Re: [OPSAWG] I-D Action: draft-ietf-opsawg-sbom-access-10.txt

[Dick Brooks <[e-mail]>]

See response inline DB>

Thanks,

Dick Brooks
  
Active Member of the CISA Critical Manufacturing Sector, 
Sector Coordinating Council – A Public-Private Partnership

Never trust software, always verify and report! ™
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-----Original Message-----
From: Eliot Lear <[e-mail]> 
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2022 8:03 AM
To: [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]
Subject: Re: [OPSAWG] I-D Action: draft-ietf-opsawg-sbom-access-10.txt

Hi Dick,

On 28.09.22 13:49, Dick Brooks wrote:
> I find this material misleading and incomplete.
>
> The title infers the ability to discover and retrieve vulnerability 
> information. However the text of this draft makes clear that retrieval 
> is not supported, ref Page 2:
>
>    "This memo does not specify how vulnerability information may be
>     retrieved directly from the endpoint.  That's because vulnerability
>     information changes occur at different rates to software updates.
>     However, some SBOM formats may also contain vulnerability
>     information."

The information can be retrieved, but not from the endpoint. That's not misleading.

DB> I agree vulnerability information can be retrieved and some SBOM formats, i.e. SPDX Version 2.3 provide retrieval information for vulnerabilities associated with SBOM's:
https://spdx.github.io/spdx-spec/v2.3/how-to-use/#k19-linking-to-an-sbom-vulnerability-report-for-a-software-product-per-nist-executive-order-14028 

The draft could be more accurate and complete by indicating that access to vulnerability information at the SBOM component level may be indicated in an SBOM.

>
> The draft makes no mention of the NIST Vulnerability Disclosure Report (VDR)
> that is used to inform consumers of the vulnerability status of a software
> product at the SBOM component level, ref: NIST SP 800-161 RA-5.
> https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-161r1.pdf

A specification would be incomplete if the reference is necessary for 
implementation.  How is this reference necessary for implementation?

DB> The NIST VDR is no different from other items you reference i.e. CDX VEX and CSAF. Also, parties in the US subject to Executive Order 14028 and OMB memo M 22-18 may need to implement NIST recommendations for SBOM and vulnerability reporting. If this draft guidance is not intended for use by the US Government with regard to these mandates, then you may have a point. 

Eliot