BETA Shoulder is in beta — Findings may sometimes be wrong. Your feedback shapes what we fix next. Share feedback
#6 A06:2021

Vulnerable and Outdated Components

Components such as libraries, frameworks, and other software modules run with the same privileges as the application. If a vulnerable component is exploited, it can cause serious data loss.

Overview

Previously titled Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities. It is #2 in the Top 10 community survey but also had enough data to make the Top 10 via data analysis.

How Attackers Exploit This

Understanding attack patterns helps you build better defenses. These are the techniques security teams watch for.

Known vulnerability exploitation

Attackers target publicly disclosed vulnerabilities in popular libraries before applications are patched.

Detection signal: Exploit attempts matching known CVE patterns, targeting specific library endpoints

Supply chain compromise

Malicious code is introduced through compromised or typosquatted packages.

Detection signal: Unexpected network connections, unusual package behaviors

How to Prevent

  • Remove unused dependencies, features, components, and documentation
  • Continuously inventory component versions and their dependencies
  • Monitor sources like CVE and NVD for vulnerabilities in components
  • Only obtain components from official sources over secure links
  • Monitor for unmaintained libraries that don't receive security patches
  • Use virtual patching via web application firewall if needed

CWEs with Shoulder Detection (1)

These CWEs have Shoulder detection rules. Click to see specific vulnerabilities and fixes.

Other Mapped CWEs (2)

These CWEs are mapped to this category. Use MITRE references for guidance.