Vulnerability Management Runbook

Vulnerability management is not just scanning and patching. It is a continuous process of identifying, prioritizing, remediating, and verifying security weaknesses across your entire attack surface. This runbook documents the end-to-end workflow from scan configuration through remediation tracking, exception handling, and reporting. It gives SOC and IT operations teams a shared playbook for reducing organizational risk systematically.

CVSS scores alone do not tell you which vulnerabilities to fix first. A CVSS 9.8 on an isolated test server matters less than a CVSS 7.5 on your internet-facing payment processing system. Layer in asset criticality, network exposure, exploit availability (check CISA KEV and EPSS scores), and active threat intelligence. A vulnerability with a public exploit being actively used in the wild against your industry needs immediate attention regardless of its CVSS score. Build a risk-based prioritization model that considers these factors together.

Some vulnerabilities cannot be fixed due to legacy system constraints, vendor dependencies, or business continuity requirements. Have a formal exception process that requires a documented risk acceptance, compensating controls, an expiration date, and executive sign-off. Track all exceptions centrally so they do not become forgotten risks. Review active exceptions quarterly and validate that compensating controls are still effective. Set maximum exception durations: no exception should live longer than 12 months without renewal and re-justification.