Open Source Software and SBOMs
On September 27th (2023), I attended "Open Source and Supply Chain Security Through SBOMs" event at Scania's headquarters in Sodertalje. Organized by the OSPO Network Sweden (a group aimed at discussing and disseminating Open Source practices within public and private sectors), the gathering discussed challenges and insights into the complex landscape of software supply chain security.
The event featured a variety of stakeholders including industry experts, academics, and representatives from organizations like Ikea, Volvo, Many Swedish government organizations, SUNET and OpenSSF. It acted as a melting pot of ideas, suggestions, and strategies that organizations can adopt to secure their software supply chain.
The Imperative to Secure the Software Supply Chain
The Log4j vulnerability has taught us that it's not a matter of if but when another large-scale vulnerability will occur. SBOMs can provide organizations with the critical ability to prioritize system turn-offs when such vulnerabilities are discovered.
SBOMs act as an inventory list for software components, tracking where each piece of your software stack originates from and lives. When a vulnerability like Log4j emerges, an SBOM lets you quickly identify the affected systems, thereby minimizing downtime and reducing the impact radius.
The Role of VEX and NVD in Supply Chain Security
VEX: The Vulnerability Exploitability Exchange (VEX) is an initiative to standardize the way vulnerability information is shared and communicated. It allows organizations to quickly disseminate critical information, ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page when it comes to security vulnerabilities.
NVD: The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) is a U.S. government repository that provides a comprehensive list of security vulnerabilities. Managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), it includes databases that are crucial for security professionals to keep their systems updated and secure.
VEX and NVD are invaluable resources that facilitate the quick sharing and publicizing of information related to security vulnerabilities. They provide a robust framework for organizations to keep their SBOMs up-to-date and to act swiftly when vulnerabilities are discovered. Regularly consulting VEX and NVD databases and integrating their findings into your SBOM management processes can make the difference between a quick response to a threat and a damaging security breach.
The Role of CISA
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is an American federal agency that provides comprehensive national cybersecurity defense. CISA has a treasure trove of resources and guidelines for best practices in software supply chain security, acting as a guiding light for organizations willing to improve their security postures.
OpenSSF
Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) identified most common vulnerabilities often stem from typosquatting and dependencies confusion.This emphasizes the need for careful package management and awareness of the potential risks associated with dependencies, reinforcing the importance of maintaining accurate SBOMs.
Tools of the Trade: Syft and Grype
Syft and Grype are upcoming tools that specialize in generating, updating, and maintaining SBOMs.
These tools simplify the process of SBOM management, making it easier for organizations to keep their software inventories accurate and up-to-date.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The event served as a comprehensive and enlightening discussion on the importance of software supply chain security in today's world. The presentations and panel discussions emphasized the need for adopting best practices, like SBOMs, and utilizing resources like VEX and NVD for better security hygiene.
For anyone invested in improving the state of software supply chain security, whether in the public or private sector, I highly recommend:
- Adopting SBOMs and considering a transition to SPDX 3.0 for more efficient management.
- Regularly consulting databases like VEX and NVD to keep your SBOMs and security measures up-to-date.
- Utilizing tools like Syft and Grype for effective SBOM management.
By implementing these best practices and tools, organizations can significantly enhance their supply chain security postures, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure digital ecosystem for everyone involved.