Post-Compilation Scanning

Post-compilation scanning is the process of analyzing software artifacts, such as binaries, executables, containers, and libraries, after they’ve been built, to detect vulnerabilities, malicious code, or unauthorized changes that source-level scanning might miss.

While source code and dependency scans are essential, attackers often introduce risks during or after the build process. Post-compilation scanning catches:

• Obfuscated malware inserted after the code review stage
• Misconfigurations or embedded secrets in compiled packages
• Threats hidden in third-party components or opaque libraries

It adds an essential layer of verification before software is signed, released, or deployed.

Post-compilation scanning tools examine compiled artifacts using:

• Static analysis of binary and bytecode structure
• Heuristics and rule-based detection (e.g., YARA rules)
• Entropy and packing analysis to spot obfuscation
• Metadata extraction (e.g., digital signatures, build timestamps, libraries)
• Threat intelligence correlation to flag known indicators of compromise

These tools can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines or run as part of a secure release gate

• Detects Supply Chain Threats missed by SAST/SCA tools
• Enhances Product Security Assurance for regulators and customers
• Validates Software Provenance before signing and distribution
• Improves Risk Transparencyfor software buyers and auditors

• Enforce scanning of all release candidates before signing
• Detect mismatches between declared and actual components in SBOMs
• Block deployments of artifacts flagged with malware or suspicious behaviors
• Use it as a validation step during procurement or vendor onboarding

• Malware Detection in Build Outputs from third-party CI pipelines
• Validating Software from External Vendors before integration
• Securing Open-Source Releasesfor distribution through public repos

• Should include support for a wide range of file types and architectures
• Must operate at speed and scale for integration into automated pipelines
• Consider combining with runtime analysis and binary SBOM for full coverage
• Valuable even when the source code is not available or trusted