In today’s digital ecosystem, vulnerabilities are inevitable; however, their impact can be systematically assessed and mitigated. The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a globally recognized standard for quantifying the severity of security vulnerabilities, enabling security teams to prioritize remediation efforts based on measurable risk.
IBM has been actively publishing Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) for IBM i and assigning CVSS scores to these vulnerabilities. Understanding CVSS is essential because it provides a structured approach to evaluate risk levels and determine the urgency of mitigation. The purpose of this article is to explain the CVSS framework and scoring methodology so organizations can accurately interpret vulnerability severity and apply effective remediation strategies. Without this understanding, it is difficult to gauge the true impact of a vulnerability and align security actions with risk management objectives.
This article examines the anatomy of CVSS—its framework, scoring metrics, and strategic application in cybersecurity.
What is CVSS?
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a standardized framework for quantifying the severity of software vulnerabilities. It assigns a numerical score ranging from 0.0 (no severity) to 10.0 (critical severity), providing a universal language for risk assessment. Developed by the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), CVSS ensures consistency across platforms and industries, enabling security teams to make data-driven decisions.
How Does CVSS Work?
CVSS calculates a score based on three distinct metric groups:
Base Metrics – Represent the intrinsic characteristics of a vulnerability that remain constant over time.
Temporal Metrics – Capture factors that evolve, such as exploit availability or remediation status.
Environmental Metrics – Reflect organization-specific conditions, including asset value and security requirements.
The final score is derived through a mathematical formula combining these metrics, resulting in a value that indicates severity and supports prioritization of remediation efforts.
Summary of CVSS Metrics
| Metric Group | Purpose | Key Components |
| Base | Intrinsic properties of the vulnerability | Attack vector, attack complexity, privileges required, user interaction, confidentiality, integrity, availability |
| Temporal | Factors that change over time | Exploit code, maturity, remediation level, report confidence |
| Environmental | Organization-specific context | Security requirements, modified base metrics |
CVSS Scoring Process Diagram
The following flowchart illustrates the CVSS scoring process, from identifying vulnerabilities to prioritizing remediation based on severity.
1. Identify Vulnerability
2. Evaluate Base Metrics
3. Apply Temporal Factors
4. Add Environmental Context
5. Calculate Finals (0.0 - 10.0)
6. Prioritize Remediation Based on Severity
How to Use CVSS Effectively
CVSS scores are more than numerical values—they are strategic indicators for risk management. Security teams can leverage CVSS to:
Prioritize patching based on severity
Align remediation efforts with business impact
Demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards
Optimize resource allocation
However, CVSS should not be used in isolation. Combining CVSS with threat intelligence, asset criticality, and business priorities ensures a comprehensive approach to vulnerability management.
Conclusion
IBM’s approach of publishing CVEs for IBM i and assigning CVSS scores aligns with globally recognized standards for vulnerability assessment. CVSS provides a consistent, structured way to measure severity, helping organizations move beyond guesswork and prioritize remediation based on real risk.
By understanding how CVSS scoring works—through its Base, Temporal, and Environmental metrics—security teams can interpret IBM CVEs more effectively, assess potential impact, and allocate resources where they matter most.
CVSS is not just a numeric value; it is a practical framework for risk management. When combined with threat intelligence and asset criticality, it enables proactive vulnerability handling and strengthens overall security posture.
Get Started with Security Services from Fortra
Contact our services team today to learn more about how you can benefit from Fortra's security services.
