Phantom Dependency Detection Through Static Code Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing package managers fail to accurately identify and manage software dependencies outside their scope, leading to discrepancies and unintentional inclusion of phantom dependencies in software applications, which can cause unexpected behavior and errors during runtime.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a software composition accounting program (SCAP) to identify and classify dependencies, combined with a global source code search engine employing a semantic hash algorithm to gather supplemental information, detects and distinguishes between normal and abnormal dependencies, including phantom dependencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If package managers are used to install software components, then dependency management is automated, but phantom dependencies are unintentionally included and not detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedependency management automationVSAvoiddependency accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs static analysis of software application source code to generate feedback about actual dependencies. This feedback is compared against package manager records to identify discrepancies, including phantom dependencies that were unintentionally included during automated installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces reliance on package manager mechanical tracking with static analysis of source code. Instead of trusting package manager records alone, the system directly examines the software application's actual dependency requirements through code analysis, uncovering phantom dependencies that automated package management missed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If static analysis of source code is performed to identify dependencies, then dependency detection accuracy is improved, but analysis time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedependency detection accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs static analysis as a preliminary step during the software development or deployment process. By conducting this analysis early, the system can identify phantom dependencies before they cause runtime errors, allowing for proactive resolution rather than reactive fixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies static analysis selectively to identify phantom dependencies rather than performing complete dependency mapping. The analysis focuses on detecting unexpected dependencies that contradict package manager records, rather than exhaustively analyzing all possible dependency relationships, thus reducing time investment while maintaining accuracy for critical issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250245000A1Detection of phantom dependencies within a constructed software application

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 ENDOR LABS INC

AI summary

A computer-implemented method and system for performing static analysis of the source code within a software application for the purpose of identifying one or more dependencies from within the software application upon software components residing outside of the software application. Such dependencies are classified as being normal if such components that are expected to be incorporated into the software application via a package manager, and are incorporated via the package manager, as verified by a source code composition accounting program (SCCAP). Otherwise, such dependencies are classified as being abnormal if incorporated into the software application in a manner other than via a package manager. A semantic hash algorithm is employed to gather supplemental information regarding such software application incorporated components.