Technology
Understanding the Increasing Threat of Supply-Chain Attacks on Open-Source Software Libraries
Understanding the Increasing Threat of Supply-Chain Attacks on Open-Source Software Libraries
Supply-chain attacks have become a growing concern in the world of software development. With the increasing prevalence and reliance on open-source software (OSS) libraries, the attack surface has significantly expanded, making it an ideal target for malicious actors. This article explores the reasons behind the rise in these supply-chain attacks, outlines the challenges in securing them, and discusses the evolving attack techniques.
The Widespread Adoption of Open-Source Software
The widespread adoption of open-source components in modern software development has created a larger attack surface. A report from GitHub shows that the average JavaScript project on GitHub now has 683 indirect dependencies. This reliance on OSS libraries and frameworks allows developers to build applications quickly, but it also inadvertently inherits security risks from these dependencies.
Developers often lack the time or inclination to thoroughly review the code of every dependency they use. This oversight can lead to critical vulnerabilities being present in the final product without being noticed. As the OSS ecosystem grows, the complexity of managing these dependencies increases, making it challenging to track and secure every component.
Attackers Targeting the Supply Chain
Malicious actors have recognized the leverage that supply-chain attacks provide. By compromising a single widely-used open-source library, attackers can impact thousands of downstream applications and organizations. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of supply-chain attacks has increased by an average of 742 per year, according to research by Phylum and others.
One common attack technique is dependency confusion, which involves typosquatting or malicious code injections. These methods can compromise open-source packages, leading to security breaches and potential exploitation. A recent example is the XZ Utils backdoor, which highlights the sophistication of these attacks.
Challenges in Securing the Supply Chain
Several factors hinder the effective securing of the open-source supply chain:
Complexity: The sheer number of dependencies and their interconnections make it challenging to track and secure every component. Managing the interactions between these dependencies adds another layer of complexity.
Lack of Scrutiny: Developers often do not have the time or motivation to thoroughly review the code of every dependency they use. This oversight can lead to critical vulnerabilities remaining unaddressed.
Delayed Patching: Many organizations are slow to update vulnerable components even when fixes are available. This delay can allow attackers to exploit these vulnerabilities for extended periods.
Insufficient Security Practices
Many projects and organizations lack robust security measures:
Timely Updates: Only 4% of vulnerable projects have a version available that removes the vulnerability, indicating that timely updates could mitigate many risks. Developers should regularly check for and apply security patches to prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs): Inadequate use of SBOMs can leave projects exposed. SBOMs provide a detailed inventory of the software components used in a particular project, helping organizations to better manage and secure their dependencies.
Vulnerability Scanning: Vulnerability scanning should be a crucial part of the development lifecycle to identify and address potential security issues before they can be exploited. Lack of this practice can leave projects vulnerable to a range of attacks.
Conclusion
Supply-chain attacks on open-source software libraries are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated. While these attacks can have severe consequences, the challenges in securing the supply chain are manageable with the right practices. Regularly reviewing dependencies, implementing SBOMs, and conducting vulnerability scans can help organizations mitigate these risks and protect their projects from attack.