Build-Integrated Security Scanning for Vulnerability-Gated Releases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software development methodologies fail to effectively detect and address security vulnerabilities introduced during frequent application updates, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation.
Innovation Solution
A scanning tool is integrated into the software development architecture as a plugin component, which dynamically controls the code build process to perform penetrative testing and can terminate the build if vulnerabilities exceed a threshold, generating alerts and recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional penetration testing is performed on a scheduled basis, then security vulnerabilities can be detected periodically, but new vulnerabilities introduced by frequent updates remain undetected for prolonged periods
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning tool is integrated into the build process to perform security scans before deployment, proactively detecting vulnerabilities before they reach production. This preliminary action prevents the delay inherent in scheduled penetration testing by checking security at the source code commit stage and build stage, ensuring vulnerabilities are caught immediately upon introduction through updates.
2Reliability
If a scanning tool is integrated into the build process to perform penetrative testing, then security vulnerabilities can be detected immediately, but the build process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning tool is merged with the existing build process as an integrated component rather than a separate system. The tool hooks into build events (code commit, build initiation) and performs security scans within the existing build pipeline, combining security testing with the compilation and packaging processes. This integration adds security functionality without creating a separate complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning tool is designed to perform multiple functions within the build process: it scans source code for vulnerabilities, monitors build progress, detects security issues, and can terminate builds based on vulnerability thresholds. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate tools into a single universal security component.
3Reliability
If the scanning tool terminates the build process when vulnerabilities are detected, then vulnerable updates are prevented from being released, but development productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses configurable vulnerability thresholds and severity weights that can be adjusted based on business needs. By changing these parameters, organizations can balance security strictness with development velocity. The build termination decision is not absolute but based on configurable criteria, allowing flexible adjustment of the security-productivity tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning tool provides immediate feedback to developers about detected vulnerabilities, allowing them to fix issues and recommit code. This feedback loop enables iterative security improvement without permanently blocking development. The system monitors the build process continuously and provides real-time security status, allowing developers to address issues promptly rather than facing abrupt build terminations.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for dynamically controlling whether a code build of an application finishes to completion or is terminated prior to completion are disclosed. An application is determined to be entering a development state in which a code build of the application is to occur. After the code build for the application has started, the code build is prevented from completing by a scanning tool. While the code build is being prevented from completing, the scanning tool performs a scan of the application. Based on a result of the scan, the code build is terminated prior to completion.