---
title: "Artifact provenance"
description: "Artifact provenance is verifiable information about where a software artifact came from and how it was built. It works like a chain of custody,…"
canonical_url: "https://cloudsmith.com/resources/glossary/artifact-provenance"
last_updated: "2026-10-16T14:52:04Z"
---
# Artifact provenance

## What Is Artifact Provenance?

Artifact provenance is verifiable information about where a software artifact came from and how it was built. It works like a chain of custody, showing the source, the build process and the people or systems involved.

## What Provenance Records Contain

A provenance record typically captures:

- The source repository and commit
- The build system and its configuration
- Input dependencies and their versions
- A cryptographic signature from the builder

The signature is what makes the record trustworthy.

## Why Artifact Provenance Matters

A build can be tampered with after the code is reviewed. Provenance lets consumers confirm an artifact came from the expected source and pipeline. Frameworks such as SLSA use provenance as a core requirement, and it supports audits and incident response.

## Provenance vs SBOM

```json
{
  "_key": "a6d17fde-e69",
  "_type": "tableBlock",
  "firstRowIsHeader": true,
  "markDefs": null,
  "table": {
    "rows": [
      {
        "_key": "8b982776-512",
        "_type": "tableRow",
        "cells": [
          "Term",
          "Answers"
        ]
      },
      {
        "_key": "289ba960-0de",
        "_type": "tableRow",
        "cells": [
          "Provenance",
          "Where did this artifact come from and how was it built?"
        ]
      },
      {
        "_key": "5bf0c4b6-804",
        "_type": "tableRow",
        "cells": [
          "SBOM",
          "What components are inside this artifact?"
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}
```

## Final Thought

Provenance replaces assumption with evidence. It lets you trust software because you can verify it.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is provenance the same as code signing?

No. Signing proves who published an artifact, while provenance also describes how and from what it was built.

### What is SLSA?

SLSA is a security framework with levels of build integrity, and provenance is central to its requirements.

### Who creates provenance?

The build system should generate it automatically, so it cannot be edited by the person who wrote the code.

### Can provenance be forged?

It is hard to forge when signed by a trusted, isolated builder. Weak or self-reported provenance offers less assurance.

### Does provenance apply to container images?

Yes. It applies to any artifact, including packages, binaries and container images.