advanced-security

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CodeQL improves JavaScript, Ruby, and C++ analysis in version 2.21.1

CodeQL is the static analysis engine behind GitHub code scanning, which finds and remediates security issues in your code. We’ve recently released version 2.21.1 of CodeQL. Here’s what’s new and improved in this release.

GitHub Actions

  • This CodeQL release coincides with the general availability of support for analyzing GitHub Actions workflows. Learn more in the dedicated changelog post.
  • We’ve improved alert fix suggestions for the actions/missing-workflow-permissions query, making it easier for you to resolve alerts.

JavaScript/TypeScript

  • We’ve added new detections of sources and sinks in Next.js and DOM element references, improving the detection of XSS issues.
  • We’ve enhanced path injection detection for several additional methods.
  • We’ve fixed an issue where tsconfig.json files containing array literals and trailing commas weren’t correctly extracted.

Ruby

  • We’ve improved the rb/useless-assignment-to-local query, so you’ll see fewer false positives and will get helpful documentation for alerts.
  • The rb/uninitialized-local-variable query now only generates an alert when a variable is used as a method call receiver. This should reduce noise. In addition, new help content is available for this query.
  • Calls to super without explicit arguments now have their implicit arguments generated, resulting in more accurate analysis.

C/C++

  • Calling conventions like __cdecl, __stdcall, and __fastcall are now represented in the CodeQL database as a new CallingConventionSpecifier, making function analysis more precise.

For a full list of changes, check out the complete changelog for version 2.21.1. Every new version of CodeQL is automatically deployed to users of GitHub code scanning on github.com. The new functionality in CodeQL 2.21.1 will also be included in GitHub Enterprise Server (GHES) version 3.18. If you’re using an older version of GHES, you can manually upgrade your CodeQL version.

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GitHub Actions workflow security analysis with CodeQL is now generally available

GitHub code scanning now offers enhanced security protection for your GitHub Actions workflow files through CodeQL analysis, which is now generally available. This feature enables you to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in your Actions workflows through automated code scanning, helping prevent potential security issues before they impact your CI/CD pipeline. CodeQL automatically analyzes your workflows to detect common security vulnerabilities, including missing required permissions, dangerous inputs without proper validation, and script injection vulnerabilities.

During the public preview period, we’ve helped secure over 158,000 repositories, detecting more than 800,000 potential vulnerabilities in Actions workflows, with approximately 15% of these issues being fixed by repository maintainers. This strong adoption demonstrates the value of automated security analysis for CI/CD workflows that use GitHub Actions.

For repositories using code scanning’s default setup, we will now automatically enable Actions workflow analysis when workflow files are detected in the default branch. For repositories using advanced setup, simply add the actions language to your existing configuration to enable this protection.

We’ve also added Copilot autofix functionality for the actions/missing-workflow-permissions query, one of the most frequent findings in Actions workflows. When this vulnerability is detected, you’ll receive automated fix suggestions to implement the principle of least privilege in your workflows, making remediation faster and easier.

To improve analysis quality, we’ve moved the actions/unversioned-immutable-action query to the extended query suite, allowing for more targeted and comprehensive analysis. If you’re using default setup, you can configure your scanning options to include extended queries. For repositories with advanced setup, you can specify this query suite in your CodeQL configuration. You can find more information about this change in the CodeQL release notes for 2.20.6.

Code scanning’s analysis of GitHub Actions workflow files will be available in GitHub Enterprise Server 3.18.

Learn more about configuring code scanning, securing your use of Actions, and vulnerabilities identified with CodeQL.

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Dependabot now lets you schedule update frequencies with cron expressions

Dependabot users can now schedule custom update frequencies by using cron expressions in schedule.interval in the Dependabot configuration file. This enhances the predefined intervals (daily, weekly, and monthly) and provides a more generic and robust solution. This gives Dependabot users the ability to define custom schedules that meet their specific needs.

For help writing a cron expression, try this tool.

To learn more about using cron expressions to schedule Dependabot updates in the dependabot.yml file, check out GitHub’s Dependabot schedule.interval docs.

To engage with the Dependabot community on the topic of cron-based update scheduling, join the conversation.

