When working in cybersecurity or software development, you may often hear about “CVE numbers” associated with vulnerabilities. But what exactly is the CVE system, and why is it so important? Let’s break it down.

What is the CVE System and Database?

CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) is an international system that provides a standardized method of identifying and referencing publicly known cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Each vulnerability is assigned a unique CVE Identifier (CVE-ID) such as CVE-2020-11988.

The official CVE database stores and catalogs these vulnerabilities, making them accessible for IT professionals, vendors, and security researchers worldwide. It ensures that everyone talks about the same issue in the same way.

Read more: Understanding the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) System

Who Maintains the CVE System?

The CVE system is maintained by MITRE Corporation, a non-profit organization funded by the U.S. government.
Additionally, the CVE Program is overseen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

MITRE works with a network of CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs) — organizations authorized to assign CVE IDs, such as major tech companies (Microsoft, Oracle, Google) and security research firms.

Benefits of the CVE System

  • Standardization: Provides a universal reference for vulnerabilities.
  • Transparency: Public access allows anyone to verify details.
  • Collaboration: Security vendors, researchers, and organizations can align their efforts.
  • Integration: Many tools (scanners, patch managers, vulnerability databases like NVD) rely on CVE IDs.
  • Prioritization: Helps organizations track and assess vulnerabilities consistently.

When and How Should We Use It?

You should use the CVE system whenever:

  • Assessing Security Risks – Check if your software or systems are affected by known CVEs.
  • Patch Management – Identify what vulnerabilities a patch addresses.
  • Vulnerability Scanning – Automated tools often map findings to CVE IDs.
  • Security Reporting – Reference CVE IDs when documenting incidents or compliance reports.

CVE Data Fields

Each CVE entry contains several fields to provide context and clarity. Common fields include:

  • CVE ID: Unique identifier (e.g., CVE-2021-34527).
  • Description: Summary of the vulnerability.
  • References: Links to advisories, vendor notes, and technical details.
  • Date Published/Modified: Timeline of updates.
  • Affected Products: List of impacted software, versions, or vendors.
  • Severity Information: Sometimes includes metrics like CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) scores.

Reporting New Vulnerabilities

If you discover a new security vulnerability, here’s how the reporting process typically works:

  1. Report to Vendor – Contact the software vendor or organization directly.
  2. CNA Assignment – If the vendor is a CNA, they can assign a CVE ID.
  3. Third-Party CNAs – If the vendor is not a CNA, you can submit the vulnerability to another authorized CNA or directly to MITRE.
  4. Validation and Publishing – The CNA/MITRE verifies the vulnerability, assigns a CVE ID, and publishes it in the database.

This process ensures consistency and that all stakeholders can quickly take action.

Final Thoughts

The CVE system is the backbone of vulnerability tracking in cybersecurity. By using CVEs, security professionals, vendors, and organizations can ensure they are talking about the same issues, prioritize fixes, and strengthen defenses.

Staying aware of CVEs — and contributing when new vulnerabilities are found — is essential for building a safer digital world.