One of the most threatening and potentially catastrophic cybersecurity threats in the contemporary world is Remote Code Execution (RCE) attacks. They enable attackers to run arbitrary code on a victim machine, which may cause the complete compromise of a system, stealing of data, and inflicting considerable impact on the reputation of an organization. The effects of this kind of attack can be disastrous, and averting them should be done proactively as a vulnerability management strategy.
Regular scanning of CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) is one of the best methods to be ahead of RCE attacks in the cybersecurity field. CVEs are vulnerabilities that are publicly identified in software and hardware systems. With these vulnerabilities being scanned regularly, organizations are able to detect and seal their possible point of entry before they become exploited by attackers.
In this blog, we will discuss what RCE attacks are, how CVE scanning is important as a part of preventing them, and share actionable insights on how to prevent RCE attacks effectively.
Understanding Remote Code Execution (RCE) Attacks
What is RCE?
Remote Code Execution (RCE) is a vulnerability whereby one attacker is able to execute arbitrary code on a machine of victim remotely. RCE attacks usually include vulnerabilities in software that handles user input, e.g., web applications, network services, or server-side software. Attackers are able to run malicious code, acquire unauthorized access to systems, and potentially dominate the whole device once accessed.
RCE vulnerabilities are the most dangerous as they enable attackers to evade the majority of traditional security protection mechanisms, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. This means that the attackers can steal sensitive information, alter files, install malware, or use the hacked system as a catapult to launch additional attacks.
Common Attack Vectors
RCE attacks can be carried out through various vectors, including:
- Exploiting Unpatched Vulnerabilities – Attackers often target software with known vulnerabilities that have not been patched, making it a common attack vector.
- Misconfigurations – Misconfigurations in software or hardware can leave systems open to RCE attacks. For instance, inadequate access controls or improper authentication mechanisms can be exploited.
- File Upload Vulnerabilities – Web applications that allow users to upload files are prime targets for RCE attacks if they do not properly sanitize the files before executing them.
Real-World Examples
Some of the most notorious RCE attacks in recent years highlight the severity of this threat:
- Log4Shell (2021) – A critical RCE vulnerability in the widely-used Apache Log4j library. This vulnerability allowed attackers to remotely execute code on affected systems, leading to widespread exploitation across organizations worldwide.
- EternalBlue (2017) – An exploit of the SMB protocol used by Microsoft Windows. This RCE vulnerability was responsible for the WannaCry ransomware attack, which infected over 200,000 machines in 150 countries.
These examples demonstrate the massive scale of RCE attacks and the urgent need for continuous monitoring and remediation.
The Role of CVEs in Preventing RCE Attacks
What Are CVEs?
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) are vulnerabilities in software or hardware systems that have been publicly reported as security vulnerabilities. Every CVE has a distinct identifier, which enables companies to monitor and solve vulnerabilities in different platforms and apps.
Security researchers, vendors, and organizations report CVEs, which include detailed information on the vulnerability, such as the versions of the software affected, severity rating, and the potential mitigation or patch. A central database of CVEs and other metadata information, including CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) scores, is the National Vulnerability Database (NVD).
The Link Between CVEs and RCE
Most of the RCE attacks use the known CVEs that are mostly associated with buffer overflows, input validation bugs, and other programming bugs. After a CVE has been found and is publicly disclosed, attackers usually scramble to take advantage of unpatched vulnerabilities before the organization has the chance to patch its systems.
Security teams can be proactive in addressing the threat of exploitation by keeping abreast of CVEs that are associated with the RCE vulnerabilities. It is here that standard CVE scanning comes in; these enable organizations to rapidly identify vulnerabilities, estimate their possible effects, and take steps to implement patches before an attacker can exploit them.
CVEs in Action
Regular CVE scanning provides actionable insights into an organization’s security posture by identifying vulnerable software and systems. By scanning for CVEs, security professionals can:
- Discover Unpatched Vulnerabilities – Identify which systems are vulnerable to known exploits, particularly those related to RCE attacks.
- Prioritize Risks – CVEs come with severity scores that help prioritize which vulnerabilities should be patched first.
- Ensure Compliance – Regular CVE scanning ensures that an organization remains compliant with industry standards and regulations by addressing vulnerabilities promptly.
The Importance of Regular CVE Scanning
New Vulnerabilities Emerge Regularly
The sphere of cybersecurity is constantly changing, and new weak spots are revealed on a daily basis. The CVE database states that thousands of new vulnerabilities are reported every year. Most of these vulnerabilities are critical and may result in RCE attacks in case they are not addressed.
Due to the sheer rate of vulnerabilities being identified, it is necessary to scan regularly by organizations in search of CVEs to make sure that they are not exposed to these emerging risks. In the absence of regular scanning, the security vulnerabilities may remain undetected, and organizations may fall victim to exploitation.
Timely Detection and Remediation
In the case of RCE vulnerabilities, timely detection and remediation are crucial. Attackers typically exploit these vulnerabilities as soon as they are made public, and if organizations are slow to patch them, they risk being compromised. By performing regular CVE scans, organizations can quickly detect vulnerabilities, apply patches, and minimize the window of exposure.
