Definition
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is an open industry standard for assessing the severity of computer system security vulnerabilities. It provides a numerical score, ranging from 0.0 to 10.0, that quantifies the characteristics and potential impact of a vulnerability. CVSS works by evaluating several metrics, including attack vector, complexity, privileges required, user interaction, scope, confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. This scoring system is crucial for prioritizing remediation efforts, helping organizations allocate resources effectively to address the most critical threats first. For example, a remote code execution vulnerability with a high CVSS score would likely take precedence over a denial of service vulnerability with a lower score. Unlike a simple vulnerability count, CVSS provides a standardized way to compare the severity of different types of weaknesses across various systems. Understanding CVSS is essential for roles involving cybersecurity analysis and is frequently tested on certifications like Security+, CySA+, and CISSP.