CAPEC-538: Open-Source Library Manipulation
Adversaries implant malicious code in open source software (OSS) libraries to have it widely distributed, as OSS is commonly downloaded by developers and other users to incorporate into software development projects. The adversary can have a particular system in mind to target, or the implantation can be the first stage of follow-on attacks on many systems.
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Overview
CAPEC-538 (Open-Source Library Manipulation) is a detailed-level attack pattern catalogued by MITRE in the Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC). It describes a recurring method attackers use to exploit software weaknesses.
How the attack works
The phases an attacker typically follows to carry out this attack.
- Step 1Explore
[Determine the relevant open-source code project to target] The adversary will make the selection based on various criteria:
- Step 2Experiment
[Develop a plan for malicious contribution] The adversary develops a plan to contribute malicious code, taking the following into consideration:
- Step 3Exploit
[Execute the plan for malicious contribution] Write the code to be contributed based on the plan and then submit the contribution. Multiple commits, possibly using multiple identities, will help obscure the attack. Monitor the contribution site to try to determine if the code has been uploaded to the target system.