Includes bibliographical references (pages 109-114).
Contents:
References. Figures and Tables -- Summary -- Acknowledgments -- 4. Introduction: Little Is Known About the Extent, Use, Benefit, or Harm of Zero-Day Exploits -- Should the U.S. Government Disclose Zero-Day Vulnerabilities? -- There Are Many Considerations That Stakeholders Want Addressed -- Research Questions and the Purpose of This Research -- Intended Audience for This Research -- Breaking Down the Zero-Day Space -- Data for This Research -- Methodology of Research and Data Collection -- Organization of This Report -- 2. More Discussion of Zero-Day Vulnerabilities: Nature of Zero-Day Vulnerabilities -- Exploit Development Basics and Considerations -- Exploit Development Cycle -- People in the Zero-Day Vulnerability Space -- Business Models -- 3. Analysis of the Data: 1. Life Status: Is the Vulnerability Really a Zero-Day? Is It Alive (Publicly Unknown) or Dead (Known to Others)? -- 2. Longevity: How Long Will the Vulnerability Remain Undiscovered and Undisclosed to the Public? -- 3. Collision Rate: What Is the Likelihood That Others Will Discover and Disclose the Vulnerability? -- 4. Cost: What Is the Cost to Develop an Exploit for the Vulnerability? -- 4. Conclusions and Implications -- APPENDIXES -- References.
Summary:
Zero-day vulnerabilities--software vulnerabilities for which no patch or fix has been publicly released-- and their exploits are useful in cyber operations--whether by criminals, militaries, or governments--as well as in defensive and academic settings. This report provides findings from real-world zero-day vulnerability and exploit data that could augment conventional proxy examples and expert opinion, complement current efforts to create a framework for deciding whether to disclose or retain a cache of zero-day vulnerabilities and exploits, inform ongoing policy debates regarding stockpiling and vulnerability disclosure, and add extra context for those examining the implications and resulting liability of attacks and data breaches for U.S. consumers, companies, insurers, and for the civil justice system broadly. The authors provide insights about the zero-day vulnerability research and exploit development industry; give information on what proportion of zero-day vulnerabilities are alive (undisclosed), dead (known), or somewhere in between; and establish some baseline metrics regarding the average lifespan of zero-day vulnerabilities, the likelihood of another party discovering a vulnerability within a given time period, and the time and costs involved in developing an exploit for a zero-day vulnerability"--Publisher's description.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.