SBOM 101

A Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) is an essential tool for enhancing software supply chain security by providing a detailed inventory of a software's components, including libraries, modules, and licenses. Originating over a decade ago in response to the need for transparency in software composition, SBOMs have gained prominence due to the rise in supply chain attacks. They are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, managing licenses, and ensuring compliance. The SBOM concept is akin to a list of ingredients in food, offering visibility into a software's construction and allowing for effective vulnerability scanning. Despite the existence of standards like SPDX and CycloneDX, challenges remain in creating accurate SBOMs due to complex dependencies and competing formats. The SBOM's role in vulnerability management involves matching known vulnerabilities with software components, with sources ranging from vendor-specific feeds to independent databases. The current landscape sees efforts to standardize SBOM practices, with frameworks like Salsa introducing maturity levels for software supply chain security. As the industry moves toward adopting SBOMs as a standard practice, the focus is on achieving comprehensive, digitally signed SBOMs to ensure authenticity and integrity in software development and deployment processes.