dep-scan
dep-scan is an open-source Python tool that identifies known vulnerabilities, license risks, and supply-chain threats in application dependencies and container images. It performs local scanning without requiring external servers and supports multiple languages and package managers.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | owasp-dep-scan/dep-scan |
| Owner | owasp-dep-scan |
| Primary language | Python |
| License | MIT — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 1.3k |
| Forks | 131 |
| Open issues | 89 |
| Latest release | v6.2.0 (2026-05-08) |
| Last updated | 2026-05-27 |
| Source | https://github.com/owasp-dep-scan/dep-scan |
What dep-scan is
A dependency audit tool that generates SBOMs via CycloneDX, performs reachability analysis to identify exploitable code paths, consults CVE/OSV/NVD/GitHub Advisory databases, and optionally analyzes package risk metrics (maintenance, typosquatting, dependency confusion). Runs locally or as a server; integrates with CI/CD and ASPM platforms.
Get the dep-scan source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/owasp-dep-scan/dep-scan.gitcd dep-scan# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Install base package (pip install owasp-depscan) for core scanning; optional 'all' variant adds server mode and extra extensions but introduces multiple transitive licenses—review before production.
- Reachability analysis accuracy depends on language/framework support (documented at readthedocs); Java and JavaScript examples provided, but other languages may have variable coverage.
- Configure vulnerability data sources (OSV, NVD, GitHub, npm, Linux vuln-list) and ensure network access or periodic offline updates in air-gapped environments.
- Risk audit mode (npm-only, slow) requires additional configuration; weighting for dependency confusion and maintenance metrics must be tuned per organizational threat model.
- PDF and custom report templates require Jinja2 or similar templating knowledge; output formats include JSON, HTML, and CSAF 2.0 VEX.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Real-time vulnerability data freshness is critical — Tool relies on periodic updates to vulnerability databases (OSV, NVD). Zero-day disclosure latency depends on upstream data source refresh cycles—not suitable for immediate threat response.
- Proprietary/closed-source dependency discovery — Designed for manifest-based and open-source dependency resolution. Private package registries require manual configuration; internal binary artifact scanning is limited.
- Seamless integration with commercial ASPM platforms needed out-of-box — While tool generates standard SBOM/VEX, specific ASPM platform connectors may require custom work. Verify compatibility with your target orchestration platform.
- Minimal operational overhead required — Requires Python environment setup, external tooling (cdxgen, optional extensions), and vulnerability database maintenance. Server mode adds infrastructure overhead.
License & commercial use
Primary distribution under MIT License (permissive, allows commercial use with attribution). Optional 'all' extras variant includes multiple transitive dependencies; full license audit of that distribution is required before enterprise deployment.
MIT License permits commercial use, modification, and distribution without royalty or proprietary constraints. However, verify transitive dependency licenses if using the optional 'all' variant (server mode + extensions). Requires review before claiming full commercial support or bundling.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Strong |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Moderate |
| DEV.co fit | Strong |
| Assessment confidence | High |
Tool is designed for security scanning but is not itself a security product requiring external audit. Operates locally on source/container images; no data transmission to external services (unless GitHub Advisory or OSV are explicitly configured). Vulnerability database accuracy depends on upstream sources. Review code execution context when running in privilege-escalated environments (e.g., container scanning as root). Upstream transitive dependencies in 'all' variant should be assessed for known vulnerabilities.
Alternatives to consider
Snyk
Commercial SaaS with real-time vulnerability intelligence, IDE integration, and managed policy enforcement. Requires internet connectivity and subscription; centralizes risk management but trades privacy for convenience.
Trivy (Aqua Security)
Lightweight, open-source scanner (Go-based) for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and secrets in images and repos. Faster startup; narrower feature set (no reachability analysis); excellent for container-focused CI pipelines.
OWASP Dependency-Check
Mature open-source alternative supporting multiple languages with local scanning. No reachability analysis or advanced risk audit; simpler deployment but less sophisticated prioritization.
Build on dep-scan with DEV.co software developers
Start with a local scan of your project to identify vulnerable dependencies and license risks. Review reachability analysis results and integration options before CI/CD rollout.
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dep-scan FAQ
Does dep-scan send data to external servers?
How often is vulnerability data updated?
Which languages and package managers are supported?
What is reachability analysis and why does it matter?
Custom software development services
DEV.co helps companies turn open-source tools like dep-scan into production software. Our software development services cover the full lifecycle — architecture, web development, integration, and maintenance — delivered by software developers and web developers who ship. Engage our software development agency to implement or customize it for your open-source security stack.
Evaluate dep-scan for your supply-chain security
Start with a local scan of your project to identify vulnerable dependencies and license risks. Review reachability analysis results and integration options before CI/CD rollout.