Application security testing involves examining applications to discover potential security weaknesses that malicious individuals could exploit. This process is crucial for aiding developers in constructing safer applications. Developers require tools that can assist them in generating secure code, and this is where Application Security tools become significant.
In this blog, we’ll be discussing the three most widely used tools used to test the security of applications namely Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST), Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), and Static Application Security Testing (SAST). Moreover, we’ll discuss how IAST is Simplifying the choice between DAST and SAST.
IAST is an emerging technology that is rapidly transforming the way application security testing is done but before we dive into IAST let’s discuss more primitive methods like SAST and DAST to understand the working and their limitations and how IAST can overcome those limitations.
What is DAST & SAST?
SAST (Static Application Security Testing)
Gartner defines SAST as “A set of technologies designed to analyze application source code, byte code, and binaries for coding and design conditions indicative of security vulnerabilities”.
In SAST, the code of an application is scanned when it is not actively running. It is usually used during the coding and testing phases of making applications. This helps programmers to find mistakes and vulnerabilities in their code. The main goal is either to comply with rules and regulations or to get a clearer picture of the application’s risk. Commonly used tools include Chackmarx, Veracode, Fortify, etc. Here’s an elaborate view of the whole process:
- Source Code Analysis:
- Developers write or update code for an application
- SAST tools analyze the source code, identifying potential security vulnerabilities
- Code Scanning:
- SAST tools perform automated code scanning without executing the application
- Vulnerability Identification:
- SAST tools generate a report listing identified vulnerabilities
- Review and Remediation:
- Development and security teams review the SAST report
- Re-Scan and Verification:
- After remediation, the code is re-scanned to ensure vulnerabilities have been addressed
- Reporting and Compliance:
- A final SAST report is generated, documenting the vulnerabilities identified and their status
DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)
Gartner defines DAST as “A set of technologies designed to detect conditions indicative of a security vulnerability in an application in its running state”.
In DAST, the tool operates by pretending to be a harmful attacker and testing an application with automated attacks. It tries to uncover unexpected results that attackers might exploit. DAST tools act like outsiders because they don’t know the app’s inside details or code. They attack similarly to real hackers, using only what’s commonly known about the app. Commonly used tools include Burp suite, OWASP ZAP, Nessus, etc.Here’s an elaborate view of the whole process:
- Application Deployment:
- The application is deployed to a test environment or staging server
- DAST Scanning Configuration:
- DAST tools are configured to scan the target URL(s) of the application
- Scan Execution:
- DAST tools perform automated scans by interacting with the running application
- They simulate real-world attacks, such as injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and security misconfigurations
- Traffic Analysis:
- DAST tools analyze the application’s responses, looking for anomalies and vulnerabilities
- Vulnerability Identification:
- DAST tools generate a report listing identified vulnerabilities
- Review and Remediation:
- Development and security teams review the DAST report
- Re-Scan and Verification:
- After remediation, the application is re-scanned to confirm that vulnerabilities have been mitigated
- Reporting and Compliance:
- A final DAST report is generated, documenting the vulnerabilities identified and their status
DAST vs SAST
The basic differences between DAST & SAST are DAST focuses on spotting possible security issues in live apps, while SAST examines stored, not-running code from within organizations. DAST uses an outside-in approach while SAST uses an inside-out approach.
As DAST doesn’t have any access to the code so its limitation includes mostly vulnerabilities in the source code:
- Limited Code Insights
- False Positives/Negatives
- Late Detection
- Incomplete coverage
As SAST doesn’t have any access to the running application so its limitation includes mostly problems faced during the run-time of the application:
- Lack of Context
- Complex Code Interactions
- Resource-Intensive
- Code Complexity
IAST & Why do we need it?
Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) functions by blending features from both SAST and DAST. This fusion allows for a precise evaluation of vulnerabilities in real-time.
Why it is better than DAST & SAST?
IAST tools are integrated within the application’s source code or run-time environment. During application use or testing, these tools monitor its behavior, including how data flows through the code and how it responds to various inputs. Concurrently, the IAST tool assesses the code for potential security vulnerabilities and problems while the application is operational. This simultaneous observation of the application’s behavior and code analysis enables IAST to uncover vulnerabilities that may go unnoticed by SAST or DAST alone. IAST’s accuracy stems from its ability to comprehend both the code itself and its real-world behavior. Upon detecting a vulnerability, IAST promptly provides developers with instant feedback, notifying them about the issue in real-time. Commonly used tools include Veracode Interactive analysis, HCL Appscan, Checkmarx Codebashing, etc.
In conclusion, IAST offers developers a thorough and accurate comprehension of an application’s security condition during its operation, assisting in the swift resolution of vulnerabilities. This level of insight isn’t achievable solely through the application of DAST or SAST methods.