How do you update web app dependencies to avoid security issues?

Additionally it will be better to use DevOps methodologies and tools to continuously update the code and continuously deliver it to the users. This will help the developers track any security issues and the users also feel safe

Web apps are, by definition, connected to the Internet, exposing you to all manner of remote attacks. A typical web application has more code in its dependencies than itself, creating a significant risk surface. When dependencies become outdated, best case you're missing out on some new features and performance improvements, but quite often you are exposed to security vulnerabilities. We call this "software decay." Keeping dependencies up-to-date in a responsible way helps mitigate these risks. And don't forget the app frameworks and runtimes in your stack, too!

Keeping your app dependencies up to date is a challenging task and doing it effectively is another challenge. one can, - Keep an eye on any security updates regarding any packages or libraries you are using. eg in case of any node project if you are using NPM you can run command NPM audit to find which packages needs your attention. - Keep a watch on any release notes that any framework you might be using. Mostly the release notes include any major fixes that you may need to keep a watch on. - Revisit the codebase not only to add features but to audit any dependencies that might need your attention. You simply can't update everything in single go!

The "Software Bill of Materials" (a.k.a. SBOM) landscape is rapidly evolving to help companies inventory and manage their dependencies. Third-party tools like Snyk can even help you build dependency vulnerability detection directly into your SDLC/DevOps processes, to be more proactive instead of reactive. At a minimum, manual audits should be done periodically. Whichever method you choose, being proactive with inventorying and checking your dependencies will help you stay ahead of threats.

Identifying web app dependencies is foundational in cybersecurity. Beyond identification, I emphasize real-time monitoring and AI integration wherever needed. These elements elevate security protocols, ensuring they're as dynamic as the threats they mitigate. It’s a balance of technology, vigilance, and adaptability, especially with the rapid tech advancements we're witnessing. Collaborative efforts in sharing insights and tools are essential.

Tools like `npm audit fix`, `docker scout`, and `dotnet list package --vulnerable` are a great way to get started with manually updating outdated and vulnerable dependencies. Using automated tools like Dependabot or Snyk will take you to the next level in proactively keeping your software up-to-date, including even automated Pull Requests that do the work of updating the dependencies for you. Remember to include updating app frameworks and runtimes (like Node.js, Java, .NET, etc.) to a supported version.

Manual exploratory and regression testing is still a valuable practice, as human judgement can often find things that the automated tests forgot to look for. Unit and integration testing are also necessary tools in your toolbox, especially when they are run automatically as part of your build pipelines. Automated UI tests can reduce the manual labor of smoke and regression testing, allowing you to move faster. Whichever combination of methods you choose, software updates can introduce bugs so it's important to test them. Don't assume that semantic versioning is perfectly adhered to with dependencies and that all patches are safe!

Avoid using generous wildcards when specifying dependency versions. With npm packages especially, ensure you're committing your package-lock file to source control and installing packages in your build pipeline with `npm ci` to avoid accidentally pulling in an unexpected (and possibly vulnerable) upgrade. Apply extra diligence to any commits or Pull Requests from engineers that change or add dependencies. Use of a Software Bill of Materials solution can help ensure license compliance, and using manual and automated vulnerability detection can help you proactively stay ahead of threats.