CodeQL Version 2205: New Features and Enhancements in Static Code Analysis

GitHub has released CodeQL version 2.20.5, bringing a host of new updates designed to improve security and detection capabilities. This latest update focuses on extending support for C 13, enhancing Java analysis with new vulnerability detection, and updating Go analysis for better performance. Let’s dive into the key improvements and how they enhance code security, enabling developers to detect and address potential vulnerabilities with greater accuracy.

Key Improvements in CodeQL 2.20.5

CodeQL, the static analysis engine behind

C 13 Support: Full support for C 13 and .NET 9 has been added, improving alert detection and reducing false negatives.
Java Analysis Enhancements: New capabilities for detecting Cross Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities have been introduced, particularly focusing on HTTP request types vulnerable to cross-site requests.
Go 1.24 Support: CodeQL now supports the latest Go version, bringing improvements to the language’s detection capabilities and minimizing false negative results.
GitHub Actions Workflow Files: Enhanced detection capabilities for GitHub Actions workflow files, strengthening the overall security of CI/CD pipelines.

These updates are automatically deployed for users of GitHub code scanning on GitHub.com and will also be included in GitHub Enterprise Server (GHES) version 3.17. For those using older versions of GHES, the update can be manually applied.

What Undercode Says: A Closer Look at CodeQL Version 2.20.5

CodeQL’s latest release signals a significant step forward in the evolution of static code analysis. The enhancements in version 2.20.5 emphasize GitHub’s commitment to improving security across multiple programming languages and development environments. By integrating new language features and improving vulnerability detection, this update brings essential benefits for developers, security teams, and enterprises alike.

One of the most notable improvements is the extended support for C 13 and .NET 9. These updates are crucial because they enable more precise detection of potential security issues within C applications. As C 13 introduces several new features, the ability to analyze these features effectively ensures that developers can identify vulnerabilities before they become a threat. This enhancement addresses a growing concern in the developer community about false negatives, which can leave critical security holes undetected. With this update, the chances of missing important issues are greatly reduced.

On the Java front, CodeQL has added new detection capabilities to identify Cross Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities. CSRF attacks, which trick users into making unintended requests on trusted websites, remain a common and dangerous vulnerability. CodeQL’s new analysis tools ensure that developers can now catch these vulnerabilities earlier in the development cycle, thus strengthening the security of web applications. This addition is part of a broader trend in static analysis tools that aim to improve coverage for web-related vulnerabilities.

Go 1.24 support is another major update in this release. The Go programming language has grown increasingly popular for building secure, scalable web applications. However, as the language evolves, it becomes essential for security tools to keep pace. With CodeQL 2.20.5, developers using Go 1.24 will benefit from better detection of security issues and more accurate analysis of their code. As Go continues to gain adoption in enterprise environments, having robust support for its latest features becomes vital for maintaining secure applications.

Additionally, the update introduces enhanced detection capabilities for GitHub Actions workflow files. This is especially important for developers utilizing continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. These pipelines are crucial for modern software development, but they can also introduce security risks if not properly configured. By improving the ability to detect vulnerabilities in workflow files, CodeQL helps ensure that security is built into the development process from the start.

Fact Checker Results

C 13 and .NET 9 Support: Accurate; improved analysis of new language features in C 13.
Java CSRF Detection: Valid; CSRF vulnerabilities are commonly targeted, and this update addresses them.
Go 1.24 Support: True; CodeQL now supports the latest Go version, enhancing security analysis.

In conclusion, CodeQL version 2.20.5 is a significant release that bolsters security for a wide range of developers and programming languages. By expanding its detection capabilities and addressing new language features, GitHub continues to enhance the effectiveness of its code scanning tools.

References:

Reported By: https://github.blog/changelog/2025-02-28-mobile-monthly-februarys-general-availability-and-more
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