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Transitive dependencies are now available for Maven

Following the ship of transitive labeling for npm packages, the same capabilities are now available for Maven packages:

  • Dependabot alerts now contain a direct label if they are associated with a package you’ve directly included. In addition, there’s now a relationship:direct filter in the search bar to only show those alerts caused by your direct dependencies.
  • The direct dependency that led to a package’s inclusion in your dependency graph is visible both in the text of any new Dependabot alerts and the dependency insights page (click the … button, then Show options to view it).
  • A repository’s SBOM will contain a relationships section that uses the SPDX relationshipType: DEPENDS_ON field to express the tree of package dependencies. Similarly, the GraphQL API will now return a relationship field with direct, transitive, or unknown values in the DependencyGraphDependency object.

Ability to refresh Dependabot alerts from the list view

In addition to the Maven-specific additions, the Alert Settings menu on Dependabot alert tables now provides a Refresh Dependabot alerts option which will rescan your repository’s manifest files, rebuild its dependency graph, and refresh its open Dependabot alerts.

New 'Refresh Dependabot alerts' option in the Alert Settings menu on the Dependabot alerts page.

Getting started

To get transitive dependency labeling on your repositories, make sure dependency graph is enabled, and either enable Automatic dependency submission on the same settings page or use a dependency submission action. As a beneficial side-effect of this change, other package ecosystems with actions that create transitive dependency trees – such as go – will also now receive transitive and direct labels.

To see the Dependabot labels, you’ll also need to enable Dependabot alerts.

Join the discussion within GitHub Community.

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CodeQL adds support for Java 24 and other improvements in version 2.20.6

CodeQL is the static analysis engine behind GitHub code scanning, which finds and remediates security issues in your code. We’ve recently released CodeQL 2.20.6, which brings support for a new version of Java and a variety of other improvements that improve the accuracy of your code scanning results:

Java

  • CodeQL now supports Java version 24
  • We’ve improved the accuracy of the (java/xss) query when javax.servlet.http.HttpServletResponse is used without an exploitable content type

JavaScript / TypeScript

  • We’ve added support for the response threat model, which can be enabled with advanced setup. When enabled, the response data coming back from an outgoing HTTP request is considered a tainted source.
  • We’ve improved the precision of data flow through arrays and call resolution logic, both resulting in improved analysis results

C/C++

  • We’ve improved the accuracy of the cpp/static-buffer-overflow query, resulting in improved results

C#

  • We’ve improved the precision of the cs/call-to-object-tostring query, resulting in improved analysis results

GitHub Actions (Public Preview)

  • We’ve removed the query actions/unversioned-immutable-action from the public suite of queries, which will close any alerts triggered from it

For a full list of changes, please refer to the complete changelog for version 2.20.6. Every new version of CodeQL is automatically deployed to users of GitHub code scanning on github.com. The new functionality in CodeQL 2.20.6 will also be included in GitHub Enterprise Server (GHES) version 3.17. If you use an older version of GHES, you can manually upgrade your CodeQL version.

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Dependabot grouped security updates generally available

Dependabot grouped security updates are now generally available. This feature automatically groups Dependabot pull requests, lets you specify several additional options to fine tune your groupings.

You can enable grouped security updates for Dependabot at the repository or organization-level. To enable this feature, go to your repository or organization settings page, then go to the Code security and analysis tab, and click “Enable” for grouped security updates (this also requires each affected repository to enable Dependency graph, Dependabot alerts, and Dependabot security updates). When you enable this feature, Dependabot will collect all available security updates in a repository and attempt to open one pull request with all of them, per ecosystem, across directories.

If you would like more granular control over Dependabot’s grouping, you can also configure the dependabot.yml file in a repository to group by any of the following:

  • Package name
  • Dependency type (production vs development)
  • Semver update level (patch, minor, major)

For additional information, check out the Dependabot configuration file documentation.

For GitHub Enterprise Server users, grouped security updates will be available in Version 3.14.

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Mergify is now a GitHub secret scanning partner

We have partnered with Mergify to scan for their tokens to help secure our mutual users in public repositories. Mergify’s API key enables users to interact with Mergify’s API in order to retrieve information on their merge queues. GitHub will forward any exposed API keys found in public repositories to Mergify, who will then revoke the key and notify the key owner. Read more information about Mergify API keys.

