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GitHub Administration: What Information Should Be Included in GitHub Security Advisory?

Learn about the critical components of a GitHub security advisory, including the affected product and severity level, to effectively communicate vulnerabilities and protect your projects.

Table of Contents

Question

Which two pieces of information should be included in a security advisory?

A. Product affected and severity.
B. Severity and exposure list.
C. Administrator name and severity.
D. Exposures list and administrator name.

Answer

A. Product affected and severity.

Explanation

A security advisory should be comprehensive, including the following information: product and versions affected, severity, types of security weaknesses addressed by the project owners’ actions, impact, status of patches, and workarounds.

When creating a security advisory on GitHub, it is essential to include two key pieces of information: the affected product and the severity level of the vulnerability.

  1. Product Affected: Clearly specify the product, package, or component that is impacted by the security vulnerability. This information helps users and maintainers quickly identify if their projects are affected and take necessary actions. Be specific about the product name, version numbers, or any other relevant details that narrow down the scope of the vulnerability. This avoids confusion and allows for targeted remediation efforts.
  2. Severity: Indicate the severity level of the vulnerability using a standardized rating system, such as the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). The severity level communicates the potential impact and urgency of the vulnerability. It helps prioritize the response and informs users about the level of risk associated with the issue. Common severity levels include critical, high, medium, and low, each reflecting a different degree of potential harm or exploitation risk.

Including the affected product and severity level in a security advisory provides crucial information for users, maintainers, and the wider community. These details enable them to assess the impact on their projects, prioritize patching or mitigation efforts, and make informed decisions about their dependencies and security posture.

It’s important to note that other information, such as a detailed description of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and any available fixes or workarounds, should also be included in the security advisory. However, specifying the affected product and severity level are the two most critical pieces of information that should always be present to effectively communicate and manage security vulnerabilities on GitHub.

By including these essential details in your security advisories, you demonstrate a commitment to transparency, responsible disclosure, and the overall security of the GitHub ecosystem.

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