PCI DSS Compliance
Dependency Security for Payment Card Data
PCI DSS v4.0 requires organizations to address security vulnerabilities and secure all system components. Vulnerable dependencies in payment applications directly threaten cardholder data protection.
Overview
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security requirements for organizations that handle payment card data. Version 4.0, released in 2022, places increased emphasis on vulnerability management and software security throughout the application lifecycle. For organizations that develop or deploy payment applications, dependency vulnerabilities represent a critical compliance gap. A single vulnerable package in an e-commerce platform, payment gateway, or point-of-sale system could expose cardholder data and result in significant fines, loss of processing privileges, and reputational damage. PCI DSS v4.0 introduces new requirements around software composition and supply chain security: - Requirement 6 mandates addressing all known vulnerabilities - Requirement 11 requires regular vulnerability testing - New customized approach allows flexibility in meeting controls The standard also emphasizes risk-based prioritization, with critical and high-severity vulnerabilities requiring faster remediation. DepShield's CVSS scoring and CISA KEV integration directly support this risk-based approach. Organizations pursuing PCI DSS compliance must demonstrate systematic vulnerability identification and remediation processes. DepShield provides the tooling to satisfy these requirements with documented evidence suitable for QSA assessments.
Key Requirements & How DepShield Helps
Software Inventory and Vulnerability Management
An inventory of bespoke and custom software, and third-party software components incorporated into bespoke and custom software, is maintained to facilitate vulnerability and patch management.
How DepShield helps: DepShield generates CycloneDX 1.5 compliant SBOMs documenting all third-party components. This creates a comprehensive inventory for vulnerability tracking and patch management.
Vulnerability Identification
Security vulnerabilities are identified and managed through establishing a process to identify security vulnerabilities using reputable outside sources for vulnerability information.
How DepShield helps: DepShield queries the OSV database and cross-references CISA KEV, using authoritative vulnerability sources. Scans can be run on-demand or integrated into development workflows.
Vulnerability Prioritization and Remediation
All vulnerabilities are addressed based on risk defined by the entity, with critical or high-security vulnerabilities addressed more quickly.
How DepShield helps: DepShield provides risk-based prioritization using CVSS scores and CISA KEV flagging. Actively exploited vulnerabilities are surfaced first, enabling faster remediation of highest-risk issues.
Internal Vulnerability Scans
Internal vulnerability scans are performed at least once every three months and after any significant change.
How DepShield helps: DepShield enables on-demand dependency scanning for internal applications. Evidence trails document scan dates and results for quarterly compliance verification.
Risk Assessment
A targeted risk analysis is performed for each PCI DSS requirement to determine how frequently activities must be performed.
How DepShield helps: Vulnerability severity data and exploitation status (KEV) support risk analysis for security activities. This data helps determine appropriate scanning frequency and remediation timelines.
Benefits for PCI DSS Compliance
Generate software inventory documentation for Requirement 6.2.4
Use authoritative vulnerability sources (OSV, CISA KEV) for 6.3.1
Enable risk-based prioritization with CVSS and exploitation data
Document vulnerability scanning activities for QSA assessments
Track remediation progress with before/after scan comparisons
Support quarterly scanning requirements with timestamped evidence
Stay ahead of compliance risks
Get notified when new vulnerabilities are discovered that could impact your PCI DSS compliance posture.
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