The use of open source software in business networks has become increasingly prevalent, with 78% of businesses incorporating it into their operations, according to recent statistics. However, while open source software offers many benefits for developers, it also introduces potential security vulnerabilities in the software supply chain.
Open source software allows developers to leverage existing components to create proprietary applications, saving time and resources. However, this reliance on external code can also create opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in the software. Once a cybercriminal gains access to a network through compromised open source software, they can carry out a range of malicious activities, such as stealing data, initiating ransomware attacks, monitoring network activity, and disabling critical systems.
To address these risks and enhance the security of the software supply chain, developers and security practitioners are adopting a “shift left” approach in the software development life cycle. Traditionally, cyberattacks targeted downstream consumers, but threat groups now focus on infiltrating the development process early on. Notable examples of such attacks include Solorigate and the supply chain attack against 3CXDesktopApp.
To counteract these threats, organizations are implementing secure practices and environments from the beginning of the development process. This includes securing access to code, conducting regular scans to identify vulnerabilities and risks, and implementing secure design and coding practices. By integrating security measures at every phase of development, developers can identify and prevent potential risks and vulnerabilities.
One key framework that facilitates this shift left approach is the Secure Supply Chain Consumption Framework (S2C2F). The framework adopts threat-based, risk-reduction methods specifically tailored to address threats in open source software. It encompasses eight areas of practice: ingest, inventory, update, enforce, audit, scan, rebuild, and fix/upstream. Each practice consists of requirements that can be scaled according to the level of security maturity an organization aims to achieve. By pairing the S2C2F with a producer-focused, artifact-oriented framework, organizations can build and consume software more securely.
Building security into the software supply chain is crucial for future-proofing operations. Implementing secure practices from the early stages of development helps organizations identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they cause harm. By adopting a comprehensive approach to security, organizations can protect against both common threats and hidden vulnerabilities that may arise from using open source components.
In conclusion, the increasing use of open source software presents both opportunities and challenges for developers. While open source software enables efficient development processes, it also introduces security risks in the software supply chain. To counteract these risks, organizations are adopting a shift left approach, integrating security measures earlier in the development life cycle. Frameworks like the S2C2F provide guidance and best practices for building and consuming software securely. By prioritizing security from the beginning, organizations can protect their operations and mitigate potential threats in the software supply chain.