Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/02/cve_pileup_nvd_missed_deadline/
Source: The Register
Title: NIST’s security flaw database still backlogged with 17K+ unprocessed bugs. Not great
Feedly Summary: Logjam ‘hurting infosec processes world over’ one expert tells us as US body blows its own Sept deadline
NIST has made some progress clearing its backlog of security vulnerability reports to process – though it’s not quite on target as hoped.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the challenges faced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in processing security vulnerabilities. As of September 21, there remains a backlog of over 18,000 CVEs awaiting analysis, which raises concerns about security visibility for organizations relying on the National Vulnerability Database (NVD). Experts highlight that the delay could leave organizations unprotected against newly discovered vulnerabilities that may be actively exploited.
Detailed Description:
– NIST is struggling to clear its backlog of security vulnerability reports, which has resulted in an accumulation of unresolved Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs).
– The current backlog is more than 18,000 CVEs, with a reported processing rate slower than anticipated since the forced scaling back of NVD operations.
– Patrick Garrity from VulnCheck analyzed the situation and identified this backlog as a significant risk factor in the cybersecurity landscape.
– A detailed look at the NVD reveals its critical role as a repository that tracks, organizes, and enriches security vulnerability information, serving as a reliable source for firms to stay updated on potential risks.
– The enrichment process, which includes assessing the severity of bugs and ensuring complete information about vulnerabilities, is significantly behind schedule.
– Organizations are increasingly losing visibility into assets that may have newly reported vulnerabilities – which could lead to unknown risks and exploits within their environments.
– CISA’s Vulnrichment project is presented as a temporary solution by providing independent CVSS severity scores and other related data for CVE-tagged vulnerabilities.
– Industry experts stress that the inability to access updated NVD data complicates the risk prioritization process, especially affecting organizations that traditionally relied on this database for vulnerability information.
– The broader impact of this backlog includes detrimental effects on open source community projects and the overall health of the cybersecurity landscape.
Key Points:
– NVD backlog currently stands at 18,358 CVEs.
– A collaborative effort with an external consultancy has emerged to mitigate processing delays, but the backlog status remains critical.
– Organizations heavily depend on timely information from NVD for vulnerability management, impacting their security processes.
– The current situation exemplifies a knowledge gap that can potentially lead to exploitation without proactive remediation pathways.
– Continuous monitoring and communication from NIST regarding progress and challenges in the backlog will be vital for stakeholders reliant on the NVD.
This situation reinforces the need for robust proactive measures in the cybersecurity strategy and highlights the critical role of NIST in vulnerability management across various sectors.