3.2.3 Ensure packages are automatically scanned for license implications
ID |
cis_sscs/package_scan_license |
Severity |
high |
Category |
dependencies/validate_packages |
Levels |
|
Optional |
true |
Tags |
license, supply-chain |
Description
A software license is a document that provides legal conditions and guidelines for the use and distribution of software, usually defined by the author.
It is recommended to scan for any legal implications automatically. Tools that perform Software Composition Analysis (SCA) often gather the license for third-party packages used and report potential legal issues.
Rationale
When using packages with software licenses, especially commercial ones which tend to be the strictest, it is important to verify that the use of the package meets the conditions of the license.
If the use of the package violates the licensing agreement, it exposes the organization to possible lawsuits.
Scanning used packages for such license implications leads to faster detection and quicker fixes of such violations, and also reduces the risk for a lawsuit.