Una SBOM («Software Bill of Materials») è un documento che elenca in dettaglio tutti i componenti software utilizzati in un'applicazione, incluse librerie open source e dipendenze di terze parti.
In today's tech landscape, where software security and transparency are critical, the importance of the SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) cannot be overlooked. The SBOM is a document that details all the components of a software application, making it a strategic resource for modern software development and management.
To understand what an SBOM is, it's essential to distinguish it from the traditional BOM, which is more commonly associated with manufacturing.
BOM: A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a detailed list of physical materials needed to create a product, like a car or an electronic device. It includes:
Physical materials (e.g., steel, plastic, electronic components)
Technical specifications and quantities
Costs and suppliers
SBOM: In contrast, the SBOM applies to software and provides a comprehensive list of intangible components used to build an application. These include:
Software libraries
Development frameworks
Third-party dependencies
Open-source modules
While the traditional BOM supports physical production, the SBOM ensures transparency, security, and compliance in software.
A well-structured SBOM must include clear and detailed information about software components. Key elements include:
Component Name: A unique identifier for each module or library.
Version: Specifies the version used, crucial for tracking updates and vulnerabilities.
License: The type of applicable license (e.g., MIT, GPL, Apache).
Origin: The source or repository from which the component comes.
Relationships Between Components: A map of direct and indirect dependencies.
Cryptographic Hash: For verifying the integrity of the component.
The main goal is to provide complete visibility into the software ecosystem, making it easier to identify and resolve issues.
The SBOM is not just a useful tool; it has become a necessity in today's tech environment, where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated. Here are the main reasons:
Prevention of Supply Chain Attacks
Cyberattacks on software supply chains, such as those related to vulnerabilities in open-source libraries (like Log4j), have highlighted the need to track every single component used in an application. The SBOM allows you to:
Identify known vulnerabilities.
Quickly trace back to the source of the problem.
Mitigate risks with timely actions.
Regulatory Compliance
With increasing regulations in technology, many organizations must demonstrate compliance with specific standards. For example:
GDPR requires secure data management.
NIST guidelines in the U.S. promote advanced security practices.
A well-structured SBOM is key to meeting these regulations.
Management of Open-Source Licenses
Many modern software applications use open-source libraries, each with specific legal constraints. The SBOM helps monitor and comply with license terms, avoiding potential legal disputes or unexpected costs.
Maintenance Optimization
With an SBOM, development teams can:
Track version updates.
Plan preventive maintenance.
Avoid incompatibilities between components.
Creating an SBOM can be done manually or through automated tools. In either case, it's essential to follow a structured process:
Identify Components
Analyze the software project to find all dependencies, including transitive ones (dependencies of other dependencies).
Documentation
Organize collected information into a standardized format. Common formats include:
CycloneDX: Used for tracking SBOMs.
SPDX (Software Package Data Exchange): A recognized standard for data sharing.
SWID (Software Identification Tag): Focused on managing software information.
These formats promote interoperability and sharing between teams.
Integration into Business Processes
The SBOM should be integrated into the software development life cycle (SDLC), making it a central part of DevSecOps workflows.
Continuous Updates
As software evolves constantly, it's essential to keep the SBOM updated with every new version or change.
To simplify creating and managing an SBOM, several specialized software tools are available, both open-source and commercial:
Syft: An open-source tool for automatically generating SBOMs.
Snyk: Focused on securing open-source dependencies.
Black Duck: Integrates license management features and vulnerability detection.
OWASP Dependency-Check: Useful for monitoring vulnerabilities in dependencies.
These tools enhance efficiency and reduce human error in creating SBOMs.
For SaaS companies, the SBOM represents a strategic resource that directly impacts service quality and reliability. Common uses include:
Vulnerability Monitoring: Timely identification of issues in components.
Cost Optimization: Reducing waste related to unused software licenses.
Operational Reliability: Better management of dependencies to avoid service interruptions.
Customer Relations: Greater transparency in documenting technologies used.
With a well-implemented SBOM, companies not only improve security and compliance but also optimize internal processes, strengthening customer and stakeholder trust.
Una SBOM («Software Bill of Materials») è un documento che elenca in dettaglio tutti i componenti software utilizzati in un'applicazione, incluse librerie open source e dipendenze di terze parti.
La SBOM serve a garantire trasparenza e sicurezza nel software, fornendo informazioni su versioni, licenze e dipendenze per migliorare la gestione e la conformità normativa.
La SBOM si concentra esclusivamente su componenti software, mentre la BOM tradizionale riguarda materiali fisici utilizzati nella produzione di beni tangibili.
Una SBOM viene utilizzata da sviluppatori, team di sicurezza informatica e responsabili IT per monitorare e proteggere l'integrità del software.
La SBOM aiuta a identificare vulnerabilità, gestire licenze software, prevenire attacchi alla supply chain e ottimizzare gli aggiornamenti di sistema.
Una SBOM va aggiornata ogni volta che si aggiungono o modificano componenti software per garantire accuratezza e sicurezza.
In alcuni settori regolamentati, la SBOM è obbligatoria per rispettare standard di sicurezza e conformità, come quelli promossi dal NIST o richiesti per il GDPR.
