Enhancing Software Supply Chain Security: Comprehensive Analysis of Vulnerabilities, Dependency Management, and SBOM Strategies
Keywords:
Software supply chain security, SBOM, open-source vulnerabilities, dependency managementAbstract
The rapid proliferation of open-source software and the extensive integration of third-party dependencies in contemporary software ecosystems have transformed the software supply chain into a critical area of cybersecurity concern. The increasing complexity of these ecosystems exposes software products to diverse vulnerabilities, including dependency-based attacks, misconfigurations, and targeted supply chain compromises. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of software supply chain security, focusing on the theoretical and practical challenges of vulnerability assessment, dependency management, and the implementation of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) solutions. By synthesizing findings from recent empirical studies and historical analyses, the paper elucidates the structural and operational weaknesses in open-source ecosystems, such as npm and Apache, and examines the efficacy of automated vulnerability detection, SBOM generation, and LLM-based vulnerability sourcing. This study adopts a descriptive methodological framework, leveraging theoretical constructs like attack trees, dependency graphs, and supply chain threat modeling to systematically evaluate the current security landscape. Findings indicate that while tools for automated vulnerability scanning and SBOM generation provide measurable improvements in visibility and traceability, they are constrained by limitations in detection accuracy, dependency coverage, and the dynamic nature of software evolution. Additionally, the research highlights the sociotechnical dimensions of software supply chain security, emphasizing the roles of developer practices, community governance, and stakeholder perceptions in mitigating risk. The discussion integrates empirical insights with conceptual analysis to propose strategic and operational recommendations, including standardized SBOM practices, continuous dependency monitoring, and the integration of AI-assisted vulnerability identification within development workflows. This paper contributes to the literature by offering a holistic, theoretically grounded, and practically relevant perspective on securing software supply chains, underscoring the need for multi-layered, proactive, and ecosystem-aware approaches.
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