SLSA
A framework for ensuring the integrity and security of software supply chains through standardized controls and best practices.
| Category | Supply Chain Security |
|---|---|
| Last Commit | 1 year ago |
| Last page update | 19 days ago |
| Pricing Details | Free to use under open source license. |
| Target Audience | Developers, DevOps teams, security professionals, and organizations looking to enhance their software supply chain security. |
SLSA (Supply-chain Levels for Software Artifacts) manages ensuring the integrity and security of software supply chains, which are increasingly vulnerable to tampering and malicious compromises. This framework provides a standardized set of controls and best practices to prevent unauthorized modifications to software artifacts and improve the overall security posture of the supply chain.
Technically, SLSA is organized into multiple levels of increasing security rigor, each focusing on different aspects of the software delivery lifecycle such as builds, sources, and dependencies. The framework is divided into tracks, with the Build Track being a key component, which requires the use of hosted build services, digital signatures for provenance, and other stringent measures to ensure the authenticity and integrity of software artifacts. For example, SLSA Level 2 requires signed provenance generated by a hosted build platform, while Level 3 involves more advanced measures such as hermetic and reproducible builds.
Operationally, adopting SLSA involves generating and verifying provenance, which is the metadata that describes the build process and source code. Tools like the slsa-verifier and slsa-github-generator are used to automate and verify this process. However, there are limitations; SLSA does not protect against all types of supply chain attacks, such as those enabled by vulnerable code or collusion between high-level actors. Nonetheless, it provides a robust framework for defending against common threats and is evolving with industry input to address more complex security needs.
Key technical details include the use of digital signatures for provenance, the generation of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) to document dependencies, and the integration with popular build and version control systems like GitHub Actions and Google Cloud Build. The framework is designed to be adaptable, with future versions expected to expand its breadth and depth, making it easier for users to adopt and mature their security practices over time.