The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) has achieved a major milestone with the release of the Open Source Project Security (OSPS) Baseline, a new set of best practices aimed at enhancing the security posture of open source projects. The OSPS Baseline provides developers with a framework of tasks, processes, artifacts, and configurations to help mitigate risks, build trust, and comply with global regulations such as the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). It is also aligned with industry standards like the NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF).
The OSPS Baseline was developed based on existing best practice guidance from the OpenSSF and other industry groups. It offers a tiered framework of activities that can be tailored to the maturity level of each project. This initiative has received positive feedback during the pilot rollout, with Stacey Potter, an independent open source community manager, highlighting the framework’s ability to adapt to the needs of different projects.
Potter emphasized the importance of simplifying security standards and providing a clear roadmap for project maintainers. The goal is to empower the community and enhance the overall security of open source software. Ben Cotton, open source community lead at Kusari and a co-maintainer of the OSPS Baseline, emphasized the practical nature of the guidance provided. He believes that actionable security advice can strengthen the software ecosystem and create a safer environment for all users.
While the OSPS Baseline has been welcomed by many in the industry, some remain cautious about its implementation. Jamie Scott, founding product manager at Endor Labs, expressed concerns about the practicality of the guidelines for smaller projects. He stressed the importance of making project maturity levels visible so that organizations can make informed risk management decisions.
Mike McGuire, senior manager at Black Duck, believes that the OSPS Baseline can help mitigate software supply chain risks by implementing measures such as access control, vulnerability management, and branch protection. However, McGuire also highlighted the need for development organizations to invest more in managing the open source projects they rely on. Without proper tracking and evaluation of open source projects for risk and compliance with frameworks like the OSPS Baseline, organizations may continue to face security vulnerabilities.
Overall, the release of the OSPS Baseline marks a significant step towards improving the security of open source projects. By providing practical guidance and promoting industry standards, the OpenSSF aims to strengthen the open source community and create a more secure software ecosystem for everyone.