OWASP Top 10 risks for open source software
Open source software (OSS) powers much of today’s digital infrastructure, from small personal projects to large-scale enterprise applications. As reliance on OSS continues to grow, so too does the need to understand its unique security challenges. The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) has long been a trusted authority in identifying critical software risks, and with the release of the OWASP Top 10 risks for open source software, it brings much-needed focus to the vulnerabilities specific to open ecosystems. This learning path will guide you through these top risks and help you build more secure, resilient applications that rely on or contribute to open source.
Through these lessons, you’ll explore how issues like unapproved changes, malicious packages, and outdated components can introduce real threats to your codebase. Whether you’re a developer, maintainer, or security team member, understanding these risks is essential to navigating the open source landscape safely and confidently.
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Known vulnerabilities
Open source components with known vulnerabilities are frequently used in projects without proper review or patching. Attackers can exploit these well-documented flaws to gain access, execute code, or cause service disruptions.
Compromise of legitimate package
If a maintainer's account is hijacked or a build system is compromised, attackers can insert malicious code into widely trusted packages. These compromised updates may appear legitimate but can silently execute harmful actions once installed.
Name confusion attacks
Attackers create packages with names similar to popular libraries, such as typosquatting or brand impersonation, to trick developers into installing malicious versions. These deceptive tactics often succeed due to subtle naming differences and rushed installations.
Unmaintained Software
When a package is no longer actively maintained, it may never receive critical security updates or bug fixes. Relying on such software increases the risk of long-standing vulnerabilities going unresolved in your project.
Outdated software
Even if a package is maintained, using older versions can expose your application to fixed vulnerabilities. Developers often delay updates due to compatibility concerns, but this can leave serious security gaps.
Untracked dependencies
Open source projects often pull in nested or transitive dependencies that aren't explicitly listed or monitored. These hidden packages can introduce vulnerabilities or licensing risks without developers even being aware of their presence.
License and regulatory risks
Open source software often comes with licenses that impose obligations, such as attribution, source code disclosure, or usage restrictions. Failing to understand or comply with these licenses can lead to legal and regulatory consequences, especially in commercial or enterprise environments.
Immature software
Some open source projects are in early stages of development and may lack stability, documentation, or a clear security process. Relying on these projects can introduce unpredictable behavior and unaddressed vulnerabilities, especially in production environments.
Unapproved change
Using packages without a formal review or approval process can introduce untrusted or harmful code into a project. Teams may unintentionally adopt libraries that don’t meet internal security standards or contain hidden risks.
Under/oversized dependency
A dependency that is too large can introduce excessive, unnecessary functionality—expanding the attack surface and increasing maintenance overhead. Conversely, an undersized dependency may lack essential features or security controls, leading to custom insecure workarounds.