10 Tips for Securing Third-Party Dependencies
Third-party dependencies make up to 90% of modern application codebases but come with serious security risks. Over 80% of codebases include vulnerabilities, and by 2025, supply chain attacks could cause $60 billion in damages. Here’s how to secure your dependencies and protect your software:
- Reduce Dependencies: Use only necessary libraries to minimize vulnerabilities.
- Choose Libraries Carefully: Evaluate security history, maintenance, and updates.
- Keep Dependencies Updated: Regularly update to fix known vulnerabilities.
- Scan for Vulnerabilities: Use tools like Snyk or OWASP Dependency-Check.
- Use Version Pinning: Lock specific versions to avoid unexpected changes.
- Isolate Dependencies: Use containers or microservices to limit damage.
- Assess Before Use: Check reputation, maintenance, and compliance.
- Monitor Continuously: Automate scans and track vulnerabilities over time.
- Source from Trusted Providers: Verify authenticity and use private registries.
- Choose Secure Hosting: Ensure your hosting environment has strong defenses.
Preventing Software Supply Chain Attacks With Dependency Management Best Practices
1. Reduce Dependencies
Cutting back on third-party dependencies is a key step in securing your software. Each library you add increases the risk of vulnerabilities, so keeping them to a minimum helps shrink your application’s attack surface.
Start by auditing your current libraries. Look for ones that are unnecessary, redundant, or rarely used. Focus on what’s truly needed for your application’s functionality and check for overlaps with existing tools.
Here are a few practical ways to manage dependencies:
- Use containers to isolate dependencies and limit their access to sensitive systems.
- Set up regular reviews to determine if each library is still needed.
- Leverage automated tools to scan your codebase and flag unused dependencies.
For larger applications, consider adopting microservices. This approach helps isolate dependencies, reducing the potential impact of a breach. When deciding on new libraries, ask yourself: Can this functionality be achieved with what we already have? Or, could a small amount of custom code do the job better?
Finally, implement a clear process for adding new dependencies. Require developers to justify their choices and evaluate the security risks involved.
Once your dependency list is trimmed down, focus on carefully selecting libraries that align with both your security and functional requirements.
2. Select Libraries Carefully
Picking the right third-party libraries involves more than just checking if they meet your functionality needs. You also need to dig into their security history and how well they’re maintained. This step is crucial for building a stronger and safer software supply chain.
When reviewing libraries, pay attention to three main factors: popularity, maintenance, and dependencies. Libraries with active user communities often undergo more scrutiny, but regular updates and quick fixes for issues are equally important.
Here’s what to look for in a secure library:
- Frequent updates and timely security patches
- Active maintainers who address reported issues quickly
- Detailed security documentation and clear methods for reporting vulnerabilities
- High test coverage and strong code quality
While widely used libraries like Antd or Chakra UI benefit from community oversight, you still need to evaluate their security practices and the dependencies they bring along.
"Evaluating the security of a library is no simple task. Even if the developer or company behind it has a solid reputation, there’s no guarantee that the library is free of security flaws."
Tools like NVD and Snyk can help you identify known vulnerabilities and confirm the authenticity of the source code. It’s also important to assess the additional dependencies a library introduces to avoid unnecessary risks from third-party code.
After selecting secure libraries, staying on top of updates is just as important to ensure their continued reliability.
3. Keep Dependencies Updated
Keeping your dependencies up to date is one of the best ways to protect your applications from known vulnerabilities. Snyk’s State of Open Source Security report reveals that 84% of security breaches happen through exploits of known vulnerabilities – issues that could often be avoided with timely updates.
To stay ahead, combine automation with manual oversight. Tools like Snyk, OWASP Dependency-Check, npm audit, and Dependabot can scan your dependencies, flag security issues, and even integrate into your workflow to simplify updates.
Here’s a practical approach:
- Run daily automated scans to catch issues early.
- Apply minor updates weekly to avoid falling behind.
- Schedule monthly reviews for major updates to ensure stability.
