Are you aware of the hidden challenges that come with upgrading open source software? According to Endor Labs, nearly all version upgrades contain at least one breaking change that can cause other components to fail. Patches, while necessary, have a 75% chance of causing a break as well. These findings were revealed in Endor Labs’ third annual Dependency Management Report, which sheds light on the vulnerabilities and risks associated with open source software.
One of the major challenges identified in the report is the delays in publishing information on vulnerabilities. These delays can leave users exposed to threats, as attackers may exploit vulnerabilities before users have a chance to patch their systems. Endor Labs highlighted that 69% of security advisories are published after the corresponding security release, with a median delay of 25 days.
Understanding the Risks
It’s important to prioritize vulnerabilities for patching to reduce costs and improve resilience. Endor Labs suggests using techniques like function-level reachability analysis and the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) to reduce noise and focus on the most critical vulnerabilities. By implementing these strategies, organizations can reduce the risk of exploitation and protect their systems more effectively.
For more insights on open source vulnerabilities and how to tackle them, check out the full report from Endor Labs here.
Stay informed and stay secure!