The
race to patch: once a CVE is published, attackers begin developing exploits — organizations must patch before exploitation occurs, often within 24-72 hours for critical vulnerabilities.
CISA KEV catalog = already being exploited = emergency. Immediately after CVE publication, exploitation attempts surge. High CVSS score + internet-facing = highest urgency. Risk-based patching: not all patches are equal urgency — focus emergency effort on exploitable, internet-facing, critical systems.