8.4 Access to Source Code

Read and write access to source code, development tools, and software libraries should be appropriately managed.

Access to source code in information security refers to the ability to view, modify, or distribute the underlying code of a software application or system. This can be a powerful tool for identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities, as well as for customizing and improving the functionality of the software.

Access to source code also poses a number of security risks, such as:

• The unauthorised access or modification of the code, which could lead to the introduction of security vulnerabilities or malicious functionality.
• Distribution of the code without proper licensing or permission, which could lead to legal issues or loss of revenue.
To mitigate these risks, organisations can implement various controls, such as:

• Access controls: Implementing authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that only authorised individuals can access the source code.
• Code signing: Signing the code with a digital signature to ensure that the code has not been modified and to provide a means of identifying the author or publisher.
• Source code escrow: Placing the source coscrow, which is a legal arrangement in which a third party holds the code in trust and releases it only under certain conditions.
• Code review: Having a team of security experts review the code for potential security vulnerabilities and make recommendations for addressing them.
It is also important for organisations to establish policies and procedures for the management and distribution of source code, including guidelines for access and use, as well as for reporting any potential security issues.