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CTEM-SRC-3 - Public Source Code Repository - Vendor Owned

To be Completed

Documentation has not been completed. This page is a placeholder for future documentation.

A Public Source Code Repository - Vendor Owned refers to a code repository that has been created by a third-party vendor, such as a contractor or external service provider. These repositories are publicly accessible and often contain source code related to the services they provide for the organization. The concern with this type of exposure is that the vendor may inadvertently publish source code that relates to corporate use without undergoing the necessary scrutiny or following the security standards set by the organization.

Characteristics of a Vendor-Owned Public Repository​

  • Third-Party Ownership: The repository is created and managed by an external vendor or contractor, often as part of their work on behalf of the organization.
  • Corporate Relevance: The repository may contain source code, configurations, or other materials that directly relate to the organization’s projects or services.
  • Lack of Direct Oversight: As the repository is owned by a third party, it may not have undergone the same rigorous security checks and reviews as an internal repository, increasing the risk of sensitive information exposure.
  • Public Accessibility: The repository is publicly available, creating a risk of unintentional exposure of corporate data or intellectual property.

Common Methods of Discovery​

Vendor-owned public repositories are typically discovered through:

  • Commit History and Repository Details: The repository may mention the organization's name or projects, making it identifiable as relating to corporate use. Commit logs may also reference employees or corporate assets.
  • Public Source Code Management (SCM) Platforms: These repositories are often hosted on public SCM platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket, where they are accessible to anyone.
  • Automated Scanning Tools: Tools like GitGuardian or GitLeaks are commonly used to scan public repositories for references to corporate assets, sensitive information, or hard-coded credentials.

Risks and Impact​

The risks associated with the exposure of a vendor-owned public repository include:

  • Intellectual Property Exposure: Source code, algorithms, or proprietary project details related to corporate use may be exposed, potentially allowing competitors or attackers to gain insights into the organization's technology.
  • Credential Leakage: Hard-coded credentials, API keys, or passwords present in the code can be exposed, giving unauthorized parties access to corporate systems or services.
  • Information Leakage: Internal infrastructure details, configurations, or project dependencies that are not intended for public access may be exposed, providing valuable information for attackers.
  • Vendor Relationship Impact: The exposure of corporate-related source code by a vendor can damage the trust relationship between the organization and the vendor and may lead to contractual or legal repercussions.

Key Considerations for Threat Exposure Management​

Managing vendor-owned public repositories requires collaboration between the organization and the vendor to enforce best practices and reduce risks:

  • Vendor Security Requirements: Establish clear security requirements for vendors, including guidelines for creating and managing code repositories. Ensure these guidelines are included in contracts and service agreements.
  • Repository Access Control: Ensure that vendors understand which repositories can be made public and which must remain private. Encourage vendors to limit public exposure unless explicitly approved.
  • Code Review and Automated Scanning: Encourage vendors to implement automated tools to scan their code for sensitive information before making repositories public. Conduct periodic reviews of vendor compliance with security standards.
  • Monitoring for Exposure: Continuously monitor public SCM platforms for repositories created by vendors that may contain corporate-related information. Set up alerts for any new public repositories related to the organization.
  • Vendor Awareness and Training: Provide training and resources to vendors to raise awareness about the risks of source code exposure and best practices for handling sensitive information.

Vendor-owned public repositories can be a significant source of risk if not properly managed. Effective threat exposure management requires a strong partnership with vendors, clear policies and contractual requirements, and proactive monitoring to mitigate the risks associated with these repositories.