EOL Open Source Software Needs a Check Engine Light

If your car needs maintenance, it tells you.

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Why doesn’t unsupported open source software work the same way?

When open-source software reaches end-of-life (EOL), it essentially becomes abandonware—no more security patches, no official updates, and no guarantee that it will continue working with modern systems. For businesses and developers still relying on these outdated versions, this creates serious security, compliance, and functionality risks. Attackers actively target EOL software because vulnerabilities remain unpatched, leading to potential data breaches, regulatory violations, and system failures. Without a clear notification system, users often continue using obsolete software unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface.

However, if open-source software had a check engine light system, users could instantly gauge risk levels. Instead of quietly dropping support, projects could mark old versions with clear, escalating warnings—just like a car does.

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The Wild West Of Open Source Software

Open source software often rides into its end-of-life (EOL) sunset without much fanfare — a tap of the hat or a “thanks for the memories” final commit.

And there’s a good reason: unlike big companies that have the resources to analyze and strategize into the future, much of open source is managed by individual contributors. A 2015 study of popular GitHub projects found that nearly two-thirds had just one or two maintainers. Planning a thorough EOL roadmap with detailed documentation is often just not doable.

For users, this creates an unstable and unsustainable system. Without continued maintenance, vulnerabilities pile up, leaving user data exposed to potential breaches. Businesses relying on these projects face mounting security and compliance risks, often without realizing it. And since there’s no structured transition plan, organizations are left scrambling for alternatives when critical components suddenly stop receiving support.

This quickly becomes bad news for everyone involved. But should open source software continue to issue security notices and vulnerability alerts for legacy software, years after support has ended?

Node.js did it, and everyone else should too.

Node.js recently introduced a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifier specifically for the use of EOL versions under CWE-1104: "Use of Unmaintained Third Party Components." 

This approach is a crucial step toward making software security more transparent and manageable. Without a standardized way to signal risk, outdated dependencies often linger unnoticed in production systems, exposing organizations to silent threats. Developers may unknowingly pull in unmaintained libraries, and security teams struggle to track which components pose a danger. By introducing a universal identifier, Node.js is setting a precedent for other projects to follow—turning hidden risks into clearly visible warnings that organizations can act on before they become security incidents.

It’s like a check engine light for their unsupported versions with a clear, universal warning for users. 

Here’s what this approach unlocks:

• Automated Alerts: Vulnerability scanning tools can now flag EOL versions, ensuring they don’t slip through the cracks.
• Compliance Awareness: For industries with strict regulations, this transparency makes it easier to track and address risks.
• Risk Visibility: Security teams gain the ability to assess and document risks tied to outdated software.
• Vendor Accountability: Organizations can better scrutinize third-party vendors who rely on unsupported open source.

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A Proactive Approach

The brilliance of Node.js's move is its simplicity. Rather than letting EOL versions quietly fall off the radar, they’re taking a proactive stance to warn users. It’s an acknowledgment that while old software might still work, it carries risks that can’t be ignored.

This isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessary shift for open source. When EOL software is labeled properly, everyone benefits: developers, organizations, and the broader community. It’s time for all open-source projects to follow suit and give outdated versions the "check engine" light they deserve.

But this is just one piece of the puzzle. To build a truly sustainable web ecosystem, the open-source community must rethink how software lifecycles are managed. Projects need better funding models to support long-term maintenance, organizations must take responsibility for the dependencies they rely on, and developers should prioritize contributing back to the tools they use. Businesses can also help by sponsoring maintainers, adopting extended support solutions, and actively planning for technology transitions instead of waiting for EOL deadlines to force their hand.

Open source thrives on collaboration, and sustainability should be no different. By pushing for better visibility, structured end-of-life planning, and ongoing investment in critical software, we can ensure that the technologies we depend on remain secure, reliable, and built for the long haul.