Guide to Automating Vulnerability Prioritization Using SSVC Decision Trees

This guide provides a framework for automating vulnerability prioritization through the use of decision trees aligned with Stakeholder-Specific Vulnerability Categorization (SSVC). It outlines the importance of automating decision outcomes to enhance the efficiency of vulnerability management teams. The document details the necessary dependencies for successful automation, including organizational alignment, a comprehensive vulnerability and asset inventory, and reliable sources of vulnerability intelligence. It emphasizes the need for effective correlation of asset metadata and suitable automation capabilities. Furthermore, the guide describes possible decision outcomes for prioritization, such as tracking, scheduling, out-of-cycle actions, and immediate actions. It also presents decision criteria that should be considered, including exploitation status, asset exposure, and asset criticality. Visual aids, such as decision trees, are suggested to facilitate understanding of the decision-making process. The guide aims to assist organizations in refining their vulnerability management practices through automation.