Critical Cybersecurity Resource at Risk: The CVE Program's Funding Dilemma

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, an essential tool for cybersecurity professionals globally, is facing a funding crisis that threatens its continuity. Managed by MITRE, a non-profit research and development organization, the CVE program is crucial for identifying, mitigating, and fixing security vulnerabilities in both software and hardware. Traditionally funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the program's funding is set to expire on April 16, 2025.

The Importance of the CVE Program

The CVE program is a vital resource that assigns unique tracking numbers to security flaws found in software, facilitating a standardized approach to describing vulnerabilities. Each year, tens of thousands of vulnerabilities are reported and cataloged using CVE numbers, which are essential for cybersecurity tools and services to identify and patch security gaps. These identifiers are widely used by organizations, software vendors, and vulnerability disclosure platforms to ensure a coherent understanding and response to security threats.

The Role of MITRE and CVE Numbering Authorities

MITRE oversees the assignment of CVE numbers through hundreds of CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs), which include government-specific organizations and individual software vendors. These CNAs ensure that newly reported vulnerabilities receive the proper identification, helping maintain a centralized repository of security information. This system is integral to maintaining national vulnerability databases, tool vendors' operations, incident response activities, and the security of critical infrastructure.

Implications of Funding Expiration

In a letter to the CVE board, MITRE Vice President Yosry Barsoum warned that the current contracting pathway for MITRE's role in the program will conclude in April 2025. The expiration of funding could lead to significant disruptions in the CVE program, affecting national vulnerability databases, advisories, and the broader cybersecurity landscape.

Without continued funding, the CVE website will remain accessible, but no new CVEs will be added after the contract's expiry. This would severely impact cybersecurity operations, as organizations would lose a vital resource for managing and prioritizing software updates and addressing security vulnerabilities.

The Broader Impact on Cybersecurity

Former CISA Director Jen Easterly likened the CVE program to the Dewey Decimal System for cybersecurity, emphasizing its role in organizing and standardizing discussions about vulnerabilities. Without this program, the cybersecurity community would lack a unified reference system, leading to confusion, inefficiency, and increased vulnerability to cyber threats.

John Hammond, a principal security researcher at Huntress, expressed concern over the potential loss of the CVE program, describing it as losing the "language and lingo" used to address cybersecurity issues. The absence of a centralized vulnerability catalog would force risk managers to seek information from disparate sources, increasing the likelihood of mis-prioritized updates and prolonged exposure to security risks.

Hope for Resolution

Despite the funding concerns, there is hope that the government will continue to support MITRE's role in the CVE program. Previous instances have seen similar funding limbo resolved at the last minute, and efforts are reportedly underway to secure the program's future.

In conclusion, the CVE program is a cornerstone of global cybersecurity efforts, providing a standardized approach to managing and mitigating security vulnerabilities. The potential disruption caused by funding expiration poses significant risks to cybersecurity operations worldwide. Stakeholders in the cybersecurity community are hopeful that a resolution will be reached to ensure the continued operation and modernization of this critical resource.