The Urgent Need to Address Software Supply Chain Security: Insights from OWASP

Securing the Software Supply Chain: The Promise of Binary Source Validation

Las Vegas, Wednesday, Aug. 9 – In an effort to address the pressing issue of software supply chain security, Jeremy Long, principal engineer at ServiceNow and an esteemed expert at the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), has proposed a novel solution: binary source validation.

Going Beyond Source Code: The Concept of Binary Source Validation

According to Long, the current practice of inspecting software source code is insufficient to ensure security in the software supply chain. Instead, he suggests looking deeper into the build artifacts created during the coding process. This approach, known as binary source validation, takes inspiration from a seminal 1984 paper by Ken Thompson, co-author of Unix, titled “Reflections on Trusting Trust.”

In his paper, Thompson demonstrates how it is possible to compromise a code compiler with a backdoor that does not appear in the published source code. By using a compromised compiler to create subsequent versions of the software, the backdoor is injected into both the compiler and the operating system. This scenario reflects Thompson’s own use of a backdoor to infiltrate Unix.

Long argues that the existing developer tools, which focus on validating runtime dependencies in source code, are inadequate for identifying such backdoors or any other malicious code present in the software build. To address this gap, he proposed the concept of binary source validation.

Validating Build Artifacts for Enhanced Assurance

Long’s research primarily focused on high-level programming languages like Java and .NET. He believes that binary source validation can provide developers with a way to independently validate build artifacts, such as JAR files in Java. Unlike relying solely on “reproducible builds” as a means of software verification, binary source validation allows for a closer examination of the instruction set in the binary to verify its compatibility with the source code.

This proposed solution aims to increase developers’ assurance that their builds have not been compromised, offering them an additional layer of security in the software supply chain.

Limitations of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs)

Software bills of materials (SBOMs) have often been touted as key tools for providing visibility into software and its dependencies. SBOMs provide an inventory of components and runtime dependencies to ensure the absence of known vulnerabilities before deployment. However, Long argues that SBOMs are insufficient for securing the software build.

While a formulation bill of materials has been introduced, offering a more comprehensive view of software dependencies and build details, it is still a post-breach forensic tool rather than a preventive measure. Long emphasizes that it fails to address zero-day issues and the need for secure software development from the ground up.

Binary Source Validation: Towards Enhanced Supply Chain Security

Long believes that binary source validation can play a crucial role in addressing the complex security challenges the software supply chain faces. However, he acknowledges that its implementation will require time and effort.

Recent high-impact software supply chain attacks, including SolarWinds and Log4j, serve as alarming reminders that attackers have successfully targeted software through dependencies, affecting millions of systems. The current inability to identify malicious code in software components before deployment has allowed attackers to exploit software vulnerabilities and launch large-scale attacks.

Moreover, attackers have been increasingly targeting open-source code libraries and programming platforms used by developers, such as Python. These attacks provide a convenient channel to compromise multiple systems across the software supply chain simultaneously.

Editorial Perspective: The Urgency of Secure Software Development

The rising prevalence of software supply chain attacks underlines the critical need for stronger security measures in software development and supply chains. Binary source validation, as proposed by Jeremy Long, presents a promising solution that warrants serious consideration.

It is imperative for organizations, software developers, and industry stakeholders to understand that securing the software supply chain involves more than relying on traditional security measures. While tools like SBOMs provide valuable visibility, they must be complemented with proactive initiatives that address the inherent challenges of preventing and detecting malicious code.

Furthermore, the proposed binary source validation approach emphasizes the importance of establishing robust threat modeling and secure coding practices. Developers must prioritize secure development methodologies and regularly assess and validate the integrity of build artifacts to safeguard against compromise.

The onus falls not only on individual developers but also on organizations and industry leaders to invest in research and development efforts that advance the field of software supply chain security. Collaboration between academia, industry professionals, and the open-source community is key to pursuing innovative solutions that effectively mitigate the risks associated with software supply chain attacks.

Expert Advice: Embracing Binary Source Validation

Although binary source validation is still an evolving concept, developers and organizations should consider its potential in enhancing software supply chain security. Implementing this approach requires careful consideration of the following:

1. Adoption of Binary Source Validation Tools

As binary source validation tools become available, developers and organizations should incorporate them into their software development lifecycle. Such tools will enable closer inspection of build artifacts, providing an additional layer of security assurance.

2. Continuing Education and Awareness

Developers should prioritize ongoing education and awareness regarding software supply chain security best practices. Knowledge-sharing and training initiatives, both within organizations and through industry events, can help build a well-informed and vigilant developer community.

3. Collaboration and Standardization

Industry stakeholders should collaborate to establish standards and best practices that address the challenges associated with securing the software supply chain. By pooling resources and knowledge, the community can work towards comprehensive solutions that benefit all parties involved.

In conclusion, software supply chain security is an increasingly critical and complex issue. Embracing innovative approaches like binary source validation can enhance the security of software builds and mitigate the risk of supply chain attacks. By fostering collaboration, investing in research, and prioritizing secure coding practices, the industry can strive towards a more resilient and secure software ecosystem.