Summary:
Facing a burgeoning backlog of reported vulnerabilities, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has found itself in a predicament, grappling with the daunting task of clearing its National Vulnerability Database (NVD). To tackle this challenge head-on, NIST has decided to extend its existing commercial contract with Analygence, a Maryland-based IT consultancy firm, known for its expertise in IT and security-related work.

Originally inked as part of a comprehensive five-year, $125 million agreement, NIST's contract with Analygence has now been amended to include specific provisions aimed at addressing the burgeoning NVD backlog. This move comes as a response to the growing inability of the agency to efficiently process the influx of vulnerability submissions, a situation that has been worsening since February.

The NVD, serving as a central repository for CVE-tagged security vulnerabilities not just for the United States but also utilized worldwide, has struggled to keep pace with the escalating volume of submissions. As a consequence, the agency's ability to promptly analyze and address reported flaws has been severely hampered, raising concerns among stakeholders about the overall security posture.

Security Officer Comments:
According to recent statements from NIST officials, the agency is optimistic about restoring its pre-February processing rate for CVEs within the next few months. By the end of the fiscal year, NIST aims to be fully caught up with processing current CVEs, alleviating the strain caused by the backlog.

The backlog, which has been steadily accumulating since February, was initially attributed to NIST's efforts to enhance its tools and methodologies. However, the exact reasons behind the prolonged backlog remain somewhat ambiguous, with NIST citing factors such as an increase in software vulnerabilities and changes in interagency support.

Despite ongoing efforts to address the backlog, the root causes of the sudden surge in CVE submissions at the beginning of 2024 remain elusive. NIST is actively exploring long-term solutions to manage the influx of vulnerability reports, including the establishment of a consortium to facilitate collaborative research aimed at improving the NVD's efficiency and effectiveness.

The decision to engage Analygence to assist in clearing the backlog underscores the strain on NIST's internal resources, exacerbated by budgetary constraints. As the agency grapples with the challenges posed by the backlog, the role of external expertise becomes increasingly crucial in augmenting its capacity to effectively manage and mitigate security vulnerabilities.

Suggested Corrections:
Analygence has wasted no time in mobilizing its resources to address the backlog, commencing work on the backlog this week. In addition to clearing the backlog, Analygence will also provide ongoing support to NIST in processing new NVD submissions, ensuring that the agency remains responsive to emerging security threats.

In light of the current situation, NIST's decision to enlist external assistance reflects a pragmatic approach to overcoming operational challenges and safeguarding the integrity of the NVD. While the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, the collaborative efforts of NIST and Analygence signal a commitment to enhancing cybersecurity resilience and mitigating the risks posed by vulnerabilities in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Link(s):
https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/03/nist_cve_backlog/