There are several common software security vulnerabilities to prevent in your pipeline. Studies show that for every 1,000 lines of code, there can be anywhere from 10 to 50 bugs and programming errors. If these aren’t patched, attackers can exploit critical software systems and internal controls. With developers writing nearly 100 billion new lines of code each year, opportunities are constantly growing for threats. As a software developer, you need to know the most common security vulnerabilities to protect against. This way, you can prevent costly data breaches and avoid downloading malicious code. Read on to learn about the most common software security vulnerabilities to prevent in your pipeline.
Buffer Overflow
First, you should protect against buffer flow software security vulnerabilities in your SDLC. Typically, this occurs when you try to store data that’s too large for your allocated memory space. Indeed, your storage capacity can get overwritten, allowing attackers to access your software. To prevent a buffer overflow attack, you should perform routine code audits to check your storage capacity. In addition, you can provide training for your team to ensure they use safe functions and follow group standards. Of course, you should also patch your web and application servers regularly. Watch out for bug reports related to your application as well. Definitely, protect against buffer overflow attacks to mitigate software security vulnerabilities.
Open-Source Vulnerabilities
Next, you should also protect against open-source vulnerabilities in your SDLC. Often, agile development teams utilize reusable source code components to accelerate their delivery times. Of course, most open-source software does not go through the same security checks as other types of code. Therefore, you should use SCA tools like JFrog Xray for your software composition analysis. Once installed, you can use this to scan your entire pipeline from your IDE to your CI/CD tools. Detect and mitigate vulnerabilities in your open-source software dependencies. In addition, access deep binary scanning for major packages. This way, you can see into your layers and dependencies. In short, mitigate open-source vulnerabilities to prevent software attacks.
Injection Flaws
In addition, you should also work to prevent injection flaws in your software development pipeline. With this vulnerability, an attacker usually tries to transfer malicious code from one system to another. Often, these threats call to backend databases through SQL. Or, they call directly to your operating system. To prevent injection flaws, consider adding filters to your database inputs. When protecting an SQL database, you should use prepared statements to deter hackers. Indeed, this can stop them from altering your queries. With an LDAP injection, use escape variables to prevent directory exploitation. Undoubtedly, injection flaws are one of the most important vulnerabilities to protect against in your pipeline.
Broken Authentication
Moreover, you should also protect against broken authentication in your SDLC. Importantly, broken authentication refers to a system that allows users to log into an account they shouldn’t have access to. For example, many attackers sniff public Wi-Fi or use malware to steal session IDs. Then, they can gain unauthorized system access. To prevent broken authentication, you should use multi-factor logins whenever possible. In addition, never store your passwords in clear text. Ideally, you should encrypt them or salt them to add another layer of protection. Of course, you can also limit unsuccessful login attempts, use password complexity checks, and store your session IDs in cookies as opposed to URLs. Undoubtedly, prevent broken authentication in your pipeline to mitigate software security vulnerabilities.
Cross-Site Scripting
Furthermore, you should also protect against cross-site scripting or XSS vulnerabilities in your software lifecycle. With these attacks, hackers typically inject malicious scripts into trusted sites. Then, they can send the malicious script to unsuspecting users. Often, attackers use XSS to impersonate victims, read user data, and gather login credentials. To prevent this vulnerability in your software, you should filter your user input as soon as you receive it. In addition, encode your data using combinations of HTML, JavaScript features, or CSS code. Of course, use content type headers to prevent XSS in HTTP responses to make sure your browsers interpret your user responses properly. Certainly, protect against cross-site scripting vulnerabilities to prevent software exploits.
There are several software security vulnerabilities to prevent in your pipeline. First, you should protect against buffer overflow attacks. Next, you can install an SCA tool by JFrog to identify and mitigate open-source vulnerabilities. In addition, protect against injection flaws in your pipeline. Moreover, use multi-factor logins and complexity checks to prevent broken authorization. Furthermore, XSS is another major vulnerability to protect against. Consider these points to learn about some of the most common software security vulnerabilities to prevent in your pipeline.