For critical dependencies, use version pinning to lock in specific versions while still performing regular updates to avoid surprises. Mission-critical applications require even more attention: patch vulnerabilities immediately, test minor updates weekly, and conduct regression testing for major changes every month.
Don’t forget to document all changes in a changelog. This simple step makes troubleshooting and security audits much easier.
Automated tools can also create pull requests for security updates, helping you stay on top of the latest patches without adding to your workload. This method not only strengthens your security but also helps you avoid technical debt.
Updating dependencies is just one piece of the puzzle – pair it with proactive monitoring and regular vulnerability scans to ensure long-term protection.
4. Scan for Vulnerabilities
Vulnerability scanning plays a crucial role in securing third-party dependencies, helping to protect your software supply chain from known threats. By using modern scanning tools, you can detect and address security issues before they escalate.
Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools are particularly useful. They analyze your codebase for vulnerabilities, problematic licenses, and malware, covering both direct dependencies and those inherited indirectly. To strengthen your security efforts, consider these practices:
- Leverage Multiple Tools: Use a combination of tools like Snyk, OWASP Dependency-Check, and npm audit. Each tool has its strengths, and together they provide better coverage across different programming languages.
-
Integrate Scanning Into Your Workflow:
- Add IDE plugins to catch issues during development.
- Use pre-commit hooks to scan code before it’s committed.
- Incorporate scanning in CI/CD pipelines.
- Run checks during deployment for an extra layer of security.
- Respond to Results: Address vulnerabilities based on their severity. Fix critical issues immediately, while scheduling lower-priority ones for future updates.
To enhance your scans, configure tools to reference multiple vulnerability databases, such as:
- National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)
- GitHub Security Advisory Database
- Language-specific advisories
Although scanning tools are essential for identifying risks, managing and isolating dependencies effectively adds another layer of protection.
5. Use Version Pinning
When working with third-party dependencies, it’s not enough to just pick and update them – you also need to control how and when changes are made. Version pinning helps by locking dependencies to specific versions, preventing unexpected updates that could introduce bugs or security risks.
Tools like package-lock.json or poetry.lock make it easier to enforce pinned versions. This ensures that installations remain consistent across different machines and environments.
Here’s a simple plan to manage pinned dependencies effectively:
- Choose stable, secure versions with recent updates.
- Set up a schedule for updates – minor updates monthly, major ones quarterly.
- Test all updates thoroughly in a staging environment.
- Document the pinned versions and why they were chosen.
For critical applications, aim to apply security patches within 48 hours, review minor updates monthly, and tackle major updates quarterly. Version pinning gives you control over when updates happen, keeping your system stable while staying secure.
Pair version pinning with regular security scans and other protective measures. While pinning ensures stability, isolating dependencies adds an extra layer of protection.
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6. Isolate Dependencies
Third-party dependencies can pose serious risks to your system. Isolating them helps ensure that a single compromised library doesn’t endanger your entire application. By setting boundaries between external code and your core system, you can limit potential damage.
Tools like containers or a microservices setup can help with this. These approaches restrict permissions, network access, and resource usage, making it harder for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. For instance, running libraries in containers with limited access ensures that even if one is compromised, the rest of your application remains protected.
Here are some practical ways to isolate dependencies:
-
Container-Based Isolation
Run each dependency in its own container with minimal permissions. Limit network and file system access, set resource usage limits, and monitor activity for unusual behavior. -
Microservices Architecture
Use a microservices approach to separate components and their dependencies. Define clear boundaries between services, apply tailored security measures for each, and keep an eye on how services interact. -
Permission Management
Only grant permissions that are absolutely necessary. Regularly audit these permissions, revoke any that aren’t in use, and keep track of how they’re being used.
For applications that handle sensitive data, you can go further by adding extra isolation layers for network, storage, processes, and memory. Tools like firewalls, encryption, and cgroups can be particularly helpful here.
While isolation is a strong defense, pairing it with a thorough review of libraries before using them adds an extra layer of protection.
