Understanding Open Source Risk in Software Development

This guide examines the various risks associated with open source software (OSS) and their impact on the software development lifecycle (SDLC). It outlines the differences between vulnerabilities and malware, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their distinct characteristics for effective risk management. The document details several attack vectors, including compromised accounts, dependency confusion, repository hijacking, and typosquatting, which threat actors exploit to access and manipulate software systems. Additionally, it describes common attack types such as backdoors, code injection, and credential exfiltration, providing real-life examples to illustrate these threats. The guide stresses the need for a comprehensive strategy to mitigate open source risks, highlighting the critical role of understanding attack vectors and the nature of vulnerabilities and malware in safeguarding software supply chains.