When discussing vulnerability management, a common question arises: Can your platform detect every CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure) item? While it would be reassuring to say “Yes, we find them all,” the reality of cybersecurity is more complex. No method—automated or manual—can detect every common vulnerability. Understanding why helps to set realistic expectations and build a more robust approach to security.

Why can’t all CVEs be found?

  1. Manual detection is sometimes required
    Some vulnerabilities can only be identified through manual inspection. These CVEs often require human intuition and expertise to spot patterns or issues that a machine might miss. For example, business logic flaws or configuration errors are vulnerabilities that depend heavily on the specific context of an application or system. Automated tools can only do so much in these cases.
  2. Deeply embedded vulnerabilities
    Certain CVEs are buried deep within complex codebases, making them challenging to find—even for skilled professionals. When vulnerabilities are hidden this deeply, automated scanners may not be equipped to identify them. In some instances, even manual detection can be a painstaking process, requiring time and deep domain knowledge.
  3. Security measures blocking scanners
    Ironically, the very measures designed to protect systems can hinder vulnerability detection. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security protocols can block scanning tools, preventing them from accessing certain areas. While this improves overall security, it can leave potential vulnerabilities undiscovered.
  4. The risk of false positives and negatives
    Automated tools, while powerful, are not foolproof. They can sometimes generate false positives, flagging non-issues as vulnerabilities. Conversely, false negatives—where real issues go undetected—are an ongoing challenge. This is particularly true for vulnerabilities that don’t fit common patterns or require more contextual understanding.
  5. An evolving threat landscape
    The cybersecurity landscape is constantly shifting, with new vulnerabilities emerging every day. Automated tools rely on databases of known CVEs, which need regular updates. However, there is often a lag between the discovery of a new vulnerability and its inclusion in these databases.
  6. Complex System Configurations
    Modern IT environments are a mix of on-premises systems, cloud infrastructure, and third-party integrations. These complex configurations can create unique vulnerabilities that automated tools aren’t designed to detect. A subtle misconfiguration or an unexpected interaction between components can introduce risks that require a human eye to uncover.

How to build a comprehensive defence strategy

Given these limitations, relying solely on automated tools is insufficient. A robust vulnerability management strategy combines multiple layers of defence:

  1. Automated scanning: Use automated tools for regular scans to catch known vulnerabilities quickly and efficiently.
  2. Manual penetration testing: Employ cybersecurity professionals to conduct manual assessments, targeting areas where automated tools fall short.
  3. Continuous monitoring: Stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape with real-time monitoring and updates to your security tools.
  4. Layered security measures: Implement security measures to minimise risk while allowing scanners the access they need.
  5. Regular training: Train staff to identify potential vulnerabilities in configurations and processes, adding an extra layer of vigilance.

The comprehension and mitigation of exploitable vulnerabilities necessitate a multifaceted approach that integrates contextual awareness, automation, and expertise. Through comprehensive scans, automated vulnerability scanning tools are indispensable for identifying network vulnerabilities and evaluating security postures. To catalog known issues, these tools depend on databases such as the CVE list, which are populated with CVE IDs and CVE identifiers. On the other hand, manual inspection is frequently necessary to identify intricate issues such as Log4J.

However, the integration of open-source solutions with commercial platforms like Guardian360 has improved coverage; however, it is still necessary to exercise caution when using vulnerability scanning tools. To guarantee that no critical issues are overlooked, security teams must consistently monitor and evaluate the results of tools such as vulnerability scanners, comparing the findings with the most recent updates in vulnerability databases as well as performing manual penetration tests.

Organizations can uncover deeply embedded risks, identify web application vulnerabilities, and navigate complex system configurations by balancing automated detection with skilled and creative human oversight. To mitigate risks associated with manual detection gaps or evolving threat landscapes, a robust security posture incorporates proactive monitoring and regular audits. The likelihood of exploitable vulnerabilities affecting operations is reduced and defenses are strengthened by effectively addressing these challenges.

Conclusion

While no platform can detect every CVE, understanding the limitations of vulnerability scanning allows organisations to take a proactive and realistic approach to cybersecurity. By combining automation with human expertise and adapting to the ever-changing threat landscape, you can significantly reduce your risk and better protect your systems.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s continuous improvement. When it comes to cybersecurity, diligence and adaptability are your greatest allies.