Software supply chain attacks are escalating, exploiting gaps that traditional application security tools cannot address. The white paper Closing the Software Supply Chain Security Gap explains why legacy methods such as SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA fall short against modern threats like tampering, embedded malware, exposed secrets, and malicious artifacts added during the build process.
It introduces complex binary analysis as the critical solution for securing both software you build and commercial software you deploy. Unlike traditional tools that analyze only portions of code, complex binary analysis deconstructs entire binaries post‑compilation, uncovering hidden risks across proprietary, commercial, and open‑source components. This approach provides visibility into malware signatures, suspicious code changes, licensing risks, vulnerabilities, and insufficient hardening—all without requiring source code or execution.
Real‑world examples such as SolarWinds, CodeCov, and CyberLink demonstrate how attackers bypassed legacy detection methods. Complex binary analysis detects these elusive threats by analyzing the complete executable package, much like crash‑testing a fully assembled vehicle rather than its individual parts.
The paper also highlights Spectra Assure™, ReversingLabs’ AI‑driven solution that powers complex binary analysis at scale. Spectra Assure delivers rapid recursive unpacking of thousands of file types, integrates explainable AI (xAI) for novel malware detection, and generates comprehensive SBOMs with actionable risk assessments.
By adopting complex binary analysis, organizations can close visibility gaps, strengthen third‑party risk management, and institute a “final exam” for software before deployment. This proactive approach reduces reliance on manual surveys and pentesting, enabling enterprises to secure their software supply chains, protect sensitive data, and maintain compliance in an era of advanced persistent threats.
