The Hidden Risk of Open Source: How HeroDevs Secures End-of-Life Software

Open-source software (OSS) powers modern applications, but a new report from Black Duck exposes a sobering reality: 86 percent of commercial codebases contain vulnerable open-source components. Worse, 81 percent include high- or critical-risk vulnerabilities. This is a wake-up call for businesses relying on OSS—especially for applications running end-of-life (EOL) software that no longer receives security patches.

At HeroDevs, we specialize in securing and maintaining EOL OSS to prevent these very risks. Our Never-Ending Support (NES) initiative ensures that businesses do not have to choose between security and stability. This article breaks down the key takeaways from the 2025 Open Source Security and Risk Analysis Report (OSSRA) and how HeroDevs addresses these pressing issues.

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Key Takeaways from the Black Duck Report

Outdated Components Are Everywhere

• 90 percent of codebases contain open-source components that are over four years out of date.
• 50 percent of codebases contain software at least 10 versions behind the latest release.

Why this is a problem

Once a framework or library reaches end-of-life (EOL), it stops receiving security patches, exposing organizations to vulnerabilities. Many businesses remain dependent on outdated open-source software like Vue 2, AngularJS, Express.js 3, and Node.js 16, which continue to be widely used despite lacking official support.

Adding to the risk, most organizations also rely on transitive dependencies—indirect libraries that their software pulls in automatically. The Log4Shell and Equifax breaches proved how dangerous these hidden risks can be when left unpatched.

How HeroDevs helps:

We provide long-term security and compatibility patches for EOL frameworks, protecting them against new vulnerabilities. Some examples include:

• Vue 2 NES: Fixes vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-6783, an XSS flaw in the Vue 2 template compiler.
• Node.js NES: Upgrades Node 16’s security by integrating OpenSSL 3 for enhanced cryptographic protection.
• Express.js NES: Keeps legacy Express.js applications compliant with SOC 2, FedRAMP, and HIPAA.
• And more...

By addressing vulnerabilities before they are exploited, we help businesses stay ahead of attackers.

Compliance and Security Standards Are Evolving

• The European Cyber Resilience Act mandates stricter software security and regular vulnerability disclosures.
• Sixty percent of enterprises now require an SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) from their vendors to track vulnerabilities in dependencies.

Why this is a problem:

Organizations using unmaintained OSS risk non-compliance with regulatory frameworks like GDPR, FedRAMP, and HIPAA.

How HeroDevs helps:

• Our NES products include SBOM support, helping businesses track vulnerabilities and remain compliant.
• We align with global security regulations to ensure EOL software remains compliant with evolving laws.

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The Cost of Ignoring End-of-Life Open Source Software

The Black Duck OSSRA report makes it clear: most businesses are unknowingly running outdated and vulnerable open-source software. But ignoring these risks can have serious consequences.

Financial and Security Risks of EOL Software

1. Data Breaches and Cyberattacks
   
   • Attackers specifically target unpatched vulnerabilities in outdated software.
   • The average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, with regulatory fines adding to the financial impact.
2. Regulatory and Compliance Failures
   
   • Non-compliance with SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA can result in significant fines and loss of customer trust.
   • Many compliance standards require active security patching, making EOL software a liability.
3. Operational Downtime and Business Disruptions
   
   • Running outdated software increases the risk of system failures, outages, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
   • Organizations relying on legacy applications cannot afford unplanned downtime due to security vulnerabilities.

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Why HeroDevs is the Authority on Securing EOL Open Source

For many organizations, replacing legacy software is not an option due to cost, complexity, and system dependencies. HeroDevs provides a proactive solution by ensuring that EOL software remains secure, compliant, and functional for as long as businesses need it.

What HeroDevs Offers

• Security Fixes: We patch vulnerabilities in EOL OSS before they become attack vectors.
• Regulatory Compliance: Our solutions help businesses meet SOC 2, FedRAMP, and HIPAA requirements.
• Long-Term Support: We ensure that critical legacy OSS frameworks like Vue 2, Node.js, Express.js, and Spring Boot remain stable and secure indefinitely.

With HeroDevs, businesses can continue using the software they depend on without the security and compliance risks of EOL OSS.

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Take Action: Secure Your Legacy OSS Today

The threat landscape is growing, but ignoring EOL software is not an option. If your organization relies on Vue 2, Node.js 16, Express.js, or other outdated frameworks, let HeroDevs help you eliminate vulnerabilities and maintain compliance.

Contact us today to learn more about how our Never-Ending Support (NES) solutions can keep your applications secure.

Visit HeroDevs to learn more.