Android Security Saved: CVE Funding Secured After Near-Expiration Scare

04/17/2025 Cybersecurity

Most users of technology don't often consider the intricate security vulnerabilities present in their devices, including Android-based products. As long as you regularly update your phone with the latest security patches, you're generally safe. However, this is made possible by a complex, government-supported program that was almost discontinued recently.

After a tense 24-hour period, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) announced that it would continue funding the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program. The announcement came on the very day the previous contract was set to expire. A CISA spokesperson told The Verge that the agency "executed the option period on the contract to ensure there will be no lapse in critical CVE services."

This decision averted what could have been a global tech security nightmare.

Understanding the CVE Program

The CVE program plays a critical role in identifying and tracking security issues publicly. It monitors the entire lifecycle of a potential security problem, from its initial discovery to the implementation of a proper fix. The program boasts nearly 500 partners, including security researchers, open-source developers, and major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple.

You've likely encountered CVE codes in articles or update release notes, such as those found in the Android Security Bulletin. These codes, like CVE-2024-53104, follow a specific format (CVE followed by the year and a unique number). They serve as a universal database for tracking security flaws across various devices, platforms, and companies.

Active for 25 years since its inception in 1999, the CVE program has become indispensable to the security community. It provides a standardized way for researchers, developers, companies, and the public to collaborate on discovering and patching crucial vulnerabilities. Importantly, it also indicates whether a vulnerability is believed to be actively exploited by malicious actors.

Security experts have highlighted the potential consequences of the CVE program's shutdown. Lukasz Olejnik, a scholar specializing in privacy, warned of a "breakdown in coordination between vendors, analysts, and defense systems," leading to "total chaos, and a sudden weakening of cybersecurity across the board."

Crisis Averted... For Now?

Fortunately, the immediate crisis seems to have been averted, with the federal government committing to continue funding the CVE program. However, the fact that the decision came so close to the deadline, amid ongoing efforts to cut federal funding, has placed the program in a more precarious position than ever before.

A CISA spokesperson stated that the "CVE Program is invaluable to the cyber community and a priority of CISA," expressing appreciation for the patience of partners and stakeholders.

The near-collapse of funding spurred the security community into action. CVE board members secretly established the CVE Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to ensure the program's continuity, even without government support.

Kent Landfield, an officer of the CVE Foundation, emphasized the program's importance, stating that "CVE, as a cornerstone of the global cybersecurity ecosystem, is too important to be vulnerable itself." He added that cybersecurity professionals worldwide rely on CVE identifiers and data for various tasks, from security tools to threat intelligence. Without CVE, defenders would be at a significant disadvantage against global cyber threats.

The foundation believes that relying on a single government sponsor creates a "single point of failure in the vulnerability management ecosystem."

The Future of the CVE Program

The CVE program is integral to Android security and impacts every user of Android-based devices. While government funding has been secured for now, the changes initiated by this near-miss may have lasting effects. The CVE Foundation now exists, and it may remain a key player in the future.

It remains to be seen whether the CVE Foundation will continue its operations now that the CVE program is funded. However, the foundation's concern about a single point of failure remains valid, suggesting that its role may still be crucial. Ultimately, the near-termination of a vital global security program highlights the need for a more stable and resilient approach to vulnerability management.