3.1.7 Ensure dependencies are pinned to a specific, verified version
ID |
cis_sscs/pinned_dependencies |
Severity |
high |
Category |
dependencies/third_party_packages |
Levels |
|
Optional |
false |
Tags |
dependencies, security, slsa-4, supply-chain |
Rationale
When using a wildcard version of a package, or the "latest" tag, the risk of encountering a new, potentially malicious package increases. The "latest" tag pulls the last package pushed to the registry. This means that if an attacker pushes a new, malicious package successfully to the registry, the next user who pulls the "latest" will pull it and risk attack.
This same rule applies to a wildcard version - assuming one is using version v1.*, it will install the latest version of the major version 1, meaning that if an attacker can push a malicious package with that same version, those using it will be subject to possible attack.
By using a secure, verified version, use is restricted to this version only and no other may be pulled, decreasing the risk for any malicious package.