CSC 2045: Secure Software Tools Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is Git primarily used for?

Creating web applications

Debugging code errors

Managing and tracking source code history (correct)

Designing software interfaces

Which feature of Visual Studio Code helps predict the next typed text?

IntelliSense (correct)

Extensions

Syntax highlighting

Git support

What is a primary benefit of using GitHub?

It automatically repairs bugs in the code

It is the only way to manage source code

It offers cloud-based hosting for Git repositories (correct)

It is only compatible with Windows operating systems

Which type of code analysis tool is used to examine the code while it is running?

Dynamic code analysis (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT typically get identified through static code analysis?

Run-time exceptions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of static code analysis tools?

They may produce false positives and negatives. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of issues can static code analysis tools help developers identify?

Unreachable code and undeclared variables (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes debugging from static code analysis?

Dynamic analysis involves real-time code observation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a key tip for effective debugging?

Use tracepoints to log messages for better insight (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of debugging?

To remove bugs from your code (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you start your app in 'debug mode' in Visual Studio?

A debugger is attached to the app (A) Signup and view all the answers

When should you consider using a debugger instead of other tools?

When trying to eliminate bugs or errors (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a debugger in programming?

To control program execution and inspect the program state. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the concept of logging?

A process used to record significant program events. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'step into' feature in debugging do?

Pauses execution after executing a line of code if it contains a function call. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does syntax refer to in programming?

The structure and rules governing the code (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must happen for a compiler to translate a program successfully?

The program must be syntactically correct (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a run-time error in programming?

It appears only after the program is run (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of debugging?

To find and fix errors in the program (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are compilers considered less forgiving than human readers?

Compilers only accept perfectly structured programs (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CSC 2045: Secure Software Tools

This course covers secure software tools, including development environments, code analysis, and debugging techniques.
Objectives include becoming proficient with IDEs (Integrated Development Environments), source code analysis, and code review procedures.
Students are expected to conduct thorough analysis using various tools and techniques, including both static and dynamic analysis tools, to identify potential issues in software code.

Course Agenda (Week 3)

Fundamentals of Git and GitHub: Git is a version control system, and GitHub is a cloud-based hosting service for Git repositories. Git manages and tracks source code history, and GitHub allows for management of Git repositories.
VSCode: A free, lightweight, and powerful source code editor with built-in support for JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, and extensions for other languages (C++, Java, etc.). Features include IntelliSense, Git support, syntax highlighting, and customizable themes, keyboard shortcuts, and preferences. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Vulnerability Defects and Mitigation: Software flaws range from simple bugs to complex design issues. Mitigating these issues involves meticulous code analysis, testing, and quality control procedures. Vulnerabilities can result from incorrect input validation, buffer overflows, race conditions, unsafe system calls, and more. Specific types of issues include:
- Bugs: Problems introduced during software implementation. Easily discovered and corrected.
- Flaws: Problems stemming from design and code instantiation. More subtly designed within the code. Originate during design, error handling, and/or illogical access controls.
Static Code Analysis: A process where developers examine source code for issues before compiling. Tools identify problems such as unreachable code, uninitialized variables, parameter type mismatches, uncalled functions, variables used before initialization, non-usage of function results, and potential array bounds errors. Static code analysis tools can speed up error detection, but can produce false positives.
Dynamic Code Analysis (Debugging): This examines a running program to identify defects by observing behavior during execution. Debugging is crucial for removing bugs. A debugger is a tool that attaches to the running application, allowing inspection during execution.
Tips for Debugging C++ Programs: Debugging techniques include setting breakpoints, using step commands, reviewing Output window messages, and using logged messages to isolate problematic code regions.
Exploring VSCode Debugger: Instructions cover running and debugging C++ files, customizing the debugger experience using tutorials/resources, and short videos for getting started with C++ development in Visual Studio Code. Links for tutorials and development guides specific to Visual Studio Code for C++, and relevant videos are provided. Key resources for developing within the Visual Studio Code Environment: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/cpp/config-msvc#_explore-the-debugger, and https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/cpp/introvideos-cpp#_debug-a-c-project.
Secure Coding Tools: These tools assist in identifying and preventing vulnerabilities in code. The course emphasizes tools, methodology, and techniques related to secure coding practices.

Static Code Analysis Tools

Tools can automatically analyze code, finding errors missed by compilers and speeding up the process.
Tools may have false positives, but significantly aid in automating error detection.
Microsoft Visual Studio Code offers analysis for C/C++ code highlighting potential issues and improvements.

Static Code Analysis Tools - Limitations

Cannot automatically identify all coding problems, including design issues, cryptographic vulnerabilities, and embedded credentials.
Primarily focuses on implementation issues rather than conceptual flaws.

Static Code Analysis - Capabilities

Earlier implementation error detection reduces downstream problems.
Reduced testing, operations, and maintenance time leads to higher-quality software.
Helps find vulnerabilities relevant to security, like incorrect input validation, buffer overflows, race conditions, and unsafe system calls.
Often used with other code analysis/testing methods for enhanced quality.

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of secure software tools, focusing on version control with Git and GitHub, and the features of VSCode. Students will explore techniques for analyzing vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies within software development environments. Test your knowledge on best practices for secure coding and debugging.