanding the difference between CVE and CVSS is essential for effective vulnerability management and security risk assessment in modern IT environments.

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