Using open-source software (OSS) in business has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. However, like any other technology, OSS comes with its own set of security risks that businesses need to be aware of.
In this blog post, we will discuss the most common security risks associated with using open-source software and provide tips on how to mitigate them. Let’s first understand what open-source software is and why it has become so prevalent.
What is Open-Source Software?
Open-source software refers to any program or application whose source code is made freely available to the public for use, modification, and distribution. It means that anyone can access, modify, and redistribute the code without any restrictions. Open-source software, developed collaboratively by a community of developers, contrasts with proprietary software owned and controlled by a company.
Example of Open Source Software
Some popular examples of open-source software include the Linux operating system, Blender, Mozilla Firefox web browser, VLC Media Player, and WordPress content management system. These are just a few examples among thousands of other open-source applications used by individuals and businesses worldwide.
Benefits of Open Source Software
Open-source software has gained popularity in recent years due to its many benefits, such as:
- Cost-effectiveness: Businesses can save a substantial amount of money on licensing expenses as the OSS code is accessible for free.
- Flexibility: Companies can tailor the software to suit their precise requirements by having access to the source code.
- Community support: With a large community of developers constantly contributing to the code, open-source software is continuously evolving and improving.
- Transparency: The open-source model fosters transparency by allowing anyone to access the code, simplifying the detection and resolution of security vulnerabilities.
But this popularity also comes with its own set of risks that businesses need to be aware of and address.
Common Open Source Software Security Risks
There are various security risks associated with using open-source software, some of which include:
Outdated Software
One of the biggest security risks of using OSS is the use of outdated or unsupported software. Many open-source projects are continuously being developed and updated, so if businesses are not regularly updating their software, they may be vulnerable to known security threats.
In 2014, the Heartbleed bug affected millions of websites worldwide due to a vulnerability in an outdated version of OpenSSL, an open-source software library used for secure communication.
Insecure Code
Due to the collaborative development of open-source software by a community of developers, there is a constant risk of unintentionally introducing insecure code. This may result from inadequate code review procedures or inexperienced contributors.
The 2017 Equifax data breach, which exposed the sensitive personal information of more than 140 million individuals, resulted from an insecure open-source component in their system.
Lack of Support and Accountability
With proprietary software, businesses have access to technical support from the company that owns and develops the software. However, with open-source software, businesses may not have that same level of support or accountability if something goes wrong.
If a business experiences a security breach due to an open-source component, it may not be able to hold anyone accountable for it or receive immediate support.
Integration Risks
When using multiple open-source components in a project, there is a risk of compatibility issues and vulnerabilities being introduced through the integration process. This can be especially challenging for businesses that lack the necessary resources or expertise to manage and secure their open-source components effectively.
In 2015, a vulnerability known as “Ghost” was discovered in the open-source library GNU C Library (glibc), which is commonly used in Linux distributions. This vulnerability could let remote attackers take control of a system.
IP Infringement and Licensing Compliance
Open-source software may include code from various sources, which could potentially infringe on intellectual property (IP) rights. Businesses need to ensure they are using the OSS in compliance with all relevant licenses and permissions to avoid any legal issues.
Example: In 2019, the lawsuit between Oracle and Google regarding the use of Java in Android highlighted the importance of understanding and adhering to open-source licensing.
Low-Security of OSS Supply Chain
The supply chain for OSS can be complex, with numerous dependencies and components that may not have been thoroughly vetted for security. This increases the risk of introducing insecure code or vulnerabilities into a business’s software without their knowledge.
The 2017 NotPetya cyberattack, which caused billions of dollars in damages, was initiated through a vulnerability in the open-source software MeDoc. This vulnerability was introduced through a third-party component used in MeDoc’s supply chain.
Publicly Available Code
One of the benefits of open-source software is also one of its risks – having publicly available code. While this promotes transparency and allows for community collaboration, it also means that hackers have access to the same code and can identify vulnerabilities more easily.
How to Manage Open Source Software Risks
With the increasing popularity of open-source software, businesses must comprehend and tackle the related risks. Some ways to manage these risks include:
- Regularly updating software and monitoring for vulnerabilities and updates from the OSS community.
- Implementing proper code review processes for any changes or additions made by developers.
- Working with trusted and reputable open-source vendors that provide support, updates, and security patches.
- Conducting thorough risk assessments before integrating any open-source components into a project.
- Educating employees on the risks of using OSS and implementing policies for safe usage.
- Implementing proper supply chain management practices to ensure secure dependencies are used in software development.
Outsourcing IT Team for Reducing Risk
These measures can help mitigate the risks and allow businesses to continue benefiting from open-source software. Having IT team members with expertise in open-source software and implementing proper security measures can also go a long way in ensuring the safety and reliability of open-source software within a business’s systems.
However, businesses without in-house expertise should also consider outsourcing to a managed service provider that specializes in open-source software security.
Our Managed IT services offer comprehensive security solutions that include vulnerability assessments, patch management, and 24/7 monitoring to ensure your business’s open-source software is always up-to-date and secure. With our team of experts, you can rest assured that your business will not fall victim to any open-source software security risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What concerns are there about open source programs?
Some concerns about open-source software include security vulnerabilities, insecure code, lack of support and accountability, integration risks, IP infringement and licensing compliance issues, low security of the OSS supply chain, and publicly available code. These concerns can potentially affect a business’s operations and put sensitive data at risk.
Is open source software secure?
Open-source software can be secure if properly managed and maintained. However, due to its collaborative nature and publicly available code, there is always a risk of vulnerabilities being introduced. Businesses need to implement proper security measures and regularly update their open-source software to mitigate these risks.
How can businesses manage open source software risks?
Businesses can manage open-source software risks by regularly updating software, implementing proper code review processes, working with reputable vendors, conducting risk assessments, educating employees, and implementing supply chain management practices.
Outsourcing to a managed service provider that specializes in open-source software security can also be beneficial for businesses without in-house expertise.
What are the examples of Open Source Software?
Some examples of open-source software include WordPress, Android, Linux, Mozilla Firefox, VLC Media Player, and LibreOffice. These are just a few popular ones among thousands of open-source projects available. A variety of open-source software is accessible for different uses, including operating systems, web development platforms, databases, and office suites.
Why do businesses use open-source software?
Businesses use open-source software for various reasons, including cost savings, flexibility and customization options, reliability through community support and collaboration, and the ability to access and modify the source code.
Open-source software also promotes innovation and can provide businesses with a competitive benefit in their industry. However, it is essential to understand and manage the associated risks when using open-source software.