GitHub Advanced Security customers can also scan for and block Mergify tokens in their private repositories.
– Learn more about secret scanning
– Partner with GitHub on secret scanning

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Volcengine is now a GitHub secret scanning partner

GitHub secret scanning protects users by searching repositories for known types of secrets. By identifying and flagging these secrets, we help protect users from data leaks and fraud associated with exposed data.

We have partnered with volcengine to scan for their access tokens, which are used for cloud computing services. We’ll forward access tokens found in public repositories to volcengine, who will notify the user by email without making any changes to the tokens. Users can request support for their volcengine API tokens.

We continue to welcome new partners for public repository secret scanning. GitHub Advanced Security customers can also scan their private repositories for leaked secrets.
– Learn more about secret scanning
– Partner with GitHub on secret scanning

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Lightspeed is now a GitHub secret scanning partner

GitHub secret scanning protects users by searching repositories for known types of secrets such as tokens and private keys. By identifying and flagging these secrets, our scans help prevent data leaks and fraud.

We have partnered with Lightspeed to scan for their tokens to help secure our mutual users in public repositories. Lightspeed Retail Personal Tokens enable users to interact with Lightspeed Retail POS programmatically. Read more information about Lightspeed tokens.

GitHub Advanced Security customers can also scan for and block Lightspeed tokens in their private repositories.

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WorkOS is now a GitHub secret scanning partner

GitHub secret scanning protects users by searching repositories for known types of secrets such as tokens and private keys. By identifying and flagging these secrets, our scans help prevent data leaks and fraud.

We have partnered with WorkOS to scan for their tokens to help secure our mutual users in public repositories. WorkOS’ API key enables access to WorkOS’ API for adding Enterprise Ready features to your application. GitHub will forward any exposed API keys found in public repositories to WorkOS, who will then notify admin users on your WorkOS account. Read more information about WorkOS API keys.

GitHub Advanced Security customers can also scan for and block WorkOS tokens in their private repositories.

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CodeQL can scan Java projects without a build

With the 2.16.5 release of CodeQL, we’re introducing a new mechanism for creating a CodeQL database for Java codebases, without relying on a build. This enables organizations to more easily adopt CodeQL for Java projects at scale. Note: this release announcement contains details for users of the CodeQL CLI and advanced setup for code scanning. If you’re using GitHub code scanning default setup (which is powered by the CodeQL engine), this related release announcement will likely contain the information you’re looking for.

Previously, CodeQL required a working build to analyze Java projects. This could either be automatically detected or manually specified. Starting with CodeQL 2.16.5, you can now scan Java code without the need for a build. Our large-scale testing has shown that CodeQL can be successfully enabled for over 90% of Java repos without manual intervention.

This feature is currently in public beta and is accessible to all GitHub.com advanced setup for code scanning and CodeQL CLI users scanning Java code:

  • Repositories using advanced setup for code scanning via workflow files will have the option to choose a build-mode. The default value for newly configured Java repos will be build-mode: none.
  • CodeQL CLI users will not experience any change in the default behaviour, for compatibility with existing workflows. Users that want to enable this feature can now use the --build-mode none option. Generally, we also recommend users set the --build-mode option when using the CLI to make it easier to debug and persist the configuration should default behaviour change at any point in the future.
    codeql database create test_no_build_db --language java --build-mode none
  • Repositories containing a mix of Kotlin and Java code still require a working build for CodeQL analysis.

The new mechanism for scanning Java is available on GitHub.com and in CodeQL CLI 2.16.5. While in public beta, this feature will not be available on GitHub Enterprise Server for default setup or advanced setup for code scanning. As we continue to work on scanning Java projects without the need for working builds, send us your feedback.

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Improvements to security overview insights, secret scanning metrics

Today, we’re releasing a host of new insights to the security overview dashboard, as well as an enhanced secret scanning metrics page.

