Supply Chain Attack (also “Supply Chain Compromise” or “Value Chain Attack”) is a type of cyber attack where an attacker compromises the software or hardware supply chain to infiltrate target organizations, exploiting the trust that organizations place in their vendors. This type of attack can affect multiple victims simultaneously and is especially dangerous because malicious code is distributed through legitimate channels, making detection difficult and allowing for massive reach, being fundamental for organizations to implement third-party risk management (TPRM) and supply chain security measures.

What is Supply Chain Attack?

Supply Chain Attack occurs when an attacker compromises a component, service, or process in the software or hardware supply chain, allowing malicious code or components to be distributed to multiple target organizations through legitimate channels.

Features

Operation

  • Vendor Compromise: Infiltration of software/hardware vendors
  • Malicious Code Insertion: Injection of malicious code into legitimate products
  • Legitimate Distribution: Distribution through official channels
  • Exploited Trust: Exploitation of trust in vendors
  • Wide Reach: Multiple simultaneous victims

Objectives

  • Initial Access: Obtaining access to target organizations
  • Persistence: Maintaining long-term access
  • Espionage: Theft of sensitive information
  • Sabotage: Disruption of operations
  • Propagation: Attack expansion

Types of Supply Chain Attacks

By Component

  • Software: Software compromise
  • Hardware: Hardware compromise
  • Libraries: Compromise of libraries and dependencies
  • Updates: Update compromise
  • Firmware: Firmware compromise

By Method

  • Code Compromise: Source code modification
  • Build Compromise: Build process compromise
  • Distribution Compromise: Distribution channel compromise
  • Update Compromise: Update system compromise
  • Dependency Compromise: External dependency compromise

Attack Vectors

Development

  • Compromised Repositories: Access to code repositories
  • Compromised CI/CD: CI/CD pipeline compromise
  • Malicious Dependencies: Use of compromised dependencies
  • Compromised Developers: Access to developer accounts
  • Compromised Tools: Development tool compromise

Distribution

  • Package Repositories: Compromise of npm, PyPI, etc.
  • Compromised CDN: Content delivery network compromise
  • Fake Updates: Distribution of malicious updates
  • Compromised Certificates: Use of stolen certificates
  • Malicious Firmware: Distribution of compromised firmware

Hardware

  • Compromised Manufacturing: Compromise during manufacturing
  • Malicious Firmware: Preinstalled malicious firmware
  • Compromised Components: Compromised hardware components
  • Physical Supply Chain: Compromise in transport or storage
  • Trusted Vendors: Infiltration of trusted vendors

Notable Examples

Software

  • SolarWinds: Network management software compromise
  • Codecov: CI/CD tool compromise
  • npm Packages: Malicious packages in npm
  • PyPI Packages: Malicious packages in PyPI
  • Dependency Confusion: Dependency confusion attacks

Hardware

  • SuperMicro: Alleged hardware compromise
  • CCleaner: Cleaning software compromise
  • NotPetya: Attack through accounting software
  • CCleaner 2017: Legitimate update compromise

Detection and Prevention

Detection Techniques

  • Integrity Verification: Signature and hash verification
  • Code Analysis: Static and dynamic analysis
  • Behavior Monitoring: Anomalous behavior detection
  • Threat Intelligence: Threat intelligence
  • Security Audits: Security reviews

Preventive Measures

  • Signature Verification: Digital signature verification
  • Private Repositories: Use of private repositories when possible
  • Dependency Scanning: Dependency scanning
  • Least Privilege: Principle of least privilege
  • Segmentation: Network segmentation

Tools

  • SBOM Tools: Software Bill of Materials tools
  • Dependency Scanners: Dependency scanners
  • Code Analysis: Code analysis
  • Threat Intelligence: Threat intelligence platforms
  • Security Monitoring: Security monitoring

Impact

Security

  • Unauthorized Access: Security control bypass
  • Loss of Confidentiality: Massive information exposure
  • Compromised Integrity: System modification
  • Availability: Service interruption
  • Trust: Erosion of trust in vendors

Business

  • Financial Losses: Significant economic impact
  • Reputation: Corporate brand damage
  • Compliance: Violation of regulations
  • Continuity: Operation interruption
  • Legal Liability: Legal exposure

Best Practices

Prevention

  • Due Diligence: Comprehensive vendor evaluation
  • Integrity Verification: Signature and hash verification
  • Dependency Management: Proper dependency management
  • Continuous Monitoring: Constant surveillance
  • Security Policies: Clear standards

Response

  • Quick Detection: Early identification of compromises
  • Containment: Isolation of compromised systems
  • Investigation: Complete forensic analysis
  • Communication: Notification to affected parties
  • Recovery: System restoration

References