Supply chain attacks - Detailed explanation

Supply chain attacks are a new kind of threat that primarily targets software developers and providers. By infecting genuine programs with malware, the purpose is to get access to source codes, development processes, or update mechanisms.

Attackers look for vulnerable network protocols, vulnerable server infrastructures, and dangerous coding methods. They infiltrate systems, modify source code, and conceal malware in build and update procedures.

These applications and updates are signed and certified because they are produced and published by reputable vendors. Vendors are frequently unaware that their applications or updates are tainted with malicious malware when they are published to the public in software supply chain attacks. The malicious code is then executed with the same level of trust and permissions as the app.

Given the popularity of several applications, the number of potential victims is substantial. A free file compression program was poisoned and distributed to clients in a nation where it was the most popular utility tool.

By targeting and attacking vulnerable portions of the software supply chain, supply chain attacks may cause harm to corporations, individual departments, or whole industries.

A software supply chain is made up of the following components:

Third-party or open-source software is utilized as a component in corporate software.
Enterprises employ open-source systems such as WordPress or Magento.
Professional services, consulting, and development service providers
Partners that store or handle data on the enterprise’s behalf
Cloud computing services (including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS)
Former corporate vendors who still have access to company data or IT infrastructure

Most businesses have little insight into their software supply chain. A supply chain attack might target any third party that is not sufficiently protected that delivers software or services to major enterprises.

Attackers often target the weakest connections in a supply chain, such as small suppliers with minimal cybersecurity controls or open source components with a tiny community or low-security safeguards.

The majority of supply chain attacks are the result of introducing backdoors to valid and approved software or compromising third-party provider systems. With current cybersecurity measures, these attacks are difficult to detect.

How to Prevent Supply Chain Attacks

Implement strict code integrity requirements to ensure that only approved programs may execute.
Use endpoint detection and response systems that can identify and remediate suspicious activity automatically.

Maintain a highly secure infrastructure build and upgrade.
- Apply OS and software security fixes as soon as possible.
- Implement required integrity checks to verify that only trustworthy tools are used.
- Administrators should be required to use multi-factor authentication.

As part of the software development lifecycle, create safe software updaters.
- Implement certificate pinning and need SSL for update channels.
- Everything must be signed, including configuration files, scripts, XML files, and packages.
- Check for digital signatures and refuse to allow the software updater to accept generic input and instructions.