10

CVE Identifiers (a.k.a. CVE IDs) are used to uniquely identifier a particular vulnerability. We've all seen them on various bulletins, and they're useful when researching an issue. But how are they assigned? What process is involved in getting a CVE ID for a bug, and how does the vendor fit in with that process? Can anyone ask for a CVE ID on a whim, or is some evidence or detail required?

2
  • Does this site help you out? cve.mitre.org/cve/identifiers/build.html
    – Kao
    Dec 10, 2012 at 13:37
  • 1
    I'm aware of it. I'm actually reasonably familiar with CVEs, but I figured it'd be nice to have a question on here that'd cover it.
    – Polynomial
    Dec 10, 2012 at 13:56

2 Answers 2

7

There are multiple ways to obtain a CVE.

One could contact one of the CVE Numbering Authorities (CNA), an emergency response team (think CERT) or the CVE project. If the vendor of a product is listed as a CNA you must contact the vendor to obtain a CVE.

Sufficient information must be provided to allow the CVE assigner to take a decision (provide the CVE, merge with other CVEs etc).

For more information see http://cve.mitre.org/cve/request_id.html and http://cve.mitre.org/cve/cna.html#researcher_responsibilities

Some vendors such as Drupal will request CVE identifiers in bulk via openwall for published security announcements that do not already have a CVE requested by the researcher.

1
1

Just an update, this process is changing, in addition to "evidence based" CVEs there will be "request based" CVEs (to be honest it's already a practice I have done for more then a few of the 5000 CVE's I have issued, certain people I trust to make requests properly and I don't require a lot of evidence because they have a history of doing their CVE requests properly).

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.