Revolutionizing Reliability: Mend.io Unveils Open Source Leaderboard to Measure Software Dependability

Mend.io Releases Open Source Reliability Leaderboard

Introduction

Mend.io, a leading application security provider, unveiled its latest report, the Mend.io Open Source Reliability Leaderboard. This report highlights the top packages in terms of reliability across three of the most widely used programming languages: npm, PyPi, and Maven. The Leaderboard aims to shift the focus from simply detecting vulnerabilities to preventing them, offering valuable insights into reducing risks in the software supply chain.

The Importance of Open Source Security

In an era riddled with cyber threats and increasing reliance on open-source packages, the need for robust security measures cannot be overstated. Open-source packages, while providing flexibility and efficiency, can also introduce vulnerabilities into software applications. The Mend.io Open Source Reliability Leaderboard serves as a timely resource for software engineers, allowing them to assess the safety of the packages they rely on.

Key Findings

The Leaderboard‘s analysis yielded several key findings that can inform software development processes:

1. Group runs bring down overall package reliability: The report found that groups of packages are more likely to encounter failures compared to individual packages. This insight underscores the need for comprehensive testing and maintenance of dependency groups.

2. Release frequency has no effect on average success rates: Surprisingly, the report debunks the common assumption that frequent releases improve reliability. While fast bug fixes and an active maintainer community might seem advantageous, the data suggests that release frequency does not necessarily guarantee better outcomes.

Package Rankings

Based on the analysis, the report identifies the top three most reliable packages for each language:

– Npm: prettier-eslint, np, jest-cli
– Maven: org.apache.maven.scm:maven-scm-provider-gitexe, com.github.ekryd.sortpom:sortpom-maven-plugin, org.apache.maven.plugins:maven-release-plugin
– PyPi: Pulumi, Botocore-stubs, types-python-dateutil

The Role of Renovate in Assessing Reliability

Renovate, an automated dependency management tool, collects crowd-sourced data on over 25 million dependency updates. This wealth of information enables the Leaderboard to accurately gauge the overall reliability of packages. The Mend.io team leverages Renovate’s data to provide software engineers with a comprehensive understanding of package reliability and its impact on both functional and security risks.

Recommendations for Companies

Given the critical role that open-source packages play in modern software development, it is essential for organizations to prioritize security. Companies can take the following steps to mitigate potential risks:

1. Stay informed: Regularly monitor reports, such as the Mend.io Open Source Reliability Leaderboard, to understand the vulnerabilities associated with different packages. This knowledge will enable organizations to make informed decisions regarding the packages they adopt.

2. Assess package reliability: Utilize tools like Renovate to evaluate the reliability of packages before integrating them into software applications. Understanding a package’s track record and its community’s responsiveness to issues can help identify potential risks.

3. Maintain vigilance: Regularly update packages to ensure the incorporation of critical bug fixes and security patches. Continuously monitoring and addressing vulnerabilities is crucial for safeguarding software applications against ever-evolving threats.

About Mend.io

Mend.io, formerly WhiteSource, boasts over a decade of experience in helping global organizations establish robust application security programs. The company’s automated technology protects businesses from supply chain attacks, malicious package vulnerabilities, and open-source license risks. With a track record of serving customers from the Fortune 100 and managing the Renovate project, Mend.io remains a go-to choice for organizations seeking comprehensive and scalable application security solutions.

In conclusion, the Mend.io Open Source Reliability Leaderboard offers valuable insights into the reliability of open-source packages across popular programming languages, highlighting the need for vigilance in managing software dependencies. Companies must prioritize security, stay informed, and utilize tools like Renovate to mitigate risks associated with open-source vulnerabilities. By doing so, organizations can strengthen their software supply chain and ensure the resilience of their applications in the face of a constantly evolving threat landscape.

Source: Mend.io