As we all know, our source code needs to be as secure as possible, otherwise there will be negative consequences on our final result. Writing a well secure code takes a lot of security tests and vulnerabilities scans in order to make sure there are no security breachs. Using an open source code will need you to be even more cautious, as you are using a code a lot of people have been working on. In addition, there are some important things you need to check before going ahead with using an open source code, such as license, compliance, needed updatesand more. Open source analysis can be very complicated, but there are some pretty great open source analysis tools out there that can help you get there.But why do you need it and what does it do exactly?
The open source analysis tools go through your open source libraries one by one checking for one that needs to be updated, scan them for security warnings that others are already aware of (as it is open source), checks it’s compliance and license, making sure everything is in order. We need it because it can help you find vulnerabilities in your code and prevent any malicious attackson your software. Without open source analysis, development companies can’t ensure their final product will not suffer from endless maliciousattacks and eventually can no longer function.
Preventing vulnerabilities is a top priority. Through security vulnerabilities, hackers can get an access to your applications. This can cause a lot of problems. Hackerscan steal private data and then use it or sell it to the highest bidder, they can steal your code for their own purposes, they can create viruses or have other malicious intent for your application and many other unwelcomed things.
If you are using an open source code, you will need to pay attention to vulnerabilities such as OpenSSL Heartbleed, Bash ShellShock and many others that are only relevant when using open source. Giving the fact that developing a commercial software productthese days without using open source libraries and components is basically impossible, you have to stay on top of things and be aware of all open source special vulnerabilities out there, and there are more than a few.
As mentioned before, when using an open source code, you also need to make that the legal and compliance side of things. Through open source analysis, you are going to be able to ensure that your open source code stays safe from vulnerabilities and is up to date and licensed. Vulnerability prevention is your top priority when writing a code of any type, including open source.
Open source analysis is essential for vulnerability prevention, especially if you are a smaller business. You need to protect your reputation and the best way to do this is to make sure that your customers are safe from malicious users who are trying to steal their information. When you leave yourself open, you can cause a lot of problems that could have been easily avoided if you had used analysis to check out your codes. If you have problems finding ways to prevent vulnerabilities in your code, use open source analysis to help you out.
https://www.checkmarx.com/Open-Source-Analysis