How it works?
Black Duck scans for vulnerabilities in code by analyzing open source components and libraries used within a software project. Here's a simplified overview of how it works:
1. **Component Identification**: Black Duck first identifies all the open source components and libraries used in the codebase. It does this by examining the code and comparing it to its extensive database of known components.
2. **Version Analysis**: It also identifies the specific versions of these components because vulnerabilities can vary between versions.
3. **Vulnerability Database**: Black Duck has a database that contains information about known vulnerabilities in various open source components. This database is continuously updated to stay current with the latest security advisories.
4. **Matching Vulnerabilities**: The tool then matches the identified components and their versions against the vulnerabilities in its database. If it finds a match, it will flag it as a potential security issue.
5. **Risk Assessment**: Black Duck assigns a risk score to each identified vulnerability based on factors such as severity, exploitability, and impact. This helps prioritize which vulnerabilities should be addressed first.
6. **Reporting**: The results of the scan are typically presented in a report that provides details about the vulnerabilities found, including their severity and recommended actions for mitigation.
7. **Continuous Monitoring**: Black Duck can be configured for ongoing monitoring, so it can detect and notify you about new vulnerabilities as they are discovered and added to its database.
In summary, Black Duck scans for vulnerabilities by identifying open source components in your code, checking their versions against a vulnerability database, and providing reports and risk assessments to help you manage and mitigate potential security risks.
Black duck Vs Qualys.
Black Duck and Qualys are both cybersecurity tools, but they serve different purposes and focus on distinct aspects of security. Here are the key differences between Black Duck and Qualys:
1. **Purpose**:
- **Black Duck**: Black Duck, now part of Synopsys, is primarily a Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tool. It focuses on identifying and managing open source components and potential vulnerabilities within software applications.
- **Qualys**: Qualys is a Vulnerability Management (VM) and Security and Compliance Assessment tool. It specializes in assessing and managing vulnerabilities across an organization's entire IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and applications.
2. **Scope**:
- **Black Duck**: Black Duck is mainly concerned with the security of the software code itself and the open source components used within it.
- **Qualys**: Qualys covers a broader scope, including network vulnerabilities, server vulnerabilities, and application vulnerabilities, in addition to other security and compliance assessments.
3. **Target Audience**:
- **Black Duck**: It is typically used by software developers, DevOps teams, and organizations that want to ensure the security of their software applications and manage open source components effectively.
- **Qualys**: Qualys is used by IT security teams, system administrators, and organizations that need to monitor and manage vulnerabilities across their entire IT infrastructure.
4. **Features**:
- **Black Duck**: Key features include software composition analysis, vulnerability identification in open source components, license compliance management, and integration with development workflows.
- **Qualys**: Key features include vulnerability scanning, asset inventory, compliance checks, threat intelligence integration, and reporting for various IT assets.
5. **Integration**:
- **Black Duck**: It integrates well with development and DevOps tools, making it suitable for organizations looking to incorporate security into their software development lifecycle.
- **Qualys**: Qualys integrates with a wide range of IT infrastructure and security tools, providing a comprehensive view of an organization's security posture.
In summary, Black Duck is primarily focused on the security of software code and open source components within applications, while Qualys is a broader vulnerability management tool designed to assess and secure an organization's entire IT infrastructure. The choice between the two depends on an organization's specific security needs and priorities.