Vulnerability Management

Learn strategies for handling vulnerabilities from software defects, human factors, and process shortcomings.

3 hours

3 Topics

Exam Weight: 18%

Learning Objectives

Handle vulnerabilities due to software defects and misconfiguration
Address vulnerabilities caused by human factors
Mitigate vulnerabilities from process shortcomings

Topics

TOPIC 2A

Handle Vulnerabilities Due to Software Defects and Misconfiguration

Understanding the software defect lifecycle and implementing strategies to prevent and remediate defects.

1 hour 30 minutes

Software defect lifecycle (error → fault → defect → failure)
Common causes of security defects
Error handling best practices
Fail-safe design principles
Configuration management security
Third-party code security assessment
Attack surface reduction techniques

Secure Error Handling

Proper error handling without exposing sensitive information

python

import logging

# Configure secure logging
logging.basicConfig(
    level=logging.INFO,
    format='%(asctime)s - %(levelname)s - %(message)s'
)
logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)

def secure_database_query(user_id):
    try:
        # Simulate database query
        result = perform_query(user_id)
        return result
    except DatabaseError as e:
        # Log detailed error internally
        logger.error(f"Database error for user {user_id}: {str(e)}")
        # Return generic error to user
        raise UserFacingError("Unable to process request. Please try again.")
    except Exception as e:
        # Log unexpected errors
        logger.critical(f"Unexpected error: {str(e)}")
        raise UserFacingError("An unexpected error occurred.")

OWASP Secure Coding Practices

Quick reference guide for secure coding

cheatsheet

CIS Benchmarks

Security configuration guidelines

standard

NIST Configuration Management

Configuration management guidelines

standard