A VDR (Vulnerability Disclosure Report) is a detailed report that provides in-depth information about a specific vulnerability in software. It goes beyond a standardized vulnerability description (CVE) and gives users and developers the knowledge they need to understand and manage the risk.
VDR is an important complement to SBOM (Software Bill of Materials), which lists all components in software, and VEX (Vulnerability Exploitability eXchange), which provides information about whether a vulnerability can actually be exploited.
By combining these tools, you get a comprehensive picture of software security, including information about the vulnerability itself (VDR), whether it is exploitable (VEX) and in which components it exists (SBOM).
What does a VDR provide?
VDRs serve an important function by providing a detailed and structured description of a vulnerability. They usually contain the following information:
- Detailed description: An explanation of the vulnerability, including type and how it can be exploited.
- Affected systems: Information about which systems or products are vulnerable.
- Risk assessment: An assessment of how severe the vulnerability is (e.g. CVSS score).
- Remediation: Information about how to remediate the vulnerability (e.g. updates, patches).
Benefits of using or requiring VDR
Using or requiring VDRs provides several benefits:
- Improved understanding: VDRs provide a deeper understanding of the vulnerability and its potential impact.
- Faster remediation: They enable faster remediation by providing clear instructions on how to address the vulnerability.
- Increased accountability: VDRs promote transparency and accountability from software developers.
The Difference Between VDR and CVE
Vulnerabilities in software are often identified with a unique ID number and a brief description, called CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). Think of CVE as a label that gives a quick overview of the vulnerability. A VDR, on the other hand, provides a more complete picture, like a detailed report about the vulnerability.
The Difference Between VDR and VEX
While VDR describes the vulnerability in detail, VEX focuses on whether the vulnerability can actually be exploited in a specific environment. VEX thus provides additional information about whether a vulnerability is relevant for a specific user or not.