Quantifying Risk: A Look into Vulnerability Scoring Incl. CVSS & Qualys

Decoding CVSS: An Introduction to Vulnerability Scoring

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a standardised framework for rating the severity of security vulnerabilities in software. Developed by the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), CVSS provides a universal language for discussing and understanding the impact of vulnerabilities. Its widespread adoption across the cyber security industry helps ensure that all parties are on the same page when evaluating security risks.

CVSS scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more severe vulnerabilities. These scores are calculated based on a variety of metrics that assess the ease of exploitation and the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Diving Deep into CVSS: Versions, Metrics, and Scoring Nuances

CVSS has evolved over time to better capture the complexities of modern vulnerabilities. CVSS v3 introduced significant changes compared to its predecessor, CVSS v2. Notably, CVSS v3 added metrics for evaluating the scope of a vulnerability’s impact and the availability of exploit code, offering a more nuanced view of risk.

CVSS v4, the latest iteration released in November 2023, further refines these metrics and introduces new ones to better address emerging threats. For example, it includes considerations for environmental factors and temporal metrics that can change over time, providing a more dynamic and context-aware scoring system. It is important to note, that at the time of writing, CVSS v4 hasn’t been widely adopted with CVSS v3 still being the most used version.

Source: Qualys – CVSSv3.1 Vs CVSSv4.0

Understanding Qualys: Its Evolution and Offerings

Qualys is a leading provider of cloud-based security and compliance solutions. Founded in 1999, the company has grown to offer a comprehensive suite of tools for vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and compliance auditing. Qualys’ solutions are designed to provide continuous monitoring and real-time assessment of an organisation’s security posture.

Over the years, Qualys has refined its vulnerability scoring system to align more closely with the needs of its users. This includes incorporating both industry-standard metrics like CVSS and proprietary criteria that address specific customer requirements and real-world usage scenarios.

Evaluating Qualys: Features, Scoring Criteria, and Industry Usage

Qualys’ scoring system evaluates vulnerabilities based on a combination of CVSS scores and additional factors such as complexity of the exploit and the likelihood of the exploit to work under normal conditions, and is categorised into a scoring system of 1 to 5. This multi-faceted approach allows organisations to prioritise vulnerabilities more effectively based on their unique environment and risk tolerance.

Qualys also offers features such as automated threat prioritisation, asset discovery, and integration with other security tools, making it a versatile and powerful solution for vulnerability management. Its widespread adoption across various industries attests to its effectiveness in helping organisations stay ahead of emerging threats.

Comparative Analysis: Pros and Cons of Qualys vs CVSS Scoring Systems

While both CVSS and Qualys offer valuable insights into vulnerability severity, they have distinct advantages and limitations. CVSS provides a standardised and widely recognised framework, making it ideal for cross-organisational communication and benchmarking. However, its static nature can sometimes overlook context-specific factors that influence risk. For example, if a vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild, this does not impact or change the CVSS score. Another commonly discussed criticism is the delay in assessing vulnerabilities from when they are found, leaving organisations open to attack for longer.

Qualys, on the other hand, offers a more tailored approach that considers the unique characteristics of an organisation’s environment. This can lead to more accurate prioritisation but may also introduce complexity and require deeper integration with other security processes. As a result, organisations may need to invest in additional training and resources to fully leverage its capabilities.

Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right tool for your vulnerability management strategy.

Implications for Cyber Security Practices: Integrating Scoring Systems into Vulnerability Management

Scoring in vulnerability management is essential for the long-term success and security of organisations, as it offers a systematic method for identifying, assessing, and prioritising potential security threats. It also enables a more context-aware strategy for risk mitigation.

By systematically evaluating vulnerabilities, businesses can allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that the most critical issues are addressed promptly. This proactive approach not only reduces the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks but also minimises potential financial losses and reputational damage.

Consistent use of vulnerability management scoring over time helps organisations build a more resilient security infrastructure, allowing them to adapt to evolving threats and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Additionally, by integrating these scoring systems into their overall cyber security strategy, businesses can cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and awareness, ultimately enhancing trust and confidence among clients and stakeholders.

How does Vulnerability Management link to Cyber Essentials?

The Cyber Essentials Scheme is a UK government-backed initiative designed to help organisations protect against common cyber threats. Effective vulnerability management is a key, as it ensures that potential weaknesses are identified and addressed proactively.

It is a requirement in Cyber Essentials that all vulnerabilities with a CVSS Score of 7 or above is remediated within 14 days of a patch becoming available.

By implementing effective vulnerability management practices, including the use of scoring systems like CVSS and Qualys, organisations can meet the requirements of the Cyber Essentials Scheme. This not only enhances their security posture but also demonstrates a commitment to cyber security best practices, which can be a valuable differentiator in today’s competitive landscape.

Scoring systems serve as the entry point for evaluating and prioritising identified security threats. Without them there would be no vulnerability management.

vSOC Recon, Data Connect’s vulnerability management service, is powered by Qualys and utilises both scoring systems. The process is simplified with clean and dynamic dashboards in the vSOC Connect Console, which collects all data sets and presents the prioritised metrics for your team to action.

1. Easily assess, prioritise and manage all vulnerabilities including software, misconfigurations and end of life assets.
2. Have complete coverage of your network, cloud infrastructure, and devices, giving you control of your attack surface and reducing your cyber security risk.
3. Save valuable time and resources with its step-by-step vulnerability remediation process, which guides you through each stage of addressing and resolving security issues efficiently.

This comprehensive service offers a multi-layered approach to vulnerability management, ensuring that your organisation is well-protected against potential threats. To enhance the service, we provide Vulnerability Threat Briefings with our vSOC Team who offer regular strategic sessions that provide your team with an actional plan for the month ahead, giving you external validation and breaking through the technical jargon.  Have the best of both worlds, utilise market-leading technology with knowledgeable security experts available to support you.  

Want to find out more about vulnerability management? Catch up on our most recent vulnerability management webinar.