BlackDuck
The 2025 Open Source Security and Risk Analysis Report delivers a look at the growing complexities, vulnerabilities, and compliance risks tied to open source software. With open source present in 97% of analyzed codebases, security teams, developers, and risk managers must act decisively to mitigate threats.
Findings highlight an alarming trend—81% of codebases contain high- or critical-risk vulnerabilities, many of which stem from outdated dependencies. The widespread presence of transitive dependencies further complicates risk assessment, making visibility into software supply chains more crucial than ever. The report underscores that without proactive management, open source components introduce licensing conflicts, compliance challenges, and severe security gaps.
Key takeaways stress the importance of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) and Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools for organizations striving to secure their applications. Real-world incidents, such as the Log4j vulnerability and the Equifax breach, demonstrate the dangers of overlooking open source risks. The report also details industry-specific insights, showing which sectors are most exposed to open source security flaws.
Failure to track and update components leaves software exposed. With 90% of codebases containing outdated components and over half showing license conflicts, organizations cannot afford a passive approach. Effective open source governance requires continuous monitoring, security-first development practices, and automated risk assessments.
The report concludes with actionable recommendations, emphasizing the necessity of integrating security into the development lifecycle, enforcing regular updates, and ensuring compliance with open source licensing terms. Without visibility and active management, open source becomes a liability rather than an asset.
