Starting today, Microsoft is publishing Vulnerability Exploitability eXchange (VEX) statements for all Microsoft-assigned CVEs. Building on our work with the Common Security Advisory Framework (CSAF) and our previous Azure Linux VEX implementation, this latest milestone in the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) transparency series expands VEX coverage to all Microsoft CVEs. It reflects our commitment to open standards and machine-readable security information, enabling organizations to process vulnerability data more consistently through security tooling.  

As organizations manage growing volumes of security information across complex portfolios, machine-readable data has become increasingly important for effective vulnerability management. VEX enables security teams to automate portions of vulnerability analysis and reduce manual effort when interpreting security advisories across complex environments. Learn more about VEX in our previous blog post. 

It is important to understand what this change does and does not mean. Publishing VEX statements for all Microsoft CVEs does not increase the number of security updates customers need to deploy. Many Microsoft security updates are cumulative or bundled, enabling customers to address multiple vulnerabilities through a small number of updates using their established testing and deployment process. This distinction is important because our goal is to help customers better understand their exposure, prioritize risk, and protect their organizations more efficiently. 

Patch Tuesday remains a central part of Microsoft’s security update process, but our commitment extends beyond the monthly release cycle. As the volume and complexity of vulnerabilities continues to grow, we will keep investing in transparent, standards-based security information that helps defenders make faster, better-informed decisions. Our responsibility is to make the resulting information clear, actionable, and easier for customers at scale. 

We deeply appreciate the security professionals, IT administrators, researchers, and partners who work every day to protect their organizations and the broader ecosystem. Thank you for all that you do to help keep customers safe.