xIoT Securing Device Manufacturing with Automated Vulnerability Scanning via GitHub Actions

In the dynamic landscape of device manufacturing, security is as crucial as innovation. With cybersecurity threats constantly evolving, ensuring the security of manufactured devices is not just necessary but a responsibility. This blog introduces an approach to integrating robust security practices into device manufacturing using GitHub Actions, specifically tailored to work with NetRise for enhanced vulnerability scanning.

The Imperative of Security in Device Manufacturing

As we progress into an increasingly connected world, the risks associated with insecure devices escalate. Every manufactured device is a potential target for cyber threats, from consumer electronics to critical industrial equipment. The repercussions of these vulnerabilities can range from data breaches to operational disruptions, impacting the manufacturer's reputation and customer trust. Embedding robust security measures into the manufacturing process is no longer optional but a pivotal requirement.

Introducing NetRise GitHub Actions

The NetRise GitHub Actions integration represents a significant leap in automated security for device manufacturing. This tool integrates seamlessly into your existing GitHub workflows, offering an automated and efficient way to scan binaries for vulnerabilities during the build process. It connects with the NetRise Platform, leveraging its capabilities to analyze, identify, and report security vulnerabilities early in device development.

The action is now available for customers in the Netrise Private Github Repository and customers can request access now.

Key Features and Advantages

• Automated Scans: Integrates vulnerability scanning directly into the CI/CD pipeline, ensuring each build is automatically checked for security issues.
• Seamless Integration: Adapts effortlessly to existing GitHub workflows, allowing teams to maintain their processes without disruption.
• Comprehensive Vulnerability Reporting: Offers detailed insights into identified vulnerabilities, enabling teams to address issues proactively.

A smart home device manufacturer who integrates this GitHub Action into their development process would be enabled to detect and resolve several high-risk vulnerabilities early on, significantly enhancing the security of their product line and building more trust with customers.

High-Level Details

• Authentication: Authenticate with the NetRise API to obtain an access token.
• Submit Asset: Submit the binary file to the NetRise Platform for analysis.
• Upload Binary File: Upload the binary file to the specified NetRise endpoint.
• Poll for Asset ID: Continuously check until the asset ID is available, indicating the upload is complete.
• Check Processing Status: Monitor the processing status of the submitted asset.
• Check for Critical Vulnerabilities in All Components: Analyze the response to determine if there are any vulnerabilities with exploits. Break the pull request if there is a critical vulnerability.

A critical vulnerability is defined as any vulnerability that is either weaponized or has proof of concept (POC). A weaponized vulnerability is typically an exploit that delivers a substantial payload. For example, Metasploit exploits are considered weaponized (as they can deliver meterpreter or other advanced payloads). Exploits used by ransomware are also considered weaponized. POC vulnerabilities are anything that can be used to demonstrate exploitation. This can be a blog post, a curl request, a Python script, etc.

Best Practices for Maximizing Efficiency

• Regular Updates: Keep GitHub Actions and your environment variables up-to-date to ensure optimal performance.
• Clear Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation for your team on how to use and interpret the results from NetRise.
• Training: Conduct regular training sessions for your team to stay abreast of best practices in vulnerability management.

Integrating NetRise GitHub Actions into your device manufacturing process involves adopting a new tool and committing to a higher security standard. In an age where cyber threats are a constant concern, this integration ensures your manufacturing process produces devices that are not only innovative but also secure.

We encourage device manufacturers to adopt this proactive approach to security. For more information, a demonstration, or assistance with integration into your workflow, please contact us at netrise.io.