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Threat Centric Approach On Vulnerability

Unlocking Prioritization with a Threat Centric approach on vulnerability. Go beyond Exploitation and analyze CVE, CWE, Threat and Threat Actors.
Remove categories of problems focusing on the threats that matters

What is the Threat Centric Approach? to Vulnerabilities

What Compose CTEM and Threat Centric

1. Adopting a Threat-Centric Mindset with ASPM

Application Security Posture Management (ASPM) ensures continuous protection by identifying potential gaps and aligning defense measures with real-world attack vectors. A threat-centric approach places the adversary’s tactics and methods at the heart of security strategies, enabling quick adaptation to emerging threats. This perspective helps organizations view vulnerabilities not as isolated bugs but as entry points that attackers can exploit to penetrate critical systems.

2. The Importance of Vulnerability Management

Comprehensive vulnerability management entails discovering, prioritizing, and mitigating flaws across an enterprise’s entire technology stack. By applying CTEM (Continuous Threat Exposure Management) principles, organizations keep pace with frequent vulnerability disclosures and dynamically shift resources to patch or isolate high-risk software. This cyclical process reduces the window attackers have to weaponize newly exposed weaknesses.

 We will refer to CISA KEV initiative 

Recently CISA with STOP Ransomware has been monitoring the activities of ransomware data across organizations. 

For a detailed analysis of the relation, refer to CISA KEV Ransomware deep dive

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a user’s files or entire system, demanding a ransom for their release. It poses a significant threat to both individuals and organizations, often exploiting vulnerabilities in software and systems to gain access. The KEV catalogue serves as an invaluable tool for vulnerability management by identifying vulnerabilities that are particularly susceptible to ransomware attacks. This targeted focus allows organizations to prioritize patching these high-risk vulnerabilities, thereby reducing the likelihood of a successful ransomware exploit. In the realm of application security, understanding the nature of ransomware informs coding practices aimed at mitigating this specific type of threat. By focusing on vulnerabilities that are commonly exploited by ransomware, organizations can tailor their security measures to defend against this increasingly prevalent form of cyberattack.

What are Zero Days?

Zero-day vulnerabilities are software flaws unknown to the vendor or public security community at the time of their discovery by attackers. Because no patch or mitigation exists at first, threat actors can exploit them immediately—often bypassing typical defensive measures like antivirus filters or intrusion detection systems. Zero-day attacks commonly appear in high-value targets such as operating systems, web servers, or popular libraries, making them prime vectors for ransomware campaigns and state-sponsored espionage. By embedding threat intelligence and CTEM methodologies into an ASPM framework, organizations can accelerate detection of suspicious behavior and implement compensating controls, reducing the attacker’s window of opportunity even when a formal patch is not yet available.

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Threat Centric Vulnerability Root cause analysisasd

Threat Centric and CTEM a view on vulnerabilities

Exploits are crafted routines or scripts that take advantage of specific software bugs, enabling remote code execution, privilege escalation, or unauthorized data access. Common methods include phishing-based injection attacks, misconfigurations in authentication layers, and unpatched memory corruption flaws. A threat-centric ASPM approach pinpoints these high-impact exploit vectors quickly, reducing the likelihood of successful attacks.Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) refines vulnerability prioritization by evaluating exploitability in near-real time and accounting for how an attacker’s tactics evolve. CTEM implements proactive scanning, dynamic risk scoring, and iterative patch management to close potential holes before criminals can take advantage. This aligns perfectly with the threat-centric philosophy, which adapts to new adversarial behaviors.
 

below the Full NVD datasets remapped in threat and threat impact

 

Understanding Ransomware Risk

Ransomware is malicious software designed to lock users out of their systems or data until a ransom is paid. Most variants encrypt valuable files, threatening permanent data loss or public leakage. The motivation is purely financial, but the impact can disrupt critical services and tarnish an organization’s reputation, which makes ransomware mitigation a top priority in any ASPM program.
 

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Threat Centric Vulnerability Root cause analysisasd

Understanding Ransomware Techniques and threat Actors

Understanding Ransomware Impact Analysis and threat Actors

Understanding Ransomware Threat Impact

Analyzing CISA KEV Top vulnerabilities affected by ransomware

KEV and new addition: the top vulnerabilities affected by ransomware

The CISA KEV catalogue has evolved to become a crucial resource for vulnerability management and application security, especially with its Ransomware Vulnerability Warning Pilot. We analysed the data in details in this blog. This feature identifies vulnerabilities that are commonly associated with known ransomware campaigns. By comparing this data with the CVE database, organizations can gain a historical perspective on the most exploited vulnerabilities over the years. This is invaluable for vulnerability management, as it helps prioritize patching efforts for vulnerabilities known to be used in ransomware attacks. In the realm of application security, this information guides coding practices to mitigate the risk of ransomware exploits. The catalogue even includes a specific column titled “known to be used in ransomware campaigns,” providing immediate insights into the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited.

