How can you improve security code reviews for e-procurement systems?

It is imperative to start with designing a tech flow to gain more clarity about the key processes/ applications involved. Identifying the system interfaces to determine the kind of risks/threats that are likely and the corresponding impact. For example - if there is a database and web based application connectivity, then I would look for data completeness and accuracy related controls in the underlying code, where data flows from the application into the DB.

In order to understand the risk the major requirement is to understand the business and the applications being used in the business, then to exploit the risks it’s really important to think from an attacker’s perspective.

This is very true, and to add this, I know not all companies utilize security scans but this is also valuable. Alot of times your code might not have any issues, but a third-party library can come with vulnerabilities. So in, as much as you do the code analysis, don't forget to check 3rd party libraries. Also, if you don't need it, don't include it.

Enhancing e-procurement security code reviews entails prioritizing risks via frameworks like OWASP, training reviewers in secure coding, employing automated tools for efficiency, fostering developer-security collaboration, and staying updated on emerging threats.

Risk-based testing (search FMEA approach) can help not only identify problem areas, but also areas of highest vulnerability. Even if you are sure that your internal code doesn't have issues, third party packages, dependencies, etc. can have unforeseen issues. Application like Snyk can help identify areas of highest vulnerability and risk in your code. Don't get tunnel vision; think like an attacker - where might they start trying to exploit your system?

In my experience, before diving into code reviews a comprehensive understanding of potential security risks was crucial. Beyond the usual aspects like data confidentiality and user authentication, I particularly focused on network security, considering how data is transmitted and protected against intrusions or attacks. Additionally, I paid close attention to server-side security vulnerabilities, ensuring robust defenses against common threats like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

Understanding the risks is the key. And identifying security requirements exclusively is the foundation. Later phases, it should be checked if all the requirements are incorporated in design and then implemented in code. Testing should rip apart the app to see for any vulnerabilities. Vulnerability assessment of libraries and penetration tests have made my products robust in my experience. SecDevOps seals the application with utmost security.

In my experience - Before reviewing the code it's important to understand the problem/work the code is trying to address and think of a rough idea of how you would have addressed this problem/work. Then start reviewing the implementer code. Some steps would be as follows - Start by talking to the implementer about the chosen approach - Has it missed any scenarios? - Does the code have comments? - Is it using any new Nuget/npm packages that don't have good sizeable downloads? - Is the code using a zero trust/low trust model? - When in doubt ask questions - Don't ask questions for the sake of it These would be some of my tips for a good code review

The aforementioned assertion rings true. While not all organizations incorporate security scans into their development processes, their value should not be overlooked. It's worth noting that even if the codebase appears secure, vulnerabilities may reside within integrated third-party libraries. Therefore, it's essential to scrutinize these libraries alongside the original code. Furthermore, judiciously evaluating the necessity of third-party components can mitigate potential security risks by eliminating unnecessary dependencies.

Before reviewing the code, thoroughly assess potential risks and threats to your e-procurement system. Consider confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, authorization, encryption, validation, and compliance. Utilize risk assessment frameworks like OWASP to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities. Review the code to identify and fix vulnerabilities, focusing on input validation, authorization, encryption, and error handling. Ensure sensitive data is protected and attackers cannot gain unauthorized access.

For any Project scope definition 1.Scope description 2. Project deliverables 3. Project exclusions 4.Project constraints( limited budget,imposed dates) 5.Project assumptions 6.Acceptance criteria Best practices writing comments with the code implementation makes code readability easier also would be easy for refactoring the source code

Security code reviews, when conducted with a clear scope and defined criteria, become a formidable shield against software vulnerabilities. By meticulously scrutinizing the code based on risk assessment and established standards, these reviews can effectively identify and rectify security flaws, safeguarding the system from potential breaches.

Layer the system and make sure nothing is leaking between them. Sensitive data should always be treated with the possibility of a breach.

The right tools to investigate are: 1. Application scanning tools. 2. Web Application firewalls placed along with the load balancers. 3. Putting as many access controls.

As per my opinion Use automated code review tools and static analysis tools to identify potential security vulnerabilities. These tools can help catch common issues early in the development process. Also Establish a clear guidelines, these guidelines should cover common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more.

Effective Security Code Reviews: A Blend of Tools and Methods Securing software systems requires a comprehensive evaluation of their code's security posture. While manual reviews offer in-depth scrutiny, automated tools accelerate the process. A synergistic approach combining both methods, along with collaborative code reviews and walkthroughs, proves most effective. My experience validates this approach, enabling the identification of complex vulnerabilities and fostering a culture of security awareness.

The old school principles still are valid like KISS, DRY and SOLID principles. Embed code scanning capabilities like in DevOps process, CI/CD pipelines. Have detection and remediation integrated into pipelines. Make sure the code takes care of information exposure Embed 3rd party vulnerabilities for et holistic overview on the code.

Tools like Veracode scan come with great benefits for documenting vulnerabilities and pointing you to where issues might arise. I know other excellent tools exist, so if you have the budget to include such tools, don't hesitate to include them in your processes.

Structured and Documented Code Review: A Path to Robust Security Effective security code reviews necessitate a methodical approach to ensure comprehensive scrutiny. By adopting a structured and documented process, vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed with precision. A consistent and organized approach, such as top-down or bottom-up, ensures that all aspects of the system are thoroughly reviewed. Clear and concise documentation with supporting evidence and recommendations provides context and facilitates timely resolution. Leveraging bug tracking or issue management systems streamlines the process, enabling efficient tracking and management of identified issues.

Have built in approaches, like unit tests, that can catch unintentional changes in the code that could affect the security of the data.

Yes, but what if the data your system contains has confidential details (patient data, clientele names, HIPAA compliant data etc)? It is not as simple as communicating through email, chat, text, etc. Communication in these scenarios can also mean having software best practices protocols in place long before code reviews take place. In addition, chemistry amongst team members with an understanding of how to safely relay this information on protected networks/applications couldn't be more paramount. Attacks happen outside of your main product/system, too!

Oversharing is better than having gaps in the knowledge chain. Inform on the risk and highlight the affect it could have. The information, depending on the sensitivity, should be available to all those who work on the solution. The testers job is then to try to break everything they possibly can and expose the possible vulnerability.

Conducting a security review of the architecture and application design during the initial design phase is crucial. Post-implementation security reviews tend to be more burdensome than beneficial, potentially introducing additional bugs and adversely impacting the overall performance of the application.

Improving security in code reviews for e-procurement systems involves training your team in security best practices, establishing clear guidelines and checklists, utilizing automated security scanning tools, promoting thorough peer reviews, maintaining regular updates and patches, documenting vulnerabilities for future prevention, and conducting proactive threat modeling sessions. Remember, security is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and improvement to safeguard e-procurement systems effectively.

Always use automatic code scanners in builds and fix security bus as quickly as possible. It can longer to deal with dependencies on 3rd party packages as updated versions may not play nicely resulting in code that was thought stable needing chunks rewritten with all the rework that needs. It can take a lot longer than estimators think and make some projects unviable

I would suggest starting with a system wide open, without any security, and then step by step prioritizing the most vulnerable and sensitive parts of it to protect them with a "good enough" security solution. Some good tips: 1. Let yourself know whether you are protecting your system from the government, competitors, individual hackers, or users. 2. What data do you want to protect? Each type of data may require different security solutions. 4. Don’t look for “standard” security solutions, they simply don’t exist. 5. Make sure that any security solution you implement will not harm the operation of the entire system, will not slow down processes, or require too much of investment. Max 3% of the value of your entire system or of your data.