The Importance of Open Source Software Security
A recent discovery of a hack compromising over 1,000 websites running on Magento, an open-source eCommerce framework, highlights the vulnerability of open source dependencies. The attack was made possible through a brute force attack, allowing hackers to steal credit card credentials and install cryptocurrency mining malware.
The Prevalence of Open Source Software
Open source software (OSS) is ubiquitous in modern web development. A 2015 survey found that 78% of businesses worldwide use OSS, either directly or indirectly. Only 3% of businesses remain untouched by OSS. As a result, most web systems are heavily reliant on open source components, making them vulnerable to various security threats.
The Risks of Open Source Dependencies
Web developers often rely heavily on OS libraries and dependencies for everything from authentication to UI. However, this reliance can create security risks if not properly managed. A single vulnerability in a dependency can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the entire ecosystem that relies on it.
Securing Open Source Dependencies
So, how can you ensure the security of your open source dependencies? Here are a few strategies:
- Use tools to check for security vulnerabilities: Tools like npm audit, OWASP’s Dependency Check, and Snyk can help identify potential security risks in your dependencies.
- Implement strict security rules and standards: Develop policies that require developers to certify the absence of security threats before introducing new dependencies into your project.
- Monitor your dependencies constantly: Keep track of security updates and patches for your dependencies, and be prepared to deploy them quickly in case of a vulnerability.
- Test your components and dependencies: Rigorously test all components and dependencies for potential security risks, and ensure that every input to your app is sanitized.
Best Practices for Managing Open Source Dependencies
To minimize the risks associated with open source dependencies, follow these best practices:
- Use actively maintained dependencies: Avoid using dependencies that are no longer actively maintained or have been abandoned.
- Build in-house tools: Consider building your own code objects instead of relying on unsupported or expired libraries.
- Contribute to the OSS community: If you find a vulnerability in a dependency, contribute to the OSS community by patching the vulnerability and creating a pull request.
By following these strategies and best practices, you can minimize the risks associated with open source dependencies and ensure the security of your web application.