In summary, the KEV catalogue offers a focused lens on the top exploited vulnerabilities in ransomware, aiding both vulnerability management and application security efforts.

 

Analysing Zero Days

Full comparison CISA KEV and Ransomware details

A zero-day vulnerability is a flaw discovered by attackers before the vendor or security community becomes aware, leaving no immediate patch or workaround. Zero-day exploits are prized by cybercriminals and APT groups, allowing them to bypass standard defenses. Because remediation lags behind discovery, these threats demand a faster, intelligence-driven response that prioritizes real-time detection and containment.

Zero-day vulnerabilities often appear in critical infrastructure software, such as operating systems, web servers, or widely used libraries. Attackers reverse-engineer patches or rely on private research to uncover weak points, then develop exploits to compromise targeted environments silently. Automated scanning tools and custom malware kits leverage these unknown flaws until they become public and vendors release fixes.

 

Let’s win the battle against ransomware prioritizing the fix of the vulnerabilities that matters most. 

More details on CISA KEV

future of ASPM
  • 14th October 2024

Understanding Application Security Posture Management (ASPM)

What the heck is ASPM and how modern ASPM address new challenges? In this article we explore Application Security Posture Management (ASPM) and how it has become essential for organizations looking to safeguard their applications throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). But what truly defines a modern ASPM solution? In this article, we delve into the typical ASPM vendors, explore edge cases, and outline the fundamental pillars that unite them. At Phoenix Security, we recognize the challenges posed by diverse organizational structures, making ASPM as much about data and culture as it is about vulnerability management. That’s why we’ve introduced our ONE BACKLOG feature, which merges security champion initiatives with vulnerability workflows into a single, actionable dashboard. This integration empowers security teams to maintain a comprehensive view of vulnerabilities across code, cloud, and other artifacts, streamlining prioritization and remediation efforts. ASPM is more than just a framework; it’s a proactive strategy that fosters collaboration between development, security, and operations teams. With benefits like unified visibility, risk-based prioritization, and continuous monitoring, organizations can effectively identify and address vulnerabilities, ensuring a robust security posture. Join us as we explore the future of ASPM, focusing on code-to-cloud native solutions, maximizing existing tools, and nurturing a culture of security that transcends traditional barriers. Learn how ASPM can revolutionize your approach to application security and enhance your organization’s resilience in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Francesco Cipollone
cisa kev, appsec, aspm, exploitation, remote code execution
  • 1st September 2024

Why Should We Care About Vulnerabilities Beyond Remote Code Execution? An Analysis of the Methodologies of Exploits Used in CISA KEV?

Remote Code Execution (RCE) might dominate discussions around cybersecurity vulnerabilities, particularly in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Known Exploited Vulnerability (KEV) catalog. However, focusing solely on RCE risks overlooking other critical vulnerabilities like Authentication Bypass, Denial of Service (DoS), and Privilege Escalation, which can be equally damaging. Our analysis of the KEV catalog reveals significant trends in these lesser-discussed vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for a broader approach in Application Security Posture Management (ASPM). By leveraging tools like Phoenix Security, organizations can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their vulnerability landscape, ensuring no critical threats are left unaddressed.
Francesco Cipollone
NVD Burndown
  • 14th July 2024

NVD Backlog, are we there yet? has CISA, and the Vulnrichment Program created a dent?

Discover the current state of the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and its significant backlog of 16,476 vulnerabilities. Learn how CISA’s Vulnrichment program and Phoenix Security’s ASPM adn UVM advanced solutions are addressing the challenges in VM, application security, and threat intelligence to enhance cybersecurity resilience.
Francesco Cipollone
Wide Infosec Europe
  • 3rd June 2024

Phoenix Security Announced as Finalist in Infosec Most Innovative Cyber SME Competition 2024

Phoenix Security, a leader in cybersecurity innovation, is a finalist in the Infosec Most Innovative Cyber SME Competition 2024. Recognized for its cutting-edge threat intelligence and application security solutions, Phoenix will showcase at Infosec 2024, June 4-6, in London. Backed by significant investments and a stellar advisory board, Phoenix continues to drive industry leadership and excellence. Learn more about their journey and groundbreaking solutions.
Francesco Cipollone
CISA PLEDGE WIDE SQ
  • 12th May 2024

Commitment to Excellence: How Phoenix Security Embodies the CISA Secure by Design Pledge

Explore how Phoenix Security is championing cybersecurity by fully embracing the CISA Secure by Design Pledge. Learn about their proactive controls, from enforcing MFA to enhancing breach disclosures, and how they align with the latest CISA KEV guidelines. Join us as we delve into the strategies that make Phoenix a leader in securing digital landscapes.
Francesco Cipollone
Top Exploited vulnerability, Github top exploits, Vulnerability management, Risk-based prioritization, Likelihood of exploitation, Exploit prediction scoring system (EPSS), EPSS, Common weakness enumeration (CWE), CWE, Common weakness scoring system (CWSS), CVSS scores, Verified exploits, Exploits in the wild, Cyber threat intelligence, Vulnerability assessment, Vulnerability exploitability, Cyber risk management, Patch management, Zero day exploits, Software vulnerabilities, Cybersecurity threats, CISA, CISA KEV, Exploitation,
  • 20th August 2023

