CISO Guidance

1) Is this information credible?

• The information appears credible as it highlights a specific malware, GlassWorm, targeting a known marketplace, OpenVSX, which is commonly used by developers.

2) How could this be relevant to my org’s assets, vendors, or processes?

• If your organization relies on developers who use the OpenVSX marketplace for extensions, there is a direct risk to your software development lifecycle.
• Third-party software repositories are often used in development processes, posing a potential risk vector.

3) What’s the actual technical risk?

• The technical risk involves the potential for malicious code injection through compromised extensions, leading to data breaches, unauthorized access, or compromised software integrity.

4) What do we need to do to defend/detect/respond?

• Implement strict policies for the use of third-party repositories and enforce code review practices.
• Utilize tools to scan for malware in downloaded extensions and regularly update security tools to detect new threats.
• Conduct security awareness training for developers on the risks of downloading from untrusted sources.

5) What’s the potential business/regulatory exposure?

• Potential exposure includes intellectual property theft, data breaches, and non-compliance with data protection regulations, which could lead to financial penalties and reputational damage.

6) Does it reveal a bigger trend?

• This incident underscores a growing trend of targeting software supply chains and exploiting third-party repositories to distribute malware.

7) What actions or communications are needed now?

• Communicate with development teams about the risks of using third-party repositories like OpenVSX.
• Review and update security policies related to software development and third-party software use.
• Consider reaching out to vendors to ensure they are aware of and mitigating similar risks.