7. Assess Dependencies Before Use
Carefully evaluating dependencies before integrating them into your project is essential to reducing security risks. Start by checking the source’s reputation, how actively it’s developed, and its maintenance track record. Look for frequent updates, detailed release notes, and active maintainers – these are good signs of a dependable dependency.
Use automated tools like OWASP Dependency-Check, Snyk, or Retire.js to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance. Pay special attention to these core areas:
| Area | Key Checks | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Security | CVE scanning, vulnerability checks | OWASP Dependency-Check, Snyk |
| Maintenance | Frequency of updates, issue fixes | GitHub metrics, release history |
| Compliance | License compatibility | FOSSA, WhiteSource |
For applications that are critical, go deeper. Look into the dependency’s security history, the quality of its documentation, and its full dependency tree to uncover any hidden risks. Make sure to document your findings, including version details, known limitations, and security notes.
Here are a few key areas to focus on during your assessment:
- Security History: Check for past security issues and how they were resolved.
- Documentation Quality: Ensure the security guidelines are clear and comprehensive.
- Resource Usage: Assess how the dependency impacts performance and resource consumption.
Keep all assessment details organized, especially around versioning and security concerns. This structured approach ensures consistency in how you evaluate dependencies.
Even after you’ve done a thorough pre-integration review, ongoing monitoring is crucial. New vulnerabilities can emerge over time, and staying on top of them is key to maintaining a secure and reliable system.
8. Monitor Dependencies Continuously
Keeping an eye on your dependencies isn’t a one-and-done task – it’s an ongoing process to guard against new threats. This step builds on earlier actions like scanning and updating, but takes it further by ensuring continuous protection. Automated tools make it easier to spot vulnerabilities fast, so your team can act quickly. Pair tools like Dependabot, Snyk Monitor, and WhiteSource with manual reviews to cover all your bases.
| Monitoring Layer | Tools & Methods | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Scanning | Dependabot, Snyk Monitor, WhiteSource | Real-time/Daily |
| Security Alerts | GitHub Security Alerts, NPM Audit | As vulnerabilities arise |
| Version Control | Package Version Monitor, Version Eye | Weekly |
| Manual Reviews | Code audits, dependency tree analysis | Quarterly |
Set up alerts in your management system to notify your team about critical vulnerabilities, major version updates, deprecated dependencies, or license changes.
For critical applications, go deeper – use tools to monitor your entire dependency tree. A dashboard can help you track key metrics like:
- Outdated dependencies
- Severity of security vulnerabilities
- Update frequency
- Dependencies nearing end-of-life
Develop a clear process for handling issues flagged during monitoring. If your application is large, consider using a security information and event management (SIEM) system to link dependency vulnerabilities with other security events.
While monitoring helps catch issues, sourcing your dependencies from reliable providers ensures you’re starting on solid ground.
9. Source from Trusted Providers
Choosing reliable sources for your dependencies is key to keeping your application secure. According to Gartner, 45% of organizations worldwide faced software supply chain attacks in 2023 – a sharp increase from 2021. This trend highlights the importance of verifying your sources.
Here are some essential security practices to follow when sourcing dependencies:
| Trust Factor | Verification Method | Risk Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution Channel | Use private registries, verified sources | Reduces the risk of dependency confusion attacks |
| Package Signing | Verify package signatures | Confirms the authenticity of packages |
| Source Control | Monitor ownership changes | Detects potential security compromises |
Private registries provide an extra layer of security by caching approved packages and controlling new additions. To further protect yourself, use the --ignore-scripts suffix when installing packages. This prevents malicious scripts from running during installation. You can even make this a default setting by adding it to your .npmrc project file.
"The question ‘do I trust this package’ is not the best question to ask. The more pertinent question is ‘do I trust the author of this package?’" – Scott Hanselman, Tech Advocate
Did you know? The average npm package relies on 79 third-party packages and 39 maintainers. This creates a large attack surface. To reduce these risks, consider using vendor-supported open-source software, which often includes regular security updates and support. A cautionary tale: the 2018 event-stream incident, where a compromised dependency managed to reach millions of downloads in just a few months.
