Importing data with the NVD and CWE integrations and managing third-party libraries

  • Release version: Washingtondc
  • Updated February 1, 2024
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Importing data with the NVD and CWE integrations and managing third-party libraries

    This guide outlines the process for importing vulnerability data through the NVD (National Vulnerability Database) and CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) integrations within the ServiceNow Vulnerability Response module. Proper setup allows customers to enhance their vulnerability management by leveraging data on known vulnerabilities and weaknesses from trusted sources.

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    Key Features

    • Initial Setup: Download and install the NVD integration and run the CWE scheduled job before importing data from third-party scanners.
    • Data Ingestion: Imported data enriches vulnerability assessment, aiding in the prioritization of remediation tasks.
    • CVSS Integration: The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is utilized to evaluate the severity of vulnerabilities, helping organizations understand risk levels.
    • Scheduled Updates: Configure scheduled jobs for regular updates of library records or perform on-demand updates as needed.
    • Library Management: Access various libraries, including NVD, CWE, and third-party vulnerability lists, to view and manage vulnerabilities.

    Key Outcomes

    By effectively using the NVD and CWE integrations, ServiceNow customers can:

    • Enhance their vulnerability management processes through enriched data.
    • Make informed decisions regarding vulnerability remediation based on severity assessments.
    • Maintain up-to-date records of vulnerabilities and weaknesses through scheduled updates.
    • Leverage community-developed resources to understand and address software weaknesses effectively.

    If not already installed, download and run the NVD integration and run the CWE scheduled job as part of your initial setup of Vulnerability Response and prior to importing vulnerability data into your instance with a third-party scanner product. The Vulnerability Response Integration with NVD is available on the ServiceNow Store.

    Ingesting CWE and NVD data

    Imported data from the NVD and CWE integrations are used to enrich the vulnerability data in your instance and help you decide whether to escalate remediation for a vulnerability, vulnerable item, or remediation task. After an initial import, you can update library records on-demand or configure a scheduled job to update records regularly. Vulnerability Response stores them under Libraries.

    The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), included in NVD and third-party entries, captures the main characteristics of a vulnerability. Vulnerability Response uses CVSS data to produce a normalized value reflecting vulnerability severity. When the severity is computed, the vulnerability provides a better understanding of the risk posed by this vulnerability to your organization. Severity helps you assess and prioritize vulnerability remediation.

    If this is your first installation of Vulnerability Response, or prior to ingesting data for the first time with a third-party scanner product:

    1. Perform an initial import of CWE data with the CWE Comprehensive 2000 Integration.

      See Configure and run the scheduled job for updating CWE records for more information. You perform CWE updates On Demand from the integration record by default, and you must configure it if you want it to run as a scheduled job.

      Note:
      Schedule the CWE update to run prior to the NVD database update. The default day for the NVD update is Weekly on Monday.
    2. Verify the Vulnerability Response Integration with NVD application is installed, and data from the NIST National Vulnerability Database Integration - API (CVE only) or the NIST National Vulnerability Database Integration - API (CVE and CPE) is successfully imported.

      Activation of this plugin on production instances may require a separate license. After it is installed, the NIST National Vulnerability Database Integration - API (CVE only) integration is activated by default. It runs daily. See Understanding the NVD integrations and Install the Vulnerability Response Integration with the NIST National Vulnerability Database for more information.

    3. Third-party libraries are updated as scheduled jobs. Refer to your integration documentation at Vulnerability Response integrations for more information about third-party integrations.

    Viewing imported vulnerability data and vulnerable items

    The following libraries are available:
    Libraries Description
    NVD List of vulnerabilities found by NVD and includes security checklists, security-related software flaws, misconfigurations, product names, and impact metrics including exploits.
    CWE

    List of community-developed software weakness types.

    Each CWE record also includes an associated knowledge article that describes the weakness. You cannot escalate a vulnerability from the Common Weakness Enumerations screen, it is for reference only.
    Third-party List of imported third-party vulnerabilities in your instance. Contains a list of related references, vulnerable items, exploits, and CVEs.