Jack Cable of CISA and Zach Steindler of GitHub Dig Into Package Repository Security
Nov 26, 2024
auto_awesome
Jack Cable, a senior technical advisor at CISA specializing in open source software security, and Zach Steindler, a principal engineer at GitHub focused on supply chain security, dive into the critical topic of package repository security. They discuss the significance of secure package management in the open-source ecosystem and highlight their recently published best practices guide. Their conversation includes insights on trusted publishing, community engagement for newcomers, and the lighthearted debate on personal tech preferences, showcasing their expertise and camaraderie.
Package repositories are vital for open source software, impacting security and integrity across various sectors including critical infrastructure.
The development of the 'Principles for Package Repository Security' document outlines best practices to enhance repository security through collaborative efforts and voluntary participation.
Deep dives
Importance of Package Repositories
Package repositories are essential components of the open source software ecosystem, functioning as the key systems through which users download software, such as NPM and PyPI. These repositories handle vast quantities of software downloads daily, making them crucial for developers and users worldwide. The security of these repositories directly impacts the integrity of the software used across diverse sectors, including critical infrastructure. Recognizing this, organizations like CISA prioritize efforts to bolster the security measures of package repositories to ensure the safety of open source software consumption.
Collaboration for Security Best Practices
A recent initiative has led to the development of a set of principles for package repository security, aimed at guiding the security practices for these repositories. This document aggregates best practices identified from various package ecosystems, highlighting actions such as requiring multi-factor authentication for project maintainers. The collaborative effort among groups like CISA and the Securing Software Repositories Working Group underscores the value of sharing experiences between repository operators. By emphasizing voluntary participation and shared learning, the initiative seeks to create a framework for improving overall security across the open source landscape.
Future Directions and Community Engagement
Moving forward, the Securing Software Repositories Working Group aims to develop specific guidance to aid package repositories in implementing security capabilities more effectively. Recent actions announced by major package repositories are in alignment with the principles document, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to security. Additionally, a call to action is directed toward technology manufacturers to act responsibly and actively support the open source ecosystem, particularly for nonprofit repositories that often rely on community contributions. Engaging with this community and encouraging contributions not only fosters security improvements but also strengthens the overall infrastructure supporting open source initiatives.
CRob discusses package repository security with two people who know a lot about the topic. Zach Steindler is a principal engineer at Github, a member of the OpenSSF TAC and co-chairs the OpenSSF Security Packages Repository Working Group. Jack Cable is a senior technical advisor at CISA. Earlier this year, Zach and Jack published a helpful guide of best practices called “Principles for Package Repository Security.”
00:48 - Jack and Zach share their backgrounds
02:59 - What package repositories are and why they’re important to open source users
04:17 - The positive impact package security has on downstream users
07:06 - Jack and Zach offer insight into the "Prinicples for Package Repository Security" document
11:18 - Future endeavors of the Securing Software Repositories Working Group
17:32 - Jack and Zach answer CRob’s rapid-fire questions