If your package manager doesn’t support signing (like NuGet), implement client trust policies to enforce the use of signed packages from trusted authors. Additionally, keep an eye on ownership or maintainer changes, as these can signal potential issues.
While sourcing from trusted providers helps reduce risks, pairing this with secure hosting solutions takes your application’s security to the next level.
10. Choose Secure Hosting
The security of your hosting infrastructure is just as critical as the dependencies your application relies on. A secure hosting environment acts as the backbone of your application’s defense, reducing risks by isolating potential threats and ensuring safe updates.
When picking a hosting provider, prioritize these key security features:
| Security Feature | Purpose | Impact on Dependencies |
|---|---|---|
| Isolated Environments | Keeps applications separated to avoid risks | Limits the spread of issues from compromised dependencies |
| Automated Scanning | Monitors for vulnerabilities continuously | Detects security flaws in dependencies before they’re exploited |
| DDoS Protection | Shields against denial-of-service attacks | Maintains availability of dependencies during attacks |
| Regular Security Audits | Reviews and validates security measures | Confirms the integrity of dependency management systems |
Providers like Serverion, known for their multi-location data centers, DDoS protection, and routine audits, deliver the kind of infrastructure-level security that’s crucial for managing dependencies. Isolated environments, for example, ensure that if one application’s dependencies are compromised, others remain unaffected.
When evaluating hosting providers, look for options that include:
- Automated backups to roll back problematic updates
- Version control integration and tools for monitoring security events
- Access management controls to oversee dependency changes
"Without secure hosting, even vetted dependencies can become vulnerabilities."
Choose a provider with a strong track record in compliance and incident response. Pairing secure hosting with other protective measures will help you create a solid defense against dependency-related risks.
Wrapping Up
Managing the security of third-party dependencies has become a top priority in today’s software development landscape. In 2023, supply chain cyber-attacks affected 2,769 organizations in the U.S. – a staggering 58% jump from the previous year.
Take the XZ Utils backdoor incident from March 2024 as an example. It exposed how flaws in widely-used dependencies can ripple through the entire software industry. Even though fixes exist for 96% of vulnerabilities, outdated dependencies still account for 80% of cases, leaving systems open to attack.
"By using third-party dependencies, you are taking responsibility for code you did not write." – Auth0
The strategies outlined here – from choosing secure dependencies to using trusted hosting services – lay the groundwork for stronger protection. The Equifax breach, which stemmed from a delayed patch for a known vulnerability, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring updates.
By applying these ten practices, you create a layered approach to managing third-party dependencies. Together, they tackle key areas of dependency management while adding multiple barriers to potential threats.
As software supply chains grow more intricate, staying vigilant and prioritizing dependency security will remain essential for building safer applications.
FAQs
How can you manage third-party dependencies?
To handle third-party dependencies effectively, it’s crucial to keep detailed records, perform regular risk evaluations, and control the source code of vendor dependencies. Document library selections, their use cases, and any associated risks. Regularly assess third-party risks and ensure proper source code management. Many third-party vendors have weaker cybersecurity measures, which can increase your exposure to potential threats.
This approach is especially critical when using package ecosystems like npm, which come with their own set of security challenges.
Are npm packages safe to use?
npm packages can pose risks due to their complex dependency trees and reliance on multiple maintainers. This makes it essential to audit packages carefully and establish trust in their authors. Even popular npm packages, including those designed with security in mind, have been found to contain vulnerabilities. A notable example is the ‘event-stream’ package, which was compromised in 2018, underscoring the importance of thorough security checks.
These challenges with npm packages reflect broader issues within software supply chains.
What is a major security risk in the software supply chain?
Key risks in the software supply chain include vulnerabilities in third-party dependencies, public repositories, build systems, and update processes. These concerns highlight the importance of strong security measures. With open-source code now making up as much as 90% of modern software, addressing these risks is more critical than ever.
