Software Supply Chain Security: Don’t Get Your Code Tampered

Martin Kuppinger

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Recent events such as the SolarWinds and Kaseya incidents have demonstrated the need to focus significantly more on software supply chain security. Thus, avoiding code tampering by external attackers and internal parties is essential. This whitepaper looks at how to increase security throughout the Software Lifecycle and implement a multi-layered, defense-in-depth code tampering prevention and detection strategy.

Since the late 2020 attacks on SolarWinds and Kaseya, software security has become a critical focus due to the increased complexity of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and DevOps cycle. This complexity arises from the multitude of tools involved in code management and application deployment, creating a broad attack surface. Effective software security must span the entire SDLC, incorporating integrated solutions that prevent code tampering, from coding to runtime environments. Cycode offers a comprehensive solution that includes code monitoring, file integrity verification, and consistent application of security policies. This approach ensures the protection of both self-developed and procured software, addressing risks from software supply chain attacks, which are becoming increasingly common. The zero-trust principle is vital, necessitating constant verification and stringent governance to mitigate these risks. Understanding the criticality of different code elements and implementing robust anomaly detection are essential components in preventing tampering and avoiding large-scale security breaches.

SolarWinds and Kaseya attacks brought software security to the forefront of attention.
Attackers can exploit Source Control Management Systems containing both application code and infrastructure-as-code.
Automation and interconnectedness of DevOps increase the potential for lateral movement within the pipeline.
Software supply chain attacks can propagate malicious code downstream, affecting multiple systems.
Most tools in the SDLC are not deployed with security as a default priority.
Current DevOps practices often isolate security teams, leading to gaps in security management.
Effective anomaly detection requires careful setup to avoid false positives stemming from legitimate task changes.
Commit signing with private keys helps authenticate new code contributions before they enter the build process.
Cycode's security policies cover access controls, branch protection, and build rules to prevent hardcoded secrets in code.
Cycode leverages a knowledge graph to correlate data from various stages of the SDLC for enhanced integrity verification.

"With the SolarWinds and Kaseya attacks, software security has moved to the center of attention."
"Source Control Management Systems are an ideal place for attacks, holding both application code and infrastructure-as-code."
"Code tampering prevention is not a single measure, but a set of related activities that span the entire process from code creation to the runtime environment."
"Technology alone is not sufficient for protecting the SDLC and preventing code tampering."
"In the digital age, digital services build the interface between businesses and their customers."
"Cycode’s approach to code tampering combines verification of integrity throughout the entire SDLC."
"Effective anomaly detection highlights potential areas of behavioral deviation without a high degree of noise."
"The automation and interconnectedness of the DevOps approach boosts productivity but also increases the danger of lateral movement within the pipeline."
"Effort must be made to integrate code tampering prevention into the core processes of the entire software delivery pipeline."
"Least privilege enforcement and continuous anomaly detection are crucial for mitigating potential tampering."

Establish an integrated perspective with defined accountabilities for DevOps teams within organizations.
Promote communication and collaboration between SecOps, security teams, and infrastructure teams with clear processes and responsibilities.
Implement a rigid governance approach for managing and enforcing security policies across the SDLC.
Employ code monitoring and file integrity verification consistently throughout the SDLC.
Harden the configuration of all tools involved in the CI/CD pipeline, enforcing least privilege access.
Regularly review and update security policies to adapt to emerging threats.
Apply multi-factor authentication and other robust access control measures across the SDLC.
Utilize automated solutions to enforce security measures effectively without reducing development efficiency.
Educate development teams on the importance of these measures to encourage compliance and understanding.
Implement anomaly detection to monitor unusual behaviors and potential security risks within the development team.

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Software security is essential to protect digital business services and maintain customer trust.
Collaboration across teams and comprehensive security measures are critical for securing the SDLC.
The rise in software supply chain attacks requires an integrated, multi-layered approach to security.
Code tampering prevention is a complex process involving various technical and organizational strategies.
Cycode provides a unified platform to address security concerns across the entire software delivery pipeline.

Become a member of the KuppingerCole Community to access this and thousands of other publications.