What are SAST and DAST?

Testing techniques that assist in identifying security flaws that could make an organization's applications vulnerable to attack include static application security testing (SAST) and dynamic application security testing (DAST).

What’s the difference between SAST and DAST?

Different testing methods, such as SAST and DAST, are employed in various stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC) to offer distinct perspectives on the security and well-being of an application.

Since SAST is a "white box" testing technique, the tool has access to the application's source code. It looks at the code for critical vulnerabilities like those in the OWASP Top 10 list, as well as software defects and weaknesses.

SAST assists developers in finding vulnerabilities early in the development process and fixing any found problems without disrupting the build or enabling vulnerabilities to enter production because it does not require a running application. SAST helps guarantee that application security is addressed early and frequently in the SDLC and provides developers with real-time feedback while they are coding.

Since DAST is a "black box" testing technique, the tool cannot access the source code of the program. It looks for weaknesses in a program while it's operating, just like a real attacker would. The program may simulate attacks on the system and monitor the system's reaction by analyzing an application while it is operating. This offers vital information about the application's susceptibility to external harmful activity.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the distinctions between SAST and DAST.

SAST vs. DAST

While both dynamic application security testing (DAST) and static application security testing (SAST) are techniques for checking for security flaws, their applications differ greatly. The following are some significant distinctions between DAST and SAST:

SAST

DAST

White box security testing

The implementation, design, and underlying framework are all accessible to the tester. From the inside out, the application is examined. The developer approach is reflected in this kind of testing.

Black box security testing

The technologies and frameworks that underpin the application are unknown to the tester. From the outside in, the application is tested. The hacker method is represented by this kind of testing.

Requires source code

A deployed application is not necessary for SAST. Without running the program, it examines the source code and associated dependencies.

Requires a running application

Source code and binaries are not needed for DAST. It analyzes by running the program.

Finds vulnerabilities earlier in the SDLC

Vulnerabilities can be found in production or at the conclusion of the development cycle, and scans can be performed at different phases of the development process, such as in the IDE.

Finds vulnerabilities toward the end of the SDLC

Vulnerabilities may be found during production or at the conclusion of the development cycle.

Less expensive to fix vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities can be fixed more quickly and easily because they are discovered earlier in the SDLC. The majority of problems may be found and resolved before the code is sent to QA.

It can be more expensive to fix vulnerabilities

Remediation is frequently pushed to the following cycle when vulnerabilities are discovered near the end of the SDLC. An emergency release could address critical vulnerabilities. Costs can be easily decreased with technologies such as fAST Dynamic.

Can’t discover run-time and environment-related issues

SAST tools are unable to see potential runtime vulnerabilities because they only examine static code.

Can discover run-time and environment-related issues

The program can identify runtime vulnerabilities since it uses dynamic analysis.

When combined in various stages of the software development life cycle, these testing approaches are most successful in identifying various kinds of vulnerabilities. You can gain important insights to better understand your entire application security posture by incorporating both approaches into your organization's application security strategy.

Learn more about SAST, DAST, and VAPT Testing Solutions by Craw Security’s world-class penetration testers with hands-on experience in tracking all platform vulnerabilities in almost every IoT inside our target IT infrastructures. To know more about the same or any other VAPT Solution mentioned on the Official Website of Craw Security, you can give us a call at our 24X7 hotline mobile number, +91-9513805401, and have a word with our superb group of penetration testers.

SAST vs. DAST: What’s the Best Method for Application Security Testing?

Latest Posts