SBOM Analysis

Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) Analysis is a reconnaissance sub-technique within Application Dependencies Mapping where attackers analyze SBOM files to identify vulnerable dependencies in target applications. SBOMs, which document all components and dependencies in software packages, have become more prevalent due to regulatory requirements and supply chain security initiatives. Attackers leverage these inventory documents to map the application's dependency structure, identify outdated or vulnerable components, and discover specific library versions with known security flaws. By comparing SBOM contents against vulnerability databases (like NVD or OSV), attackers can precisely target exploitable dependencies without needing direct access to the application's source code. Organizations that publish SBOMs for compliance or transparency inadvertently provide attackers with a detailed blueprint of potential attack vectors, making this an efficient early-stage reconnaissance method that requires minimal probing of the target system itself.