Dynamic application security testing (DAST) - Deep Dive

 
 

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Implementing Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Tools into the SDLC

What is dynamic application security testing (DAST)?

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a type of security testing methodology used to assess the security of web applications and services by actively analyzing them while they are running. DAST tools, also known as web application vulnerability scanners or black-box testing tools, interact with a running application to identify potential security vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

Here are some key aspects of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST):

  • Black-Box Testing: DAST tools approach security testing from an external perspective, like a hacker or a user without insider knowledge of the application's code or architecture. They do not require access to the application's source code.

  • Dynamic Analysis: DAST tools analyze the application in its running state. They send various types of requests to the application, such as input data, queries, and other interactions, to identify potential security flaws.

  • Identifying Vulnerabilities: DAST tools look for common vulnerabilities and security weaknesses in web applications, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), authentication issues, and more. They do this by simulating attacks and observing the application's responses.

  • False Positives: DAST tools may produce false positives, meaning they may flag certain issues that are not actual vulnerabilities or miss some real vulnerabilities. Human intervention is often needed to validate and prioritize the reported findings.

  • Scalability: DAST tools are useful for testing the security of large-scale web applications, as they can automate the scanning process and identify a wide range of potential vulnerabilities.

  • Reactive Testing: DAST is typically used later in the software development lifecycle, after the application has been developed and deployed. It helps identify security issues that may have been missed during development or that have arisen due to changes in the application or its environment.

  • Reports and Remediation: DAST tools generate reports that provide details on discovered vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommendations for remediation. Developers and security teams can then use this information to prioritize and fix the identified issues.

While DAST is a valuable tool for identifying security vulnerabilities in web applications, it should be used in conjunction with other security testing techniques like Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and manual penetration testing to provide a comprehensive security assessment. Each testing approach has its strengths and limitations, and a combination of them can help ensure a more robust security posture for an application or system.

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