Monitor for vulnerabilities and updates
Proprietary software vendors usually push updates, while open source projects do not necessarily do so. Support is limited in open source. As a result, organizations using open source components need to monitor for vulnerabilities and updates to ensure that all components are patched and remediated timely.
Organizations can use vulnerability and threat intelligence feeds to keep their software updated. These feeds send alerts when issues are reported and also offer remediation information. Project community communications, such as newsletters and forums, also offer updates on vulnerabilities and threats, but many report vulnerabilities only internally.
Learn more in these detailed guides:
Open source vulnerability scanning
Vulnerability scanners are automated tools that continuously and proactively inspect code for known vulnerabilities in open source components. It helps identify vulnerabilities, security weaknesses, licensing issues, and code quality issues. Here are key benefits of open source vulnerability scanning:
- Identify known vulnerabilities in open source software —this information enables you to close security gaps and maintain a strong security posture
- Monitor open source licenses —this information helps determine how to use open source components in compliance with legal requirements set by the creators
- Detect outdated open source components —this information can help you fix or remove components that can potentially impair the quality and security of your software
Learn more in these detailed guides:
Use a binary repository
Here are key benefits of using binary repositories:
- Cache local copies of open source code to ensure you use only clean and verified components
- Avoid getting affected by source code updates or changes in a different copy
- Effectively manage, approve, and track components
Software composition analysis
Software composition analysis (SCA) is an application security testing tool that helps manage open source components. SCA tools automatically scan your source code to identify open source components, licensing data, and known vulnerabilities.
SCA tools provide visibility into open source components and offer prioritization and automated remediation to help fix vulnerabilities. Here is how it works:
- Prioritization . The tool automatically prioritizes security vulnerabilities that pose the biggest risk to enable organizations to remediate these issues first. It eliminates the need to sift through many alerts to prioritize vulnerabilities.
- Remediation . Most tools provide information on the location of the vulnerability and offer suggestions on how the fix may impact your build. Advanced tools offer automated remediation workflows initiated according to vulnerability policies. These policies are triggered according to vulnerability detection and severity, CVSS score, and when new versions are released. It helps keep open source components continuously patched.
Ideally, you should look for SCA tools that seamlessly integrate into your software development life cycle. It helps resolve vulnerabilities during early phases when issues are more easily and cheaply fixed.
Learn more in the detailed guide to Software Composition Analysis (SCA)
Open source software has evolved from a community-driven initiative into an industry-standard approach to software development. The open source ecosystem offers various benefits, including flexibility, cost savings, and collective intelligence in development.
Understanding and implementing an open source policy is essential for risk management, as it sets the groundwork for compliant and secure use of open source components. Open source vulnerability scanning and software composition analysis tools are critical in identifying and remedying security risks. These practices allow organizations to reap the benefits of open source software while managing potential drawbacks effectively.
Thus, the open source model is not just about freely accessible code; it’s also about setting up frameworks for responsible use and contribution to the community. By adhering to standardized procedures for license compliance, security, and code contribution, organizations can foster a robust open source environment that advances innovation and resolves software challenges efficiently.