Scalable Human Blog

The CVE Program narrowly avoided shutdown in April 2025 after last-minute contract renewal by CISA. While the crisis was averted, it highlighted the fragility of critical cybersecurity infrastructure and sparked efforts to make the program more independent and resilient.

🎯 Why the CVE Program’s Funding Scare Matters

In the world of cybersecurity, few programs are as foundational as the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system. It’s the backbone of how we identify and track software vulnerabilities across the globe. So when news broke that the U.S. government nearly let the CVE contract lapse in April 2025, it sent shockwaves through the tech community.

This post unpacks what happened, why it matters, and what the future holds for the CVE program—and for all of us who rely on it.

🤔 What Went Down — and Why It Was a Big Deal

A Near Miss for Global Cybersecurity

The CVE program, managed by MITRE and funded by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), was days away from losing its contract. This wasn’t just bureaucratic foot-dragging—it was a real threat to the global system that underpins vulnerability tracking for companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple.

As reported by CyberScoop and The Record, the delay was tied to broader budget cuts under the Trump administration, which had already led to CISA layoffs and uncertainty around cybersecurity funding priorities. Critics across the industry called the situation “stupid and dangerous,” highlighting how essential CVEs are to coordinated vulnerability disclosure and patching.

The Politics Behind the Panic

This funding scare didn’t happen in a vacuum. It came during a period of shifting political winds. While the current administration is perceived as more aligned with the tech sector—with figures like Elon Musk having influence and Silicon Valley interests gaining ground—this incident showed that even “tech-friendly” governments can overlook critical infrastructure in the name of fiscal restraint.

The lesson? Cybersecurity doesn’t always get the attention it deserves until something breaks.

A Push Toward Independence

In response to the drama, members of the CVE Board announced the formation of the CVE Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at decoupling the program from government dependency. The goal is to create a more resilient, community-driven model that can withstand political and budgetary turbulence.

This move reflects a growing recognition that cybersecurity infrastructure needs to be treated like public utility infrastructure—too important to be left to the whims of annual budgets or political agendas.

✅ Key Takeaways

• The CVE program was nearly shut down in April 2025 due to delayed contract renewal by CISA, tied to broader government cost-cutting.
• Industry leaders criticized the delay, warning of global cybersecurity consequences if the program were disrupted.
• The CVE Foundation was launched to make the system more independent and resilient, reducing reliance on government contracts.
• Political shifts impact cybersecurity funding, even under administrations seen as tech-forward.
• Cybersecurity professionals must stay engaged with policy and funding developments, as technical infrastructure is increasingly entangled with political decisions.

🎉 Final note

The CVE program’s near-shutdown was a wake-up call. While crisis was averted, the incident exposed just how fragile critical cybersecurity infrastructure can be when it depends on volatile funding streams. The formation of the CVE Foundation is a promising step toward long-term resilience, but it also underscores a broader truth: in today’s world, technology and politics are deeply intertwined.

Whether you’re a software engineer, security researcher, or IT leader, staying informed and engaged in the policy side of cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Have thoughts on the future of CVE or cybersecurity funding? Let’s keep the conversation going.