Final answer:
The associated severity rating is Critical. A penetration test finding with a CVSS v3 score of 9.2 falls into the 'Critical' severity category. The correct answer is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The associated severity rating the IT security team should use for a finding rated as 9.2 in CVSS v3 is Critical.
A penetration test finding with a CVSS v3 score of 9.2 falls into the 'Critical' severity category. This highlights a severe vulnerability that requires immediate attention from the IT security team.
The penetration test you mentioned reported a finding that was rated as 9.2 using CVSS v3. CVSS, or the Common Vulnerability Scoring System, is a standardized method for rating IT vulnerabilities and the associated risk. According to CVSS v3, any score that ranges from 7.0 to 8.9 is classified as High severity, and a score ranging from 9.0 to 10.0 is classified as Critical severity. Therefore, a finding with a CVSS v3 score of 9.2 is considered Critical. This indicates that the vulnerability is of the utmost concern and typically demands immediate and prioritized remediation by the IT security team.
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a framework used to assess and communicate the severity of security vulnerabilities. In CVSS v3, the severity rating is determined based on the Base Score, which ranges from 0 to 10. The associated severity levels are generally categorized as follows:
a. **Low (0.0 - 3.9):** Vulnerabilities with a low base score are considered to have a low impact. While they may pose a risk, the potential damage is limited.
b. **Moderate (4.0 - 6.9):** Moderate severity indicates a significant vulnerability that could lead to a compromise but might have limitations or mitigating factors.
c. **High (7.0 - 8.9):** High severity implies a vulnerability with a substantial potential impact, often with a higher likelihood of exploitation.
d. **Critical (9.0 - 10.0):** Critical severity is assigned to vulnerabilities with a severe and exploitable impact. These vulnerabilities demand immediate attention and remediation.
In the given scenario, where the penetration test reported a finding rated as 9.2 using CVSS v3, the associated severity rating would be **Critical**. A base score of 9.2 falls within the critical range, signifying a highly severe vulnerability with a high potential for exploitation and a need for urgent remediation by the IT security team to mitigate the risk effectively.