Understanding Vulnerability Exploitability: Focusing on What Matters Most in Cybersecurity, CISA KEV Exploit DB, Zero Day and more

With cyber threats growing in sophistication, understanding exploitability has become crucial for security teams to prioritize vulnerabilities effectively. This article explores the key factors that influence the likelihood of exploits in the wild, including attack vectors, complexity levels, privileges required, and more. You’ll learn how predictive scoring systems like EPSS are bringing added dimensions to vulnerability analysis, going beyond static scores. We discuss the importance of monitoring verified threat feeds and exploiting trends from reliable sources, instead of getting distracted by unverified claims and noise. Adopting a risk-based approach to prioritization is emphasized, where critical vulnerabilities are addressed not just based on CVSS severity, but also their likelihood of being exploited and potential business impact. Recent major exploits like Log4Shell are highlighted to stress the need for proactive security. Equipped with the insights from this guide, you’ll be able to implement a strategic, data-backed approach to focusing on the most pertinent risks over the barrage of vulnerabilities.
Francesco Cipollone
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Derek

Derek Fisher

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Head of product security at a global fintech

Derek Fisher – Head of product security at a global fintech. Speaker, instructor, and author in application security.

Derek is an award winning author of a children’s book series in cybersecurity as well as the author of “The Application Security Handbook.” He is a university instructor at Temple University where he teaches software development security to undergraduate and graduate students. He is a speaker on topics in the cybersecurity space and has led teams, large and small, at organizations in the healthcare and financial industries. He has built and matured information security teams as well as implemented organizational information security strategies to reduce the organizations risk.

Derek got his start in the hardware engineering space where he learned about designing circuits and building assemblies for commercial and military applications. He later pursued a computer science degree in order to advance a career in software development. This is where Derek was introduced to cybersecurity and soon caught the bug. He found a mentor to help him grow in cybersecurity and then pursued a graduate degree in the subject.

Since then Derek has worked in the product security space as an architect and leader. He has led teams to deliver more secure software in organizations from multiple industries. His focus has been to raise the security awareness of the engineering organization while maintaining a practice of secure code development, delivery, and operations.

In his role, Jeevan handles a range of tasks, from architecting security solutions to collaborating with Engineering Leadership to address security vulnerabilities at scale and embed security into the fabric of the organization.

Jeevan Singh

Jeevan Singh

Linkedin

Founder of Manicode Security

Jeevan Singh is the Director of Security Engineering at Rippling, with a background spanning various Engineering and Security leadership roles over the course of his career. He’s dedicated to the integration of security practices into software development, working to create a security-aware culture within organizations and imparting security best practices to the team.
In his role, Jeevan handles a range of tasks, from architecting security solutions to collaborating with Engineering Leadership to address security vulnerabilities at scale and embed security into the fabric of the organization.

James

James Berthoty

Linkedin

Founder of Latio Tech

James Berthoty has over ten years of experience across product and security domains. He founded Latio Tech to help companies find the right security tools for their needs without vendor bias.

christophe

Christophe Parisel

Linkedin

Senior Cloud Security Architect

Senior Cloud Security Architect

Chris

Chris Romeo

Linkedin

Co-Founder
Security Journey

Chris Romeo is a leading voice and thinker in application security, threat modeling, and security champions and the CEO of Devici and General Partner at Kerr Ventures. Chris hosts the award-winning “Application Security Podcast,” “The Security Table,” and “The Threat Modeling Podcast” and is a highly rated industry speaker and trainer, featured at the RSA Conference, the AppSec Village @ DefCon, OWASP Global AppSec, ISC2 Security Congress, InfoSec World and All Day DevOps. Chris founded Security Journey, a security education company, leading to an exit in 2022. Chris was the Chief Security Advocate at Cisco, spreading security knowledge through education and champion programs. Chris has twenty-six years of security experience, holding positions across the gamut, including application security, security engineering, incident response, and various Executive roles. Chris holds the CISSP and CSSLP certifications.

jim

Jim Manico

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Founder of Manicode Security

Jim Manico is the founder of Manicode Security, where he trains software developers on secure coding and security engineering. Jim is also the founder of Brakeman Security, Inc. and an investor/advisor for Signal Sciences. He is the author of Iron-Clad Java: Building Secure Web Applications (McGraw-Hill), a frequent speaker on secure software practices, and a member of the JavaOne Rockstar speaker community. Jim is also a volunteer for and former board member of the OWASP foundation.

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