Establishing a Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure Program to Work With Security Researchers

Developed by CISA, the National Security Agency (NSA) and international partners, this joint guidance contains best practices for software manufacturers and online service providers to design and implement a coordinated vulnerability disclosure (CVD) program for working with external security researchers that includes a clear vulnerability disclosure policy (VDP) and process for triaging, remediating and assigning Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifiers to reported vulnerabilities. The guidance also provides considerations for leveraging third-party intermediaries, like CISA or other national computer security incident response teams, to substitute or supplement a CVD program. By implementing a robust CVD program aligned with this guidance, organizations can work transparently and collaboratively with security researchers to remediate vulnerabilities, build constructive relationships, enhance product security while improving vulnerability management processes, and demonstrate their dedication to protecting customers.