ISO 27001 guided implementation

Client

OpenSocial is a leading open-source community software company specializing in building internal social networks for organizations like the European Commission, Greenpeace International, and Adidas. They offer support, installation services, and custom module development, empowering organizations to enhance collaboration and communication through tailored community platforms.

The Challenge

• Security Vulnerabilities in Open-Source Platform: OpenSocial’s Drupal-based platform required thorough security assessments to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities inherent in open-source environments.
• Need for Developer-Level Penetration Testing: The complexity of their platform necessitated penetration testing from a developer’s perspective, including independent deployment, in-depth code reviews, and debugging.
• Multi-Level Vulnerability Identification: They needed to uncover vulnerabilities across various layers—application code, configurations, and deployment setups.
• Iterative Testing and Remediation Process: Multiple testing cycles were essential to ensure all vulnerabilities were identified, fixed, and verified effectively.
• Requirement for Security Attestation: To assure their high-profile clients, they required formal documentation certifying the security enhancements and successful remediation.

The Solution

Iterasec provided tailored cybersecurity services to address these challenges:

• Penetration Testing: Conducted comprehensive security assessments of OpenSocial’s Drupal-based platform, focusing on vulnerabilities specific to open-source and Drupal environments. This included:
  • Independent Deployment: Deployed the system in a controlled environment to replicate client scenarios.
  • Developer-Level Analysis: Approached testing from a developer’s perspective to gain deep insights into the platform’s inner workings.
  • In-Depth Code Review and Debugging: Performed thorough code reviews and debugging to identify hidden vulnerabilities, especially in custom modules and configurations.
• Iterative Testing and Remediation:
  • Multiple Testing Cycles: Engaged in 2-3 cycles of penetration testing.
  • Collaboration with Development Team: Worked closely with OpenSocial’s developers to address identified vulnerabilities promptly.
  • Verification of Fixes: Re-tested the platform to ensure all vulnerabilities were resolved and no new issues were introduced.
• Security Attestation: Issued a formal attestation letter confirming that comprehensive penetration testing was conducted and all identified vulnerabilities were fixed, providing assurance to OpenSocial’s clients.

The Results

• Secured Platform: Critical vulnerabilities were identified and resolved, significantly enhancing the security of OpenSocial’s platform.
• Increased Client Trust: The security attestation boosted confidence among existing and prospective clients, especially high-profile organizations.
• Improved Development Practices: OpenSocial integrated secure coding practices into their development lifecycle based on insights gained during the project.
• Strengthened Security Culture: The company fostered a culture of continuous security awareness and improvement within the organization.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive approach enabled OpenSocial to strengthen their platform’s security, ensuring they could confidently serve high-profile clients. By addressing technical vulnerabilities and collaborating closely with their development team, we contributed to their long-term success and reputation in the industry.