Preventing Exploitation of Known Vulnerabilities
Most RCE attacks are based on the exploitation of the known vulnerabilities that have already been given CVE identifiers. To illustrate, when a malevolent user learns about an RCE vulnerability in a popular software package, he or she can develop an exploit to address the vulnerability. The attack will be unsuccessful in case the organization has already scanned the CVE and fixed the vulnerability. On the other hand, without scanning and patching, the attackers will be free to use the vulnerability.
Regular CVE scans close known gaps before attackers exploit them, whereby systems are continuously updated with the more recent security patches.
Best Practices for Effective CVE ScanningÂ
Automating CVE Scanning
Scanning of CVEs manually may be time-consuming and is prone to human error. Organizations must automate the CVE scanning process in order to increase efficiency and accuracy. Automation tools have the ability to scan the system and identify vulnerabilities continuously and provide reports, and even launch remediation processes without human intervention.
Popular automated tools for CVE scanning include:
- Strobes Security Platform – A solution that integrates CVE scanning into vulnerability management and continuous threat exposure monitoring.
- Nessus – A widely used vulnerability scanner that can detect CVEs across various systems and applications.
- Qualys – A cloud-based vulnerability management platform that includes CVE scanning as part of its suite of security services.
Integrating CVE Scanning into Your DevSecOps Pipeline
In the case of modern organizations, a CVE scan has to be integrated into the DevSecOps pipeline. Organizations can use the continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline to embed CVE scanning and, therefore identify and fix vulnerabilities during the development lifecycle as opposed to fixing them after the system is deployed. This makes sure the vulnerabilities are detected at an early stage and the possibility of inserting insecure code into the production systems is minimised.
Prioritizing Vulnerabilities Based on Risk
Not every CVE can be considered critical. Certain vulnerabilities can be simple to exploit, and others need a high level of skill or other circumstances to be exploited. Security teams can use scoring systems such as CVSS to rank vulnerabilities by severity in order to prioritize vulnerabilities to be tackled. CVSS scores give an arithmetic number that can be used by organizations to identify the possible extent and severity of a vulnerability.
Attack organizations can prioritize high-severity vulnerabilities and, in the process, reduce the risk and resources required by focusing on how to prevent RCE attacks.
Routine Scanning vs. Ad-hoc Scanning
Although ad-hoc scanning may also apply in some situations, regular scanning is far more effective in the prevention of attacks. Ad-hoc scans are usually performed in response to a particular incident, e.g. breach or a new CVE release, and may not identify vulnerabilities that emerge with time. Regular CVE scanning will make sure that an organization is doing regular checks of new vulnerabilities and implementing them immediately after they are released.
How CVE Scanning Helps with Compliance and Auditing
The regulatory standards frequently demand evidence that the vulnerabilities are actively tracked and fixed. Two examples stand out:
- HIPAA -Medical institutions should protect patient information against any breach. This is aided by regular CVE scanning, which demonstrates that the known security gaps have been identified and addressed to develop audit-ready evidence of the continuous protection.
- SOC 2– This framework focuses on powerful data security and availability measures. Regular CVE scans will serve to show that vulnerabilities are being followed, prioritized, and eliminated so that a line of responsibility is clearly displayed when audited.
Integrating CVE scanning into security programs, companies not only minimize the chances of being exploited due to RCE, but also make compliance reporting easy.
Auditing for Vulnerabilities
In addition to meeting compliance standards, CVE scanning also supports vulnerability audits. Auditors often review an organization’s security practices to ensure they are managing risks appropriately. Regular CVE scanning provides a clear audit trail, showing that the organization is actively monitoring for vulnerabilities and applying patches as needed.
Key Tools and Technologies for CVE Scanning
CVE Scanning Tools Overview
Several CVE scanning tools can help organizations stay on top of known vulnerabilities:
- Strobes Security Platform – An enterprise-grade vulnerability management tool that provides continuous scanning for CVEs and integrates with other security measures like Risk-Based Vulnerability Management (RBVM) and Application Security Posture Management (ASPM).
- OpenVAS – A free, open-source vulnerability scanner that can detect CVEs across various operating systems and applications.
- Tenable.io – A cloud-based vulnerability management platform that offers robust CVE scanning and vulnerability remediation features.
Integrating CVE Scanning with Other Security Measures
Although CVE scanning is an essential aspect of vulnerability management, it must be included in a bigger cybersecurity plan. Combining CVE scanning with other security mechanisms, including Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms, will enable an organization to have a security position and be able to respond to a threat in real-time.
ConclusionÂ
RCE attacks on unpatched vulnerabilities can spread quickly once an exploit is public. Regular CVE scanning is essential for how to prevent RCE attacks by exposing weaknesses early and ensuring they are fixed before attackers can take advantage.
For organizations, the value goes beyond immediate protection. Consistent scanning builds resilience, supports compliance requirements like HIPAA and SOC 2, and creates long-term confidence that vulnerabilities are being managed in a structured way. When integrated into broader security programs, it shifts the focus from reacting to crises to steadily lowering exposure over time.
With Strobes, this approach becomes easier to put into action. From automated CVE discovery and risk-based prioritization to deduplication, guided remediation, and retesting, Strobes helps teams turn CVE scanning into a continuous, measurable program against RCE risks.Â
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