Polyfill.io Injects Malicious Code on 100K Sites From Chinese Parent

When the popular web service Polyfill.io was purchased by a foreign entity, the project's developer issued a stark warning: he never owned the Polyfill.io site and advised all websites to cease using it immediately to mitigate the risk of a potential supply chain attack. In response to these concerns, reputable companies like Cloudflare and Fastly stepped in to set up their mirrors of the Polyfill.io service, providing websites with trusted alternatives.

Supply chain security has become a significant focus in the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of knowing where your software comes from and who owns it. It is crucial to identify the entities with controlling or vested interests in the software you rely on. This awareness ensures that you understand the security risks associated with software dependencies and helps you make informed decisions to protect your digital assets. Ultimately, the key lies in knowing who controls the software you use.

Keywords

Polyfill.io
Supply chain attack
Cloudflare
Fastly
Supply chain security
Software ownership
Digital assets

FAQ

Q: What is Polyfill.io? A: Polyfill.io is a web service that allows developers to load polyfills selectively based on the user's browser.

Q: Why was there a warning issued about Polyfill.io? A: The project's developer warned that he never owned the Polyfill.io site after its purchase by a foreign entity, and advised immediate removal from websites to prevent potential supply chain attacks.

Q: What is a supply chain attack? A: A supply chain attack involves compromising the software supply chain to inject malicious code or fraudulent software updates, potentially causing widespread damage.

Q: Who provided trusted alternatives to the original Polyfill.io service? A: Cloudflare and Fastly set up their mirrors for the Polyfill.io service to offer websites a trusted and secure alternative.

Q: Why is supply chain security important? A: Supply chain security is critical because it helps protect digital assets by ensuring that software dependencies are secure and controlled by trusted entities.

Q: How can one mitigate risks associated with software dependencies? A: By identifying and verifying the ownership and vested interests in software, understanding the security practices of suppliers, and using reputable providers, you can mitigate risks associated with software dependencies.