The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is to establish a consortium to partner with NIST in responding to challenges presented by the current and expected growth in CVEs, such as through development of a way to automate some analysis activities.
The official announcement came during VulnCon, a cybersecurity conference hosted by the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), held from March 25 to 27, 2024. Tanya Brewer, the NVD program manager, disclosed the news, addressing the longstanding speculation surrounding the fate of the NVD.
In February 2024, NIST halted the enrichment of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) data on the NVD website, leading to a backlog of unanalyzed vulnerabilities. This development raised alarms among security researchers and industry professionals, as the NVD plays a critical role in identifying and addressing software vulnerabilities.
The implications of the NVD backlog are profound, potentially impacting the security posture of organisations worldwide. Without timely analysis and remediation of vulnerabilities, companies face increased risks of cyberattacks and data breaches. The situation prompted some security companies to explore alternative solutions to supplement the NVD's functions temporarily.
Amidst the challenges, speculation swirled regarding the underlying causes of the NVD's issues.
Budget constraints, contractual changes, and discussions around updating vulnerability standards were among the factors cited. The uncertainty underscored the need for transparency and clarity from NIST regarding the future of the NVD.
In response to the concerns, Brewer acknowledged the challenges faced by the NVD program, attributing them to a "perfect storm" of circumstances. Despite the setbacks, NIST remains committed to addressing the issues and revitalizing the NVD.
Plans for the establishment of an NVD Consortium, aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation, signal a proactive approach to future management.
Looking ahead, NIST aims to enhance the NVD's capabilities and processes within the next one to five years. Proposed initiatives include expanding partnerships, improving software identification methods, and leveraging automation to streamline CVE analysis.
These efforts reflect a concerted push to modernize the NVD and ensure its relevance in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
The announcement at VulnCon provided much-needed clarity and reassurance to the cybersecurity community. While challenges persist, the collaborative efforts of industry stakeholders and government agencies offer hope for a resilient and robust NVD ecosystem.
