SAST (Static Application Security Testing) and DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) are two methods used to identify security vulnerabilities in software applications. Here’s a brief overview of each:
SAST (Static Application Security Testing)
- Definition: SAST is a method of security testing that analyzes source code, byte code, or binary code to find security vulnerabilities without executing the program.
- How it Works: It involves scanning the application’s codebase to detect vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), buffer overflows, and more.
- When it is Used: Typically used early in the development process during the coding and unit testing phases.
- Benefits:
- Finds issues early in the development lifecycle.
- Provides detailed insights into the exact location of vulnerabilities in the code.
- Can be integrated into the CI/CD pipeline for continuous testing.
DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)
- Definition: DAST is a method of security testing that involves testing an application in its running state to identify vulnerabilities.
- How it Works: It simulates external attacks on a live application to find issues such as authentication problems, injection flaws, configuration errors, and more.
- When it is Used: Usually conducted later in the development lifecycle, during functional testing or post-deployment.
- Benefits:
- Tests the application in a real-world scenario.
- Does not require access to the source code.
- Can identify issues that arise only during runtime.
Key Differences
- Testing Stage: SAST is performed on static code and is generally done early in the development process, whereas DAST tests the application in its running state, typically later in the development cycle.
- Approach: SAST looks for vulnerabilities within the code itself, while DAST examines the application from the outside by simulating attacks.
- Scope: SAST provides detailed insights into code issues, while DAST focuses on the application’s behavior and its interaction with external elements.
Both SAST and DAST are complementary and together provide a comprehensive approach to identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities in software applications.