PL/SQL Software Development Compliance by Cybersecurity Frameworks

The evolving cybersecurity landscape is driving significant changes in software development compliance and supply chain defense. Oracle APEX and PL/SQL present a unique challenge as they straddle the line between application and database, often leading to vulnerabilities due to their classification primarily as a database. Below is a list of critical topics and their relevance to PL/SQL.

1. Code Review and Peer Review

• NIST SP 800-218 (Secure Software Development Framework - SSDF): Mandates code review practices to identify security vulnerabilities.

• Action: Implement mandatory peer code reviews for all PL/SQL code. Ensure that the review process is documented and that reviewers check for security flaws, coding standards compliance, and logic correctness.

2. Static Code Analysis

• NIST SP 800-53 (Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations): Requires the use of automated tools to detect potential security issues in the code.

• CISA Guidance: Encourages the use of static analysis tools to identify vulnerabilities early in the development process.

• Action: Integrate static analysis tools (e.g., SonarQube, Fortify) into the development pipeline to automatically scan PL/SQL code for security vulnerabilities, code smells, and adherence to coding standards.

3. Automated Unit Testing

• Executive Order 14028 (Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity): Calls for robust testing practices, including automated testing, to ensure software security and reliability.

• NIST SP 800-218: Recommends the use of automated testing frameworks.

• Action: Use utPLSQL or similar frameworks to create and maintain comprehensive unit tests for all PL/SQL code. Ensure that these tests are automatically executed as part of the CI/CD pipeline.

4. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

• CISA and NIST SP 800-53: Highlight the importance of testing applications dynamically to detect security vulnerabilities during runtime.

• Action: Conduct DAST on the application environment where PL/SQL code is deployed to identify security issues that may only appear during execution, such as SQL injection or buffer overflows.

5. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

• NIST SP 800-218: Recommends the integration of automated security and quality checks within the CI/CD pipeline.

• Executive Order 14028: Emphasizes the use of automated tools and processes to enforce security throughout the software lifecycle.

• Action: Integrate PL/SQL code testing, static analysis, and security scanning into the CI/CD pipeline to ensure that code changes are automatically tested and verified before deployment.

6. Automated Code Formatting and Standards Enforcement

• NIST SP 800-218: Advocates for consistent coding practices to reduce errors and vulnerabilities.

• Action: Utilize automated tools for code formatting (e.g., SQLcl, PL/SQL Developer) and enforce coding standards such as the Trivadis PL/SQL & SQL Coding Guidelines. Ensure that code conforms to established guidelines and standards before it is committed to the codebase.

7. Security Testing and Vulnerability Management

• NIST SP 800-218 & SP 800-53: Stress the importance of identifying and remediating vulnerabilities in software.

• CISA Guidance: Promotes proactive vulnerability management through regular scanning and remediation efforts.

• Action: Conduct regular security testing, including vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and security audits on PL/SQL code. Remediate identified vulnerabilities promptly.

8. Configuration and Change Management

• NIST SP 800-53: Requires the implementation of configuration management to control changes to software code.

• Action: Implement strict version control and change management policies for PL/SQL code. Use tools like Git to track code changes and ensure that all modifications go through the appropriate review and approval process.

9. Logging and Monitoring

• NIST SP 800-92 (Guide to Computer Security Log Management): Recommends logging and monitoring of application activities for security purposes.

• Action: Ensure that PL/SQL code includes comprehensive logging of significant actions, errors, and security-related events. Implement monitoring systems to analyze these logs and alert on suspicious activities.

10. Compliance Auditing and Reporting

• NIST SP 800-53 & CISA: Recommend regular auditing and reporting to ensure compliance with security policies and standards.

• Action: Perform regular audits of PL/SQL code and its associated processes to ensure compliance with relevant standards and policies. Generate compliance reports to document adherence and identify areas for improvement.

11. Documentation and Traceability

• NIST SP 800-53: Stresses the importance of documentation for maintaining traceability and accountability.

• Action: Maintain detailed documentation for all PL/SQL code, including test cases, review logs, security assessments, and change histories. Ensure that documentation is easily accessible and kept up to date.

12. Supply Chain Security

• Executive Order 14028: Emphasizes the need to secure the software supply chain.

• Action: Verify that all third-party PL/SQL components or libraries comply with security standards. Conduct regular assessments of these components for vulnerabilities and maintain an inventory of all third-party dependencies.