Are higher numbers of CVEs an indicator of the “cyber-safety” of a particular piece of software? Or does it mean something else? New vulnerability discoveries are some of the most important pointers security professionals must follow, as they are key indicators of a platform’s security posture.
According to SecPod’s Annual Vulnerability Report 2024, Linux environments had a higher number of vulnerabilities compared to other operating systems, nearly 9000 more than its other counterparts. This raises a critical question for IT security professionals—why do open-source platforms like Linux reveal such high numbers?
Key Reasons Behind Linux’s Higher Count of Vulnerabilities
Here are 6 major reasons why Linux or any open-source software might typically have a higher vulnerability count.
1. Transparent and Open Development Process
One of the fundamental principles of open-source software lies in its transparency. Linux openly invites collaboration from developers worldwide, allowing anyone to inspect, contribute to, or critique its codebase. And the keyword here is inspection.
With the entire code being open source, anybody can inspect and find risks in the code. While proprietary platforms may conceal vulnerabilities until they are addressed, Linux reports them openly and promptly. This process naturally leads to higher vulnerability disclosure but promotes accountability and faster resolution.
2. Public Code Accessibility
Easy access to code is another key reason behind Linux’s higher CVE count. Unlike proprietary platforms, Linux’s public code is accessible to everyone—even malicious actors. On one hand, this allows millions of developers to proactively identify and address issues. On the other hand, it also increases the likelihood of vulnerabilities being found, logged, and disclosed.
The availability of code for extensive peer review fosters a proactive approach to security, where vulnerabilities are discovered and patched regularly. With proprietary systems, vulnerabilities may remain hidden for years.
3. Wide Adoption
Linux is no longer confined to niche IT environments; it powers everything from enterprise servers and cloud infrastructures to mobile devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). This increased adoption naturally expands its attack surface, requiring the platform to address vulnerabilities across its highly diverse use cases.
The prevalence of Linux in critical industries, such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, makes it a prime target for cybercriminals and security researchers alike.
4. A Diverse and Complex Ecosystem
The decentralization and diversity of Linux are both its strength and its challenge. Numerous Linux distributions (distros), each catering to specific user needs, lead to a sprawling ecosystem. Whether it’s Ubuntu for desktop users or CentOS for enterprise servers, these distros often integrate their own tools, software packages, and configurations.
This complexity increases the potential for security vulnerabilities, as each distro must consider a wide array of dependencies and third-party integrations. This diverse landscape magnifies the probability of vulnerabilities being discovered and disclosed.
5. Active Research and Reporting
Linux benefits from a vibrant open-source community driven by researchers, developers, and ethical hackers. Frequent third-party audits, penetration testing, and active monitoring result in a higher number of vulnerabilities being disclosed compared to proprietary systems, which often lack this level of community involvement.
The proactive research inherent to open source is a double-edged sword; it increases the number of identified issues but ensures timely discoveries, so patches can be implemented to strengthen the platform.
6. No Centralized Control Over Security Reporting
Unlike proprietary platforms, where companies oversee and control vulnerability reporting, Linux lacks centralized governance. This decentralized approach means that different individuals and organizations report vulnerabilities independently, further inflating the published numbers. For Linux, vulnerability reporting is not a controlled PR exercise. While this approach may affect public perception, it allows the Linux ecosystem to operate with full transparency and trust.
Are More Vulnerabilities a Cause for Concern?
Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to interpret these numbers accurately. A higher count of vulnerabilities does not necessarily indicate a less secure platform. Here’s why:
Understanding the Numbers
A substantial portion of disclosed vulnerabilities in Linux are identified early through community-driven efforts and independent audits. The proactive nature of Linux development ensures these vulnerabilities are reported and fixed before they can be exploited.
For proprietary systems, however, unreported vulnerabilities known as zero-days pose a greater threat because they remain hidden until leveraged by attackers.
A Proactive Security Posture
The robust reporting process of Linux underlines its commitment to proactive security. By disclosing vulnerabilities and addressing them quickly through patches, Linux often ensures a more secure environment compared to platforms that delay disclosures to avoid reputational damage.
Additionally, frequent updates distributed through Linux maintainers ensure that system administrators can keep their environments secure with minimal latency. A transparent approach to security builds trust among businesses and developers alike.
Lessons for the Enterprise
Rather than viewing high vulnerability counts as a weakness, organizations should recognize the strengths of Linux’s security model. Actively patching disclosed issues and involving the community in vulnerability management demonstrate a solid commitment to security.
For enterprises, leveraging Linux can mean a more secure infrastructure, provided updates and patches are applied promptly. Organizations unwilling to adapt to this culture of active maintenance may face challenges, but those that do gain a strong security advantage.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Linux continues to lead as a reliable open-source platform for businesses worldwide. Its transparent and community-oriented approach to managing vulnerabilities sets a benchmark for secure operations. IT and security professionals should approach Linux’s high vulnerability count not as a sign of weakness but as evidence of its robust and open commitment to improvement.
If your organization is exploring the adoption of Linux, don’t get intimidated by numbers in CVE reports. Instead, focus on proactive measures—implement vulnerability management tools, maintain a strict patching policy, and leverage expert insights.
By choosing an open-source platform like Linux, backed by vigilance and collaboration, businesses can achieve a secure, efficient, and future-ready IT ecosystem.
Conclusion
At first glance, a high number of vulnerabilities might feel alarming, but it’s not the red flag it seems. In fact, with Linux, it’s often a sign of a system that’s open, transparent, and constantly improving. The real question isn’t how many vulnerabilities exist, but how quickly they’re found, reported, and patched. That’s where Linux shines.
So if your organization is considering Linux, don’t be spooked by the CVE count. Embrace the transparency, invest in good vulnerability management, and keep your patching game strong. With the right approach, Linux can be one of the most secure platforms in your stack.
