TheHive project vs DFIR-IRIS¶

Choosing a platform¶

CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs) need robust incident response platforms to handle vulnerability reports, assign CVE IDs, and coordinate responsible disclosure. While the exact platform used by the DIVD CNA is not publicly disclosed, we can make an informed guess based on requirements for:

• Case management to track multiple vulnerability reports simultaneously.

• Collaboration features for working with researchers, vendors, and internal analysts.

• Security and auditability, ensuring sensitive vulnerability information is protected.

• Integration capabilities with threat intelligence platforms and automation tools.

Two prominent platforms in this space are DFIR-IRIS, an open-source digital forensics and incident response platform, and TheHive Project, a polished enterprise-ready solution. Both have features that a CNA like DIVD would require, though they differ in architecture, deployment, and operational characteristics.

Core features comparison¶

DFIR-IRIS¶

• Case management: Supports multiple concurrent investigations with templates and real-time collaboration.

• Forensic analysis: Integrates with VirusTotal, MISP, WebHooks, and IntelOwl for enrichment.

• Automation: Custom modules and scripts allow workflow automation and evidence collection.

• Access control: Granular RBAC and case-level permissions.

• Extensibility: Modular architecture supports custom integrations.

TheHive (Commercial)¶

• Case Management: Centralized platform with customizable templates and workflows.

• Alert Management: Aggregates alerts from email, SIEMs, and threat intelligence feeds.

• Collaboration: Task assignments, comments, and case merging for coordinated workflows.

• Automation: Integrated with Cortex for automated analysis and response.

• Security: Enterprise-grade protections, regular updates, and support.

Security considerations¶

Speculative: DIVD likely prioritises strong audit logging and secure access. TheHive Commercial offers more enterprise-ready security features, but DFIR-IRIS could be adapted if in-house expertise is high.

Integration & extensibility¶

Speculative: Given the need to coordinate across vendors, threat intel, and internal workflows, DIVD would value tight MISP integration and automated analysis. Both platforms support this, though TheHive’s integrations are more polished.

Deployment & scalability¶

Speculative: DIVD may use a Docker-based deployment (DFIR-IRIS) for flexibility and cost-efficiency, or TheHive Commercial if enterprise-grade scalability and support are priorities.

Cost considerations¶

Speculative: DIVD is a non-profit initiative, so cost efficiency is important. DFIR-IRIS aligns with open-source budgets, but TheHive’s commercial support could be justified if reliability and security assurance are top priorities.

Informed guess: What DIVD CNA might use¶

• Primary Choice: Likely DFIR-IRIS, adapted with custom modules and MISP integration. Reasoning:

  • Open-source aligns with DIVD’s non-profit nature.

  • Highly flexible for unique CNA workflows.

  • Can be hosted securely in-house with Docker.

• Alternative/Commercial Option: TheHive Commercial could be used if DIVD prioritises:

  • Enterprise-grade security features.

  • Clustered high-availability deployments.

  • Professional support for managing a growing volume of vulnerability reports.

DIVD CNA probably balances cost, flexibility, and security. DFIR-IRIS is a strong candidate for in-house adaptation, while TheHive Commercial represents a more polished but costlier alternative.