Security researchers have uncovered a “credible” takeover attempt targeting the OpenJS Foundation in a manner that evokes similarities to the recently uncovered incident aimed at the open-source XZ Utils project. According to a joint alert by the OpenJS Foundation and Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF), the OpenJS Foundation Cross Project Council received a series of suspicious emails urging action to update a popular JavaScript project to fix critical vulnerabilities. However, the emails failed to provide any specific details. This incident sheds light on potential security risks within the open-source community, particularly in maintaining the integrity of widely-used projects.
Robin Bender Ginn, executive director of OpenJS Foundation, and Omkhar Arasaratnam, general manager at OpenSSF, highlighted the concerning nature of the emails, which also requested designation as new maintainers despite minimal prior involvement. Although no privileged access was granted, the incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance against targeted attacks aimed at compromising the security of open-source projects. Furthermore, the similarity between this incident and the recent XZ Utils takeover suggests a coordinated effort to exploit vulnerabilities in the open-source ecosystem.
The incident involving XZ Utils, where fictitious personas were used to pressure the lone maintainer into granting access, serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of supply chain attacks. The sophistication and patience demonstrated in planning and executing such campaigns underscore the challenges faced by volunteer-run open-source projects. Moreover, the incident highlights the fragility of the open-source ecosystem and the importance of addressing maintainer burnout to prevent similar incidents in the future. In response, cybersecurity agencies recommend increased support for maintainers and regular source code audits to enhance the security posture of open-source software.
