CIS Control 16.2: Software Vulnerability Management and Disclosure
Your organization needs a formal process to handle software vulnerability reports from both internal teams and external researchers. CIS Control 16.2 requires you to document vulnerability intake, tracking, disclosure workflows, and CVE management—then review it annually. Without this structure, critical security flaws can slip through unmanaged.
What this means
This control mandates establishing a documented, repeatable process for receiving vulnerability reports from any source—including external security researchers and customers. Your process must define how vulnerabilities are logged, tracked, prioritized, remediated, and disclosed. It also requires intake procedures specifically for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). Annual documentation reviews ensure the process stays current as your software portfolio and threat landscape evolve.
How to comply
- 1.Create a vulnerability intake mechanism (e.g., security@company.com, bug bounty platform, or submission form) and publish it publicly
- 2.Document vulnerability triage criteria: severity assessment, affected systems, and initial response timelines
- 3.Establish a tracking system to log all reported vulnerabilities with status, owner, remediation plan, and closure date
- 4.Define vulnerability disclosure timelines and communication protocols for internal teams and external reporters
- 5.Build a CVE intake workflow to monitor public vulnerability databases and map them to your software inventory
- 6.Assign ownership and escalation paths for vulnerability management across development, security, and operations teams
- 7.Schedule annual reviews of the entire vulnerability process and update documentation based on lessons learned
Evidence auditors look for
- Documented vulnerability intake policy with submission endpoints and response time commitments
- Vulnerability tracking log or ticketing system showing reported issues, severity ratings, and remediation status
- Incident reports demonstrating vulnerability triage and resolution
- CVE monitoring procedures and evidence of regular checks against your software inventory
- Vulnerability disclosure documentation outlining timelines and stakeholder communication
- Annual review records showing process updates and improvements
- Security researcher communication confirming receipt and handling of external reports
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automates vulnerability intake logging, tracks remediation status across teams, and generates annual process review reports—eliminating manual spreadsheets and ensuring consistent CIS 16.2 compliance.
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