What Is an SBOM?

A software bill of materials (SBOM) is a comprehensive inventory that itemizes the various components, libraries, dependencies, and resources used in creating a piece of software. It functions as a kind of ingredient list, detailing the software that is included within a larger application or system. Think of it like the nutritional label on food packaging, but for software.

The primary purpose of an SBOM is to enhance transparency and traceability within the software supply chain. By having a detailed list of all the components used in building software, developers, security teams, and end users can better understand the software’s composition. This knowledge is invaluable for managing vulnerabilities, tracking licenses, assessing security risks, and facilitating efficient maintenance and updates.

SBOMs have gained significant attention and importance, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. They play a crucial role in helping organizations identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities and threats that could arise from using third-party components or outdated software versions. With the increase in supply chain attacks and the interconnected nature of modern software, a clear and accessible SBOM is increasingly seen as a component of best practices for ensuring software security and reliability.

An effective SBOM provides comprehensive insights into the software makeup of a system, enabling stakeholders to not only manage and mitigate security risks but also to ensure compliance, facilitate efficient maintenance, and make informed decisions regarding software components and their interdependencies.

An SBOM typically consists of detailed information about the various components, dependencies, and attributes of the software used in a particular system. Here are some key elements commonly found in an SBOM:

• Component inventory: A list of all software components in the system, including libraries, frameworks, modules, and third-party dependencies. This inventory often includes details such as unique identifiers for each component.
• Version information: Specific versions of each component included in the software are listed, detailing both the current version and potentially earlier versions used during development or testing.
• Dependencies and relationships: Information about how different components relate to each other, including dependencies between various modules or libraries. This helps in understanding the software’s architecture and the impact of changes or vulnerabilities in one component on others.
• Metadata and attributes: Additional information about each component, such as its origin (where it was sourced), licensing information, author details, release dates, and known vulnerabilities or security issues associated with specific versions.
• Hierarchy and structure: For complex systems, the SBOM might present a hierarchical view, illustrating how components are organized, nested, or interconnected within the software, clarifying the system’s architecture and composition.
• Provenance and tracking: Details about the supply chain of software components, tracking their origins from development through deployment, ensuring transparency and accountability in the software supply chain.
• Formats and standards: Depending on the industry or specific requirements, SBOMs might demonstrate adherence to various formats, standards, or other industry-specific guidelines.

Embedded systems, encompassing everything from medical devices to industrial machinery and automotive components, are integral parts of our modern infrastructure. There are several reasons why SBOMs serve as foundational tools for embedded systems:

• Transparency: Embedded systems rely on intricate layers of software and firmware, sourced from various vendors or developers. These systems incorporate multiple components and dependencies, making it challenging to keep track of their origins and potential vulnerabilities. An SBOM provides a structured inventory. This transparency is crucial for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities promptly, ensuring the overall security of the embedded system.

• Risk management: Many embedded systems have extended lifecycles, operating for years or even decades in critical environments. During this time, software vulnerabilities that pose significant risks can emerge or be discovered. An SBOM is a dynamic reference that aids in ongoing maintenance and updates. It keeps stakeholders informed about software versions, patch availability, and associated security advisories, ensuring timely responses to potential threats and facilitating effective risk management.
• Interconnectedness: The interconnected nature of embedded systems amplifies the significance of SBOMs. These systems communicate and interact with other devices or networks, creating complex ecosystems. Understanding the software components within each embedded system is essential for evaluating the security of the broader network, preventing cascading vulnerabilities, and maintaining system integrity across interconnected devices.
• Compliance: In regulatory contexts, especially in safety-critical industries such as healthcare and automotive, having an SBOM can be a compliance requirement. Regulatory bodies increasingly emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in software development, mandating the documentation of software components and dependencies to ensure system safety and reliability.

Wind River Studio Linux Services: Security and Compliance Scanning

Wind River^® offers a professional-grade Linux software scan resulting in a report on common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) and license issues. Upload the SBOM of your Linux solution to get a report of all the vulnerabilities identified and the licenses used in your platform. Build higher-quality code and accelerate application development and deployment.

WIND RIVER STUDIO LINUX SECURITY SCANNER

Our professional-grade security vulnerability scanner is specifically curated to meet the unique needs of embedded systems. It can scan any Linux SBOM and provide an analysis of vulnerabilities, licensing, versioning, and community resources, all via a secure, easy-to-understand dashboard.

Follow these steps:

1. Create a software bill of materials (SBOM) leveraging the Yocto Project layer at github.com/Wind-River/meta-wr-sbom.
2. Upload your SBOM or software manifest using our web-based application.
3. See the results in the graphical dashboard.
4. Sort, prioritize, and explore details on specific CVEs.
5. Collaborate with team members on fixes.
6. Leverage your Wind River expert for a remediation plan and ongoing security monitoring.

Wind River Services and Support

Wind River Services and Support provides the next step in assistance for completing your embedded project. Wind River services have been recognized with Service Capability and Performance (SCP) certification, the gold standard in customer support. From design services to education, Wind River is here to help.