Software Security Mapping Framework: Operationalization of Security Requirements

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Lee, Sung Une, Dong, Liming, Xing, Zhenchang, Ahmed, Muhammad Ejaz, Avgoustakis, Stefan
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Lee, Sung Une
Dong, Liming
Xing, Zhenchang
Ahmed, Muhammad Ejaz
Avgoustakis, Stefan
author_facet Lee, Sung Une
Dong, Liming
Xing, Zhenchang
Ahmed, Muhammad Ejaz
Avgoustakis, Stefan
contents The escalating complexity of modern software development environments has heightened concerns around supply chain security. However, existing frameworks often fall short in translating abstract security principles into concrete, actionable practices. This paper introduces the Software Security Mapping Framework, a structured solution designed to operationalize security requirements across hierarchical levels -- from high-level regulatory standards (e.g., ISM, Australia cybersecurity standard published by the Australian Signals Directorate), through mid-level frameworks (e.g., NIST SSDF, the U.S. Secure Software Development Framework), to fine-grained technical activities (e.g., SLSA, a software supply chain security framework). Developed through collaborative research with academic experts and industry practitioners, the framework systematically maps 131 refined security requirements to over 400 actionable operational steps spanning the software development lifecycle. It is grounded in four core security goals: Secure Software Environment, Secure Software Development, Software Traceability, and Vulnerability Management. Our approach leverages the KAOS goal modeling methodology to establish traceable linkages between strategic goals and tactical operations, enhancing clarity, accountability, and practical implementation. To facilitate adoption, we provide a web-based navigation tool for interactive exploration of the framework. A real-world case study based on the Log4j vulnerability illustrates the framework's utility by generating a tailored checklist aligned with industry best practices. Additionally, we offer a structured, machine-readable OSCAL Catalog Model of the Software Security Mapping Framework, enabling organizations to automate implementation, streamline compliance processes, and respond effectively to evolving security risks.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2506_11051
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Software Security Mapping Framework: Operationalization of Security Requirements
Lee, Sung Une
Dong, Liming
Xing, Zhenchang
Ahmed, Muhammad Ejaz
Avgoustakis, Stefan
Software Engineering
The escalating complexity of modern software development environments has heightened concerns around supply chain security. However, existing frameworks often fall short in translating abstract security principles into concrete, actionable practices. This paper introduces the Software Security Mapping Framework, a structured solution designed to operationalize security requirements across hierarchical levels -- from high-level regulatory standards (e.g., ISM, Australia cybersecurity standard published by the Australian Signals Directorate), through mid-level frameworks (e.g., NIST SSDF, the U.S. Secure Software Development Framework), to fine-grained technical activities (e.g., SLSA, a software supply chain security framework). Developed through collaborative research with academic experts and industry practitioners, the framework systematically maps 131 refined security requirements to over 400 actionable operational steps spanning the software development lifecycle. It is grounded in four core security goals: Secure Software Environment, Secure Software Development, Software Traceability, and Vulnerability Management. Our approach leverages the KAOS goal modeling methodology to establish traceable linkages between strategic goals and tactical operations, enhancing clarity, accountability, and practical implementation. To facilitate adoption, we provide a web-based navigation tool for interactive exploration of the framework. A real-world case study based on the Log4j vulnerability illustrates the framework's utility by generating a tailored checklist aligned with industry best practices. Additionally, we offer a structured, machine-readable OSCAL Catalog Model of the Software Security Mapping Framework, enabling organizations to automate implementation, streamline compliance processes, and respond effectively to evolving security risks.
title Software Security Mapping Framework: Operationalization of Security Requirements
topic Software Engineering
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.11051