What is a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure (CVE)?

A Common Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE) is a standardized identifier for publicly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerabilities. It’s like a unique serial number for software flaws that could be exploited by attackers, with a unique scoring system. 

By assigning a consistent name to each vulnerability, CVEs make it easier for organizations, researchers, and security teams to communicate about specific threats without confusion.  

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures don’t provide detailed technical fixes or tools. They’re just a starting point. Each CVE entry includes a brief description of the issue and links to relevant information, like patches or advisories. For example, if a vulnerability in a popular operating system is discovered, its CVE ID allows everyone—from vendors to end-users—to reference the same flaw using the same terminology.  

The CVE program is managed by the MITRE Corporation and supported by the US Department of Homeland Security. The goal is to ensure that vulnerabilities are tracked, categorized, and accessible to the public. Indeed, CVEs have become central to many cybersecurity processes – including vulnerability scanning, threat assessment, incident response and more.  

New vulnerabilities are constantly being discovered. CVEs help the cybersecurity community stay organized and focused, which enables faster responses to emerging threats. They’re the cornerstone of modern vulnerability management and offer clarity in the chaotic threat landscape.

Where Did the Term “CVE” Originate?

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program was established in 1999 by the MITRE Corporation, with support from the US government. Prior to CVEs, there was no universal system for identifying and discussing software vulnerabilities.  Organizations used inconsistent naming conventions for the same security flaws, which led to confusion and inefficiencies in vulnerability management. 

In September 1999, the CVE List was officially launched to the public, with an initial set of 321 vulnerabilities (in 2024 alone there were over 25,000). Over the years, the CVE program has evolved to meet the growing demands of the cybersecurity landscape. One significant development was the introduction of CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs) in 2005, which allowed various organizations to assign CVE identifiers for vulnerabilities in their own products, streamlining the reporting process and promoting broader adoption.  

Structure and Format of a CVE Entry 

A CVE entry is a standardized record that provides essential details about a specific software vulnerability. Its structure is designed for clarity and universal recognition, in order to ensure that organizations worldwide can reference and address vulnerabilities efficiently.  

Each CVE identifier follows a consistent format: CVE-YYYY-NNNN, where “YYYY” indicates the year the vulnerability was reported, and “NNNN” is a unique number assigned to that entry. For example, “CVE-2024-1234” would reference a specific security issue discovered in 2024. 

The CVE entry includes:  

• CVE ID: The unique identifier for the vulnerability.  
• Description: A concise summary of the issue, such as the affected product and version number, vulnerability type, and potential impact.  
• References: Links to more detailed information, such as vendor advisories, patches, or technical analyses.  

While CVEs provide basic details, they don’t include technical fixes or exploit code. Their purpose is to act as a universal starting point for vulnerability tracking and remediation. Security tools like scanners and databases often rely on CVE IDs to identify and prioritize threats. This standardized format makes CVEs indispensable for effective cybersecurity coordination.

How CVEs Are Assigned 

The assignment of CVE identifiers is a collaborative process managed by the MITRE Corporation and supported by a network of CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs). As mentioned above, CNAs are organizations authorized to assign CVE IDs to vulnerabilities within their scope – like in specific products they produce, develop, or distribute. This decentralized approach ensures that vulnerabilities can be documented quickly and accurately by the organizations closest to the issue. 

When a vulnerability is discovered, the process typically begins with a researcher or vendor reporting the issue. If the reporter is a CNA or works with one, the CNA reviews the vulnerability to confirm its validity and assigns a CVE ID. If no CNA is involved, the vulnerability can be submitted directly to MITRE for evaluation and assignment.

Once assigned, the CVE entry is then published in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database. Once it is available to the global cybersecurity community, organizations can start conducting testing and crafting their mitigation strategies.  

Challenges and Limitations of CVEs

While CVEs are invaluable for vulnerability management, the CVE system is not without its flaws. One significant limitation is the potential for gaps in coverage. Not all vulnerabilities are reported or assigned CVE IDs, especially if they are undisclosed or deemed low priority by researchers or vendors. This can create inadvertent blind spots in the CVE database.  

Delays in assigning CVEs can also hinder timely response efforts. The process often depends on the resources and priorities of CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs), which can vary widely. Additionally, some vulnerabilities may be documented in other databases but lack a corresponding CVE ID, leading to fragmentation.  

Another challenge is the sheer volume of CVEs. With thousands of vulnerabilities disclosed annually, security teams struggle to prioritize which pose the greatest risk.  

Yet despite its limitations, the CVE program is truly the cornerstone of modern cybersecurity. It provides a universal language for identifying and discussing vulnerabilities, enabling better collaboration and faster responses. 

As cybersecurity threats evolve, the CVE program will have to evolve, too. Future advancements, like efforts to improve CVE coverage and how to find Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, streamline assignment processes with automation and integrate prioritization frameworks with emerging technologies will help ensure CVEs continue to play their vital cybersecurity role.  

Still, CVEs should be part of a broader, more resilient Exposure Management strategy – one that incorporates multiple sources of threat intelligence and real-time analysis. This became especially clear in early 2025, when MITRE – as mentioned above, the organization that manages the CVE program – signaled potential disruptions to the system following the expiration of key U.S. government funding. Though now rectified, the announcement raised concerns about the program’s long-term stability and independence. If the infrastructure behind CVE assignment and oversight were to become unreliable, organizations that depend too heavily on CVEs as a primary line of defense would face greater risk.

The CVE program’s success relies on the commitment of the global cybersecurity community to adopt and enhance it. Through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, CVEs will continue to enable productivity with security in the digital landscape.