Open source tools are often praised for their cost-effectiveness and collaborative nature. Businesses across the globe rely on these solutions to maintain their operations and workflow. While there are plenty of advantages of open source tools, our Miami cybersecurity team has also seen significant risks that need to be considered before using them.
To understand the true dangers of open source tools, you need to know how they work.
What are Open Source Tools?
Open source tools are built using a source code that’s open to the public. Anyone can inspect and even modify the code, which is maintained via open collaboration.
Many of the software and tools that you use today are open source, including:
- Mozilla Firefox
- GIMP
- LibreOffice
- Linux
- WordPress
- Blender
- VLC Media Player
One advantage of open source tools is that they can be customized to meet your needs, which often makes them more cost-effective than building custom software from scratch.
Security Risks With Open Source Tools
While there are many advantages of using open source tools, their very nature also makes them a risky option when it comes to cybersecurity.
Some of the biggest security risks associated with open tools include:
Delay in Patching Vulnerabilities
An estimated 84% of codebases have at least one or more open source software vulnerabilities. Because open source projects are maintained by the community, there’s no guarantee that vulnerabilities will be patched quickly, especially if it’s a small-scale project.
Continuing to use an open source tool with known security vulnerabilities is never advisable.
Lack of Security Auditing Procedures
A large percentage of open source projects don’t have security auditing procedures in place. In other words, many people in the open source community are not continually reviewing their projects to find security issues.
The decentralized nature of an open source project makes it difficult to enforce security reviews and practices. Often, contributors are spread across the globe, making it even more difficult to maintain code oversight.
Publicly-Available Source Code
The openness of open source tools is one of its most attractive features. But it’s also one of its biggest drawbacks when it comes to security.
Because anyone can access the tool’s source code, attackers can easily study the code to find weaknesses and exploit them.
In 2023, for example, a vulnerability was found in WooCommerce, an open source WordPress plugin. The flaw allowed remote users to pose as administrators and gain full access over the WordPress site.
Summary
Open source tools are a cost-effective and practical solution for users, but they’re not without risk. Because the source code is available to anyone, attackers can study it, identify weaknesses and exploit them. Unfortunately, security vulnerabilities are not always fixed in a timely manner.
Understanding the inherent risks of open source software is an important first step in protecting yourself, but it also pays to consult with experts to identify potential solutions to protect your open source tools.
If you’re currently using or plan to use open source tools, contact us today. We specialize in cybersecurity in Miami and can help you safeguard your business from cyberattacks.