What does the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) list?

The Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) is a community-developed list that specifically identifies and categorizes software weaknesses. This classification aids in understanding the types of issues that can lead to vulnerabilities in software applications. By providing a structured framework, CWE assists developers and security professionals in identifying, mitigating, and preventing these weaknesses in their code, thereby enhancing overall software security.

CWE serves as a fundamental resource in vulnerability management practices, offering insights into common errors and areas that require attention during software development. This understanding helps organizations prioritize their security efforts based on the most critical weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. It focuses exclusively on weaknesses rather than vulnerabilities in hardware or overarching best practices, making it a valuable tool for improving software security and resilience.