CISSP Domain 8: Software Development Security

Study Notes

CISSP Domain 8: Software Development Security

Overview

Focuses on integrating security into the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
Ensures that applications are secure and protected against vulnerabilities throughout their development and operational phases.

Key Concepts

Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Phases: Planning, Requirements, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, Maintenance.
- Security should be incorporated at each phase.
Security Controls in Software Development
- Preventive Controls: Techniques to prevent security incidents (e.g., code reviews, secure coding standards).
- Detective Controls: Mechanisms to identify security flaws (e.g., static/dynamic code analysis).
- Corrective Controls: Responses to incidents, such as patching vulnerabilities.
Common Software Vulnerabilities
- Injection flaws (e.g., SQL Injection)
- Buffer overflows
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- Insecure deserialization
Security in Software Architecture
- Design for security: threat modeling, data flow diagrams.
- Use of secure frameworks and libraries.
- Implementing security design principles (e.g., least privilege, defense in depth).
Secure Coding Practices
- Input validation and output encoding.
- Error handling and logging.
- Authentication and session management.
Testing for Security
- Security testing types: static analysis, dynamic analysis, penetration testing.
- Ensuring software is free from known vulnerabilities before deployment.
Deployment and Maintenance
- Secure configuration management.
- Regular updates and patch management.
- Vulnerability management processes.
Software Development Models
- Agile and DevOps: Incorporating security practices in iterative development.
- Waterfall: Traditional model with defined phases, emphasizing initial security requirements.
Third-Party Software Risks
- Evaluating the security of third-party components and libraries.
- Implementing controls for supply chain risk management.
Regulatory and Compliance Considerations
- Awareness of legal and industry standards (e.g., OWASP, ISO 27001).
- Compliance implications related to data protection and privacy.

Best Practices

Educate developers on secure coding techniques.
Incorporate security training and awareness programs.
Regularly review and update security policies and procedures.
Foster a security-first culture within the development team.

Overview of CISSP Domain 8

Emphasizes integrating security into the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
Aims to keep applications secure against vulnerabilities across all phases.

Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Key phases include Planning, Requirements, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance.
Security measures should be embedded in each of these phases.

Security Controls in Software Development

Preventive Controls: Utilize techniques like code reviews and establish secure coding standards to avert security incidents.
Detective Controls: Employ tools for static and dynamic code analysis to uncover security flaws.
Corrective Controls: Activate responses to incidents, including patch management for identified vulnerabilities.

Common Software Vulnerabilities

Injection flaws such as SQL Injection.
Buffer overflow exploits.
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities.
Risks from insecure deserialization processes.

Security in Software Architecture

Design must incorporate security via threat modeling and data flow diagrams.
Use secure frameworks and libraries to bolster overall security.
Adhere to security design principles like least privilege and defense in depth.

Secure Coding Practices

Focus on input validation and output encoding to safeguard data.
Implement robust error handling and logging mechanisms.
Ensure effective authentication and session management techniques.

Testing for Security

Perform various types of security testing, including static analysis and penetration testing.
Validate that software is free from known vulnerabilities prior to deployment.

Deployment and Maintenance

Employ secure configuration management strategies.
Maintain a routine for updates and patch management.
Develop processes for vulnerability management to ensure ongoing security.

Software Development Models

Agile and DevOps methodologies prioritize the incorporation of security in iterative workflows.
The Waterfall model emphasizes securing initial requirements with a linear approach.

Third-Party Software Risks

Conduct evaluations of third-party components and libraries for security integrity.
Establish controls aimed at managing supply chain risks associated with third-party software.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

Maintain awareness of legal standards and industry best practices such as OWASP and ISO 27001.
Understand the compliance implications surrounding data protection and privacy laws.

Best Practices

Provide developers with training on secure coding methodologies.
Establish security training and awareness initiatives for the entire team.
Regularly review and update security policies and procedures to adapt to emerging threats.
Cultivate a security-first culture throughout the development organization.

Description

This quiz focuses on integrating security into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). It covers key concepts like security controls, common vulnerabilities, and best practices for ensuring application security throughout all development phases.