diff --git a/CVE Reserved but Public (RBP) Policy 2026-08-10.md b/CVE Reserved but Public (RBP) Policy 2026-08-10.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..82bc54a --- /dev/null +++ b/CVE Reserved but Public (RBP) Policy 2026-08-10.md @@ -0,0 +1,112 @@ +# CVE Reserved but Public (RBP) Policy + +Document Version: 2.0.0 + +CVE Board Approval: Month xx, 2026 + +Effective Date: Month dd, 2026 + +## Purpose + +[CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs)](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/Glossary#glossaryCNA) support the CVE Program by reserving and assigning [CVE +IDs](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/Glossary#glossaryCVEID), creating [CVE Records](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/Glossary#glossaryRecord), and publishing them to the [CVE List](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/Glossary#glossaryCVEList). Prompt publication ensures +consistent, timely vulnerability information is available for defenders to take action. The +“Reserved but Public (RBP) Policy” defines how the CVE Program monitors and enforces timely +CVE Record publication after Public Disclosure of a CVE ID. + +The RBP Policy is designed to maintain flexibility while providing clear guidelines for the +[Secretariat](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/Glossary#glossarySecretariat), [Top-Level Roots](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/Glossary#glossaryTLRoot) (TL-Roots), and [Roots](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/Glossary#glossaryRoot) to consistently measure, assess, and +determine the best course of action in resolving RBPs under a defined, practical framework. + +## Scope + +The CVE Program RBP Policy applies to all CVE Program CNAs. + +## Background + +A [Reserved but Public](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/Glossary#glossaryRBP) (RBP) CVE ID is defined as: + +* A CVE ID in the “Reserved” state that is referenced in one or more public +sources but for which a CVE Record has not been published. + +## Timely Publication + +A CVE Record should be published within 72 hours of either (a) disclosure by the CNA or (b) +the CNA becoming aware of a third-party disclosure, as applicable. CNAs should ensure timely +publication of CVE Records, recognizing that such publication may, at times, coincide with +ongoing vulnerability or incident response activities. Vulnerability exploitation can begin shortly after Public Disclosure, often within hours. + +CNAs MUST prioritize requests from their TL-Root or Root to publish CVE Records for RBPs +identified as critical. + +The CVE Program does not condone any unnecessary, intentional, or routine delay between +Public Disclosure of vulnerability information (e.g., advisory or Fix) and CVE Record publication. + +The CVE Program recognizes that internal processes may necessitate short delays; however, +time flexibility allowed by the CNA Operational Rules should not be used to intentionally delay +publication once an advisory or Fix has been made public. A delay intended to limit the +discoverability of public vulnerability information is inconsistent with CVE Program expectations +and often benefits attackers more than defenders. + +## CNA Operational Rules Alignment + +### CNA Public Disclosure (Requirement) + +* **CNA Rule 4.5.1.4:** CNAs MUST publish a CVE Record to the CVE List within 72 +hours of Publicly Disclosing a CVE ID assigned by the CNA. If the CNA does not +publish within 72 hours, then the CNA’s Root MAY direct the appropriate [CNA-LR](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/Glossary#glossaryCNALR) to +publish a CVE Record for the assigned CVE ID. Ownership of the CVE Record MAY +be transferred. + +### Third-Party Public Disclosure (Strong Expectation) + +* **CNA Rule 4.5.1.6:** CNAs SHOULD publish CVE Records within 72 hours of +becoming aware that a CVE ID assigned by the CNA has been Publicly Disclosed by +a party other than the CNA. + +## RBP Tracking + +RBPs may be identified by CVE Program TL-Roots, Roots, and the Secretariat via: + +* Monitoring public sources for disclosed CVE IDs +* Reports from vendors, researchers, CNAs, or the public +* Program metrics and audits +* Direct communication with CNAs + +## Notification and Remediation + +When an RBP is identified that is in violation of Program Rules 4.5.1.4 or 4.5.1.6 exceeding the +72 hours: + +1. The TL-Root or Root will notify the CNA of affected CVE ID(s) and the required +remediation timeline (as defined by the TL-Root and/or Root) + + a) A CNA may be deemed unresponsive (refer to the CVE Program Policy +for Inactive CNAs if the CNA does not acknowledge or respond within the +timeframe specified in the notice (or, if unspecified, within a reasonable +operational timeframe consistent with Program practice). + +2. The CNA is expected to publish RBPs as soon as possible and no later than the +deadline stated by their TL-Root or Root (which may account for factors such as volume, +complexity, and resource constraints). + +3. If the CNA still doesn’t act, the Root or TL-Root can delegate publication to a +CNA-LR (reference [CNA Rule 4.5.1.4](https://www.cve.org/ResourcesSupport/AllResources/CNARules#section_4-5_CVE_Record_Management)). + +## Enforcement + +The CVE Program may take further action depending on the CNA’s volume, history, and +severity of RBPs. The table below highlights potential corrective actions they may be applied +individually or combined: + +| Action Level | Requirements & Impact | +| :--- | :--- | +| Warning | CNA must provide a formal plan of action | +|Reservation Caps| Quota reductions or temporary suspension of new CVE ID reservations. | +|Intervention|A Root may direct a CNA-LR to publish or transfer record ownership.| +|Formal Review|Formal program review; may lead to new conditions of participation.| + +Any CVE ID reservation restrictions are lifted once the CNA has published all outstanding RBPs +or resolved the matter to the satisfaction of the TL-Root, Root, or Secretariat. Repeated +violations of the RBP policy may result in additional sanctions, up to and including CNA +decertification. \ No newline at end of file