RS.AN-5: Vulnerability Disclosure Response
Vulnerability disclosure is how security researchers and internal teams alert you to potential weaknesses before attackers exploit them. RS.AN-5 requires you to have documented processes for receiving, analyzing, and responding to these critical alerts from all sources. Without a structured approach, even reported vulnerabilities can slip through the cracks.
What this means
This control establishes a formal vulnerability disclosure program that accepts reports from multiple channels—internal security testing, external researchers, software vendors, and industry bulletins. Your organization must have clear processes to intake these reports, assess their severity and validity, prioritize remediation, and track resolution. The goal is to close the gap between discovery and fix, reducing your window of exposure.
How to comply
- 1.Create a documented vulnerability disclosure policy and make it publicly available (e.g., security.txt, responsible disclosure statement).
- 2.Establish intake channels for vulnerability reports (email, bug bounty platform, security portal) with clear instructions and response timelines.
- 3.Document the triage and analysis process, including severity classification, impact assessment, and validation steps.
- 4.Define roles and responsibilities for vulnerability assessment, remediation, and communication with reporters.
- 5.Implement tracking and workflow management to monitor each vulnerability from submission through resolution.
- 6.Set and communicate response time SLAs based on severity (e.g., critical = 24 hours, high = 72 hours).
- 7.Document evidence of received disclosures, analysis outcomes, and remediation actions taken.
Evidence auditors look for
- Publicly posted vulnerability disclosure or responsible disclosure policy
- Email archive or ticketing system showing vulnerability submissions and responses
- Vulnerability intake form or bug bounty platform records
- Risk assessment documentation for reported vulnerabilities
- Remediation tracking logs with timelines and closure evidence
- SLA documentation and response time metrics
- Communications sent to vulnerability reporters confirming receipt and providing status updates
- Internal process documentation describing the end-to-end vulnerability response workflow
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
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