What is Software Supply Chain Security?
Software supply chain security focuses on protecting the integrity and security of all components involved in creating, building, and deploying software. This includes source code, dependencies, build systems, and distribution mechanisms.
Supply Chain Attack Vectors
Compromised Dependencies
- Malicious packages
- Typosquatting
- Dependency confusion
- Abandoned package takeover
Build System Attacks
- CI/CD compromise
- Build server infiltration
- Artifact tampering
Source Code Attacks
- Repository compromise
- Malicious commits
- Credential theft
Distribution Attacks
- Update mechanism hijacking
- Mirror compromise
- Certificate theft
Notable Incidents
- SolarWinds (2020)
- Codecov (2021)
- Log4j (2021)
- npm package attacks
Security Measures
Dependency Management
- Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)
- Vulnerability scanning
- License compliance
- Dependency pinning
Build Security
- Reproducible builds
- Signed artifacts
- Isolated build environments
- SLSA framework compliance
Code Security
- Code signing
- Branch protection
- Code review requirements
- Secret scanning
Distribution Security
- Signed releases
- Secure update mechanisms
- Integrity verification
Frameworks and Standards
- SLSA (Supply-chain Levels for Software Artifacts)
- NIST SSDF
- OpenSSF Scorecard
- Sigstore