Vulnerability rating is a method used to assess and prioritise weaknesses in a system by evaluating several key factors. One important factor is the ease of discovery, which measures how simple it is for a threat actor to find the vulnerability. If discovery requires insider knowledge or specific expertise, it scores low, but if automated tools or public information make it easily accessible, it scores high.
Another factor is the ease of exploit, which examines how difficult it is for a threat actor to exploit the vulnerability once discovered. A vulnerability requiring advanced skills or resources is harder to exploit, while one that can be attacked using automated tools is much easier and thus more concerning.
The awareness of the vulnerability among threat actors also plays a significant role. If the vulnerability is obscure or hidden, it is less likely to be targeted. However, when vulnerabilities are widely known—such as those discussed in public forums or disclosed in security bulletins, the risk increases substantially.
The intrusion detection factor assesses how likely it is that an exploit will be detected. Vulnerabilities that are actively monitored and generate real-time alerts score low, as they are likely to be caught. Conversely, vulnerabilities that are not logged or reviewed score high, as they allow attacks to go undetected.
By combining these factors, organisations can assign a rating to each vulnerability, highlighting which ones pose the greatest risk. High-priority vulnerabilities are those that are easy to discover, simple to exploit, widely known, and unlikely to be detected. This structured approach simplifies decision-making and helps organisations focus on addressing the most critical issues first, thereby strengthening their overall security posture.