Understanding CISA KEV Catalog

The CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog stands as a critical resource curated by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to aid in identifying vulnerabilities actively exploited by cybercriminals. It combines automated scanning, manual monitoring, and collaboration with industry experts to compile a list of vulnerabilities exploited in recent attacks.

Vulnerabilities in the KEV Catalog

Vulnerabilities listed within the KEV Catalog possess specific attributes that distinguish them. These characteristics include:

• Assigned CVE ID: Each vulnerability in the catalog is associated with a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) ID, providing a standardized reference point for identification and tracking.

• Evidence of Active Exploitation: The vulnerabilities listed have reliable evidence showcasing active exploitation by cybercriminals in real-world scenarios. This evidence includes instances of attempted or successful execution of malicious code without the system owner’s authorization. Events like scanning, security research of an exploit, or Proof of Concept (PoC) don’t constitute active exploitation within the context of the KEV Catalog.

• Availability of Remediation Actions: For a vulnerability to be included in the KEV Catalog, there must be a clear path to remediation. This often involves the existence of vendor-provided updates, patches, or specific mitigation techniques to address the vulnerability effectively.

These characteristics serve as key markers for vulnerabilities deemed critical, necessitating immediate attention and remediation to fortify the security posture of organizations and individuals against known threats.