Decentralized Vulnerability Disclosure via Permissioned Blockchain: A Secure, Transparent Alternative to Centralized CVE Management (2505.00480v1)

Abstract: This paper proposes a decentralized, blockchain-based system for the publication of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), aiming to mitigate the limitations of the current centralized model primarily overseen by MITRE. The proposed architecture leverages a permissioned blockchain, wherein only authenticated CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs) are authorized to submit entries. This ensures controlled write access while preserving public transparency. By incorporating smart contracts, the system supports key features such as embargoed disclosures and decentralized governance. We evaluate the proposed model in comparison with existing practices, highlighting its advantages in transparency, trust decentralization, and auditability. A prototype implementation using Hyperledger Fabric is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach, along with a discussion of its implications for the future of vulnerability disclosure.

An Exploration of Decentralized Vulnerability Disclosure Via Permissioned Blockchain

The paper "Decentralized Vulnerability Disclosure via Permissioned Blockchain: A Secure, Transparent Alternative to Centralized CVE Management" presents a novel approach to mitigating the constraints associated with the current centralized structure used for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) publication. The existing system, coordinated primarily by MITRE Corporation, faces challenges such as single points of failure, limited transparency, and restricted global governance, which the authors aim to tackle using permissioned blockchain technology.

Proposed Architecture

The authors propose a decentralized robust architecture leveraging Hyperledger Fabric, a permissioned blockchain framework. In the proposed system, CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs) are granted authenticated access to submit entries, ensuring that only trusted entities can contribute to the blockchain. Smart contracts are employed to govern key features such as embargoed disclosures, validating CNAs, and managing transitions between various stages of the CVE lifecycle, which include drafting, publishing, and archiving. This innovation is particularly relevant given the growing complexity of vulnerability disclosures, underscoring the necessity for decentralized governance and transparency.

Key Features and Evaluations

1. Permissioned Blockchain Utilization: The selection of a permissioned blockchain is optimal due to the known identity of all CNAs. A public permissioned blockchain is chosen to ensure transparent auditing by external entities, while write access is restricted to authorized CNAs.
2. Smart Contracts Implementation: Contracts enforce data integrity, submission correctness, embargo policies, and role-based access control. Functions such as SubmitCVE, UpdateCVEStatus, and CheckEmbargoReleases ensure that CVE submissions are validated according to comprehensive schema and timeline requirements.
3. Performance Metrics: Benchmarks reveal a throughput of approximately 200 transactions per second with latency under two seconds for standard transactions. This illustrates the scalability potential of the proposed system, compared to traditional centralized models.
4. Security Enhancements: Security is a cornerstone of this proposal, integrating cryptographic identity management and endorsement policies for robust authentication, generating tamper-resistant transaction logs, and ensuring undisturbed records throughout the lifecycle of a CVE entry.

Comparative Analysis

The paper contrasts the current centralized CVE management model with the blockchain-based alternative, emphasizing improvements in transparency, auditability, and system resilience. The decentralized system allows for intricate public auditing of entire CVE states, offering higher assurance of data authenticity and eliminating vulnerabilities associated with the dependency on a single entity like MITRE.

Implications and Future Directions

The implications of this research are threefold:

1. Practical Application: Immediate applicability in improving the reliability and transparency of vulnerability disclosures, contributing to a more secure cybersecurity ecosystem.
2. Theoretical Advancement: It exemplifies the potential for blockchain technology to transform existing centralized systems into decentralized structures without compromising the integrity and validity of data.
3. Further Developments: Proposed future work includes the integration of Zero-Knowledge Proofs for privacy enhancements during embargoes, DAO-based governance for dynamic CNA management, and exploration of interoperability with existing CVE APIs.

Conclusion

The paper provides a thorough examination and implementation framework for transitioning to a blockchain-based decentralized CVE publication model. This research foregrounds the necessity for enhanced transparency and mitigates the limitations of centralized systems, paving the way for potentially broader applications across cybersecurity domains and beyond. The foundation laid herein not only addresses current deficits but also aligns with cutting-edge developments toward decentralized identity frameworks and blockchain-based system governance. The contribution of this work is significant, advocating for sustained efforts to improve vulnerability disclosure processes application-wide.