🛡️OWASP 8 : Software and Data Integrity Failures

Software and data integrity failures are a growing concern in cybersecurity, as they directly impact an organization’s ability to trust its applications, updates, and data. Unlike traditional attacks that exploit input validation or authentication flaws, these issues arise when integrity controls are missing, weak, or compromised.

What Are Software and Data Integrity Failures?

Software and data integrity failures occur when systems and applications do not adequately protect against unauthorized modifications or corruptions of code, infrastructure, or data. Attackers exploit these weaknesses to distribute malicious updates, alter data pipelines, or inject harmful code into trusted environments.

Types of Software and Data Integrity Failures

Insecure Software Updates

Updating software without cryptographic signatures or secure delivery can allow attackers to deliver malicious updates.

Compromised CI/CD Pipelines

If build and deployment pipelines lack integrity verification, adversaries can inject malware directly into production environments.

Untrusted Plugins or Libraries

Using open-source dependencies without proper validation or integrity checks can introduce trojanized software components.

Data Manipulation in Transit

Lack of encryption or hashing on critical data transfers may allow attackers to modify information without detection.

Configuration Tampering

Misconfigured systems and weak access controls can let unauthorized users alter security-critical settings.

Real-World Examples

SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack (2020)

Attackers compromised the Orion software build environment, injecting malicious code that was shipped to tens of thousands of customers, including government agencies.

Event-Stream NPM Package Incident (2018)

An attacker added malicious code to a popular open-source library, targeting cryptocurrency wallet users.

NotPetya Malware (2017)

Distributed through a compromised update for a Ukrainian accounting software, causing massive global disruption.

Recommendations

Verify Digital Signatures

Ensure all software updates, containers, and packages are cryptographically signed and validated before deployment.

Secure Your CI/CD Pipelines

Implement access controls, code review, and automated integrity checks in build environments.

Use Trusted Sources

Download dependencies only from official, verified repositories and perform regular audits with software composition analysis tools.

Implement Data Integrity Controls

Apply hashing, encryption, and checksums to data transfers to ensure tampering can be detected.

Monitor for Anomalies

Continuously monitor build systems, deployment logs, and runtime environments for unusual behavior.

Enforce Principle of Least Privilege

Limit update permissions and ensure only authorized, verified parties can modify code or configurations.