New dashboard insights

overview dashboard with third-party tools, the trend indicator for age of alerts, and reopened alerts tile highlighted

  • Third-party alerts integration: Beyond GitHub’s own CodeQL, secret scanning, and Dependabot security tools, you can now view alert metrics for third-party tools directly on the overview dashboard. Use tool:[third-party-tool name] to view metrics for a specific third-party security tool, or tool:third-party to view metrics for all third-party security alerts.
  • Reopened alerts tracking: Uncover recurring vulnerabilities with the new reopened alerts metric tile, which identifies vulnerabilities that have resurfaced after being previously resolved. This data point helps assess the long-term effectiveness of your remediation efforts.
  • Trend indicators: Review changes over time with trend indicators for key metrics like age of alerts, mean time to remediate, net resolve rate, and total alert count. These indicators offer a clear view of performance shifts and trends between a given date range and that same range reflected backward in time.
  • Advisories tab: Stay informed with the new advisories table, which details the top 10 alert advisories affecting your organization, including the advisories’ CVE IDs, ecosystems, open alert counts, and severities.

Secret scanning metrics page enhancements

secret scanning metrics page with filter bar highlighted

You can now refine your insights with filters for dates, repository custom properties, teams, and more on the secret scanning metrics page. These new filters empower you to pinpoint specific repositories and view changes over time, enabling a more targeted analysis. Additionally, if you are an organization member, you can now view metrics for the repositories you have access to.

These features are now available as a public beta on GitHub Enterprise Cloud and will be available in GitHub Enterprise Server 3.13.

Learn more about security overview and send us your feedback

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Java projects no longer require a build when using code scanning via default setup

CodeQL, the static analysis engine that powers GitHub code scanning, can now analyze Java projects without needing a build. This enables organizations to more easily roll out CodeQL at scale. This new way of analyzing Java codebases is now enabled by default for GitHub.com users setting up new repositories with default setup for code scanning.

Previously, CodeQL required a working build to analyze Java projects. This could either be automatically detected or manually specified. By removing that requirement, our large-scale testing has shown that CodeQL can be successfully enabled for over 90% of Java repos without manual intervention.

This feature is currently in public beta and is accessible to all users scanning Java code using default setup for code scanning on GitHub.com:

  • Anyone setting up their repo using code scanning default setup will automatically benefit from this new analysis approach.
  • Repositories containing a mix of Kotlin and Java code still require a working build for CodeQL analysis. CodeQL will default to the autobuild build mode to automatically try and detect the right build command.
  • Repositories with an existing code scanning setup will not experience any changes. If code scanning is working for you today it will continue to work as-is, and there is no need to change your configuration.

GitHub.com users using advanced setup for code scanning and users of the CodeQL CLI will be able to analyze Java projects without needing a working build as part of CodeQL CLI version 2.16.5. While in public beta, this feature will not be available for GitHub Enterprise Server. As we continue to work on scanning Java projects without needing a working build, send us your feedback.

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Security overview dashboard: Alert age trends, custom repository and severity filters, and date pickers

Starting today, you can take advantage of the new “age” grouping for the alert trends graph and explore enhanced filter options on the security overview dashboard, aimed at improving your analytical process and security management.

alert trends grouped by age

Explore the dynamics of your security alerts with the new alert age grouping on the alert trends graph. This new functionality offers a refined view into the lifecycle of your security alerts, enabling you to better evaluate the timeliness and effectiveness of your response strategies.

New filter options

repository custom property filter on the security overview page

Leverage enhanced filters to fine-tune your security insights on the overview dashboard:
* Custom repository property filters: With repository custom properties, you can now tag your repositories with descriptive metadata, aiding in efficient organization and analysis across security overview.
* Severity filters: Severity-based filters allow you to concentrate on the vulnerabilities that matter most, streamlining the process of security risk assessment and prioritization.
* Improved date picker controls: Navigate through time with ease using the new date picker options, allowing for quick selection of rolling periods like “Last 14 days,” “Last 30 days,” or “Last 90 days.” Bookmark your preferred time window to keep your analysis current with each visit.

You can access these new functionalities in security overview by navigating to the “Security” tab at the organization level.

These features are now available as a public beta on GitHub Enterprise Cloud and will be available in GitHub Enterprise Server 3.13.

Learn more about security overview and send us your feedback

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Improved error handling for Dependabot updates for NuGet

Dependabot will now fail gracefully with informative error messages when an unsupported NuGet project type is encountered. If you were using an unsupported project type previously, Dependabot might have failed silently without producing updates. Dependabot is able to process updates to NuGet project files in the .csproj, .vbproj, and .fsproj formats.

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