The Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipeline represents the steps that new software goes through before being released. However, it can contain a number of vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
1. Code vulnerabilities
Many software releases are completed in such short time frames that developers do not have enough time to ensure code security. Company leaders know that frequent software updates keep customers happy and can give the impression that the company is on the cutting edge of technology. However, the rush to release new releases can have disastrous consequences, giving hackers easy access to wreak havoc.
One 2022 study of 400 US-based developers found that they patch only 32% of known vulnerabilities in their code. Additionally, 42% of participants said they push vulnerable code once a month.
The best way to solve these problems is to make security a priority at the organizational level. When developers have enough time to find and fix known vulnerabilities, related releases will be safer for users.
2. Insufficient identity and access management
Identity and access management (IAM) in the CI/CD pipeline defines who has access, what they can access, and what they can do once they are in the system. Although IAM techniques vary, the best options use a layered approach. For example, many people are familiar with the need to enter their password, but also answer security questions that only they should know the answer to.
When security professionals design how IAM works in an organization, they often require a person to enter a password they set, plus details that are sent elsewhere, such as to their phones. Then, if a hacker only gets someone’s password, they won’t have enough information to access the system.
However, hackers could compromise the CI/CD pipeline when IAM does not keep security tight enough. Those overseeing access control must periodically evaluate whether the current method is working well or needs improvement.
3. Uncertainties associated with third-party products
If a CI/CD vulnerability results in a hacker gaining access and stealing data, the event could have significant consequences for the affected business. Consider how one survey found that more than 86% of respondents would not or were unlikely to do business with companies that had previously experienced payment card data breaches.
Many business leaders are bolstering their CI/CD channels with third-party security products, such as those that can scan code for vulnerabilities before it’s released. However, these specialized external platforms can also have security issues.
Sometimes vulnerabilities occur because people continue to use outdated versions of platforms or users misconfigure tools, introducing vulnerabilities. However, security issues can also arise from problems with the tools themselves, rather than the way people use them. In all cases, users should always update software promptly and implement processes to reduce the possibility of misconfigurations. Working with security-focused vendors is also a wise decision.
4. Deficiencies of recording and visibility
Effective logging involves capturing and storing events along the CI/CD pipeline. Visibility refers to how well people can see and understand all pipeline activities, including those captured in logs. People usually refer to event logs when investigating security incidents, but they can also help people detect and stop cybersecurity problems in progress.
Conversely, insufficient records and visibility make it easier for hackers to act maliciously without being detected. Experts point out that time and data are among the most valuable things for attacked organizations. When people can access trusted records in centralized locations, they more often than not have the tools to turn a potentially devastating attack into a less effective one.
Solving logging and visibility issues requires system audit logs and logs of application-based events, such as artifact loading and build execution. Developers must identify all record sources within the CI/CD pipeline and ensure that they are all enabled as this is usually not the default state. After that, they can decide on a centralized place to collect the records for easy access. People should also consider automating parts of the process by configuring tools that can alert users to abnormal logging activity.
Maintain a security-focused mindset
Unaddressed vulnerabilities can quickly disrupt software release schedules, and the most severe of these issues can cause reputational damage to affected organizations. There’s no easy or guaranteed solution to eliminating vulnerabilities, but people are more likely to catch them before they become problems if they treat security as a top concern. Better to release a secure update with no vulnerabilities than one that could become an entry point for hackers.