Safeguarding web applications is a top priority for any organization. As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, proactively identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities has become a critical component of managing their security posture. This is where Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)comes into play. Selecting the correct tools to augment your existing security measures can have a major impact.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top 8 DAST tools that can elevate your cybersecurity strategy. Whether you’re looking for robust API support, seamless CI/CD integration, or powerful vulnerability scanning, these tools offer a range of solutions to help secure your applications and protect your business from the ever-evolving threat landscape.
What is DAST?
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a key approach to identify vulnerabilities in web apps. DAST tools operate by simulating real-world attacks while the applications are running in production. By continuously scanning for vulnerabilities, DAST security tools detect weaknesses in the application’s defenses and immediately alert the development team for remediation.
As a critical component of any organization's security stack, DAST helps protect web applications and APIs, ensuring that potential threats are identified and addressed before they can be exploited.
How does a DAST Tool Work?
DAST tools excel at mimicking real-world attacks by actively probing running applications for vulnerabilities that might otherwise remain hidden.
By sending traffic and testing various inputs, they simulate a real attacker's approach, revealing weaknesses such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting, among other application security vulnerabilities. Their ability to crawl web pages and analyze application behavior without requiring access to source code makes them a versatile and valuable tool for security assessments.
A DAST solution not only facilitates further approaches and internal solutions but also offers comprehensive benefits. The detailed reports generated by DAST tools are instrumental in everything from ensuring regulatory compliance to guiding remediation efforts. Thus, DAST should be considered a comprehensive testing solution, rather than a narrowly focused toolset. Automated tools thrive on data-driven insights, and DAST solutions excel in providing this crucial information.
DAST vs. SAST
DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) and SAST (Static Application Security Testing) are two complementary methods used to assess application security. The primary distinction between them is that DAST examines the application from an external perspective during runtime, employing simulated real-world attack vectors focused on the live environment. Conversely, SAST involves analyzing the source code or binaries internally, without executing the application.
Typically, DAST and SAST are conducted at different phases of the software lifecycle: DAST during production and SAST during development. This timing affects their focus areas, with DAST targeting runtime issues like SQL injection and cross-site scripting, while SAST focuses on hardcoded issues and code-level security vulnerabilities.
Benefits of Using DAST Tools
DAST's strength lies in its ability to pinpoint runtime vulnerabilities, simulating real-world attacks to reveal weaknesses that other security solutions might miss. By complementing existing security measures, DAST elevates an organization's overall security posture and aids in compliance efforts. Keeping this in perspective, let's examine some benefits that DAST provides.
Vulnerability Identification: DAST tools identify runtime vulnerabilities, simulate real-world attacks, complement other testing methods (such as static application security testing), improve overall security posture, and aid compliance efforts.
Real-Time Analysis: DAST tools scrutinize applications in their operational state, identifying vulnerabilities that emerge only when the application is active. This can help detect things like server configuration issues through the identification of potential symptoms.
Technology Agnostic: DAST is independent of the programming language or technology stack.
No Source Code Required: DAST does not require access to an application’s source code.
CI/CD Integration: DAST can be integrated into Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment pipelines.
Key Factors to Consider in DAST Tooling
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities by interacting with a running application in real-time. Unlike Static Application Security Testing (SAST), DAST tools simulate real-world attacks, mimicking an attacker’s approach to uncover security flaws.
By crawling through an application's web pages and testing various inputs, these tools identify vulnerabilities without needing access to the source code, instead focusing on the application’s behavior and responses. This makes DAST an essential part of securing modern web applications. Below are a few key features that you should keep an eye out for when evaluating DAST tools that you might want to use in your environment:
Continuous scanning and reporting
Simulated attacks and vulnerability detection
Integration with development workflows
Scalability and flexibility
Support for multiple platforms and technologies
Customized reporting solutions
CXO-friendly dashboards
Workflow integrations
Challenges and Limitations of DAST
While Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a powerful tool for uncovering security vulnerabilities, it does have some limitations that users should be aware of. Since DAST requires a fully functional application, it is not typically effective during the early stages of development.
Additionally, like many automated security tools, it may produce false positives or miss certain vulnerabilities altogether. DAST focuses primarily on external, web-facing vulnerabilities and offers limited visibility into the underlying code issues causing them. Below are some of the key challenges to think about when selecting your DAST tooling:
Limited Early Detection: DAST requires a fully functional version of the application. This creates a "chicken or egg" dilemma, where the question arises: should the testing process precede the completion of the web application, even if the latter is constructed with inherent issues in its core structure? This challenge reflects both a process issue and a conceptual issue with DAST, which can be mitigated through effective iterative lifecycle management and consistent testing routines.
Potential for False Positives/Negatives: Like any automated vulnerability scanning tool, DAST might produce false positives or overlook certain vulnerabilities. This inherent limitation is common to all automated scanning solutions and necessitates a multi-layered review and awareness strategy to ensure that DAST outputs are interpreted and utilized effectively.
Scope of Testing: DAST is primarily geared towards identifying vulnerabilities present in web interfaces, effectively detecting issues such as cross-site request forgery or insecure server configurations. However, it may not capture vulnerabilities accessible through non-web interfaces or alternative access paths.
Limited Insight into Code Issues: Operating from an external viewpoint, DAST provides restricted insights into the specific lines of code or lapses in code security that lead to vulnerabilities. These potential vulnerabilities are challenging to identify or translate into comprehensive remediation guidance, prompting providers to explore supplementary scanning tools for those scenarios.
Choosing the Right DAST Tool
To make an informed decision, assess your organization's unique needs, current tools, desired integrations, required features, and the technical proficiency of the team analyzing the outputs from your selected tool(s).
Consider your organization's unique requirements, such as the applications to be tested and the necessary security level. Develop a deep understanding of your current web servers and their interactions to effectively tailor your DAST strategy.
Evaluate the features and capabilities of various DAST tools, including their ability to integrate with your development workflows and provide customized reporting solutions. It's important to remember that DAST tools are essentially simulation tools - they can find exploitable vulnerabilities by simulating real-world attacks, but they are best paired with security scans from other toolsets and scanning solutions.
Therefore, an effective DAST should not only detect web application vulnerabilities but also seamlessly communicate these findings to other systems and tools. In essence, DAST tooling needs to be both efficient in detection and excel in integration with other systems.
Finally, consider the reputation and experience of the vendor, as well as the level of support and training they offer.
Top 7 DAST Security Tools for Enhanced Cybersecurity
When it comes to securing your applications, choosing the right DAST tool can make all the difference. With so many options available, each offering various features and capabilities, it’s important to understand which tools are best suited for your specific needs.
In this section, we’ll explore the top 8 DAST scanners, highlighting their key strengths and how they can enhance your security testing efforts. Whether you’re focused on the ease of integration, advanced reporting, or comprehensive vulnerability coverage, these tools offer a range of solutions designed to protect your applications from evolving threats.
1. StackHawk
Founded with a focus on a developer-friendly approach to DAST, StackHawk has quickly become a go-to for teams integrating security into their DevOps workflows. It distinguishes itself with a robust API and an interface that makes it easy for developers to incorporate web application security testing into their routines. On top of this, it is one of the only DAST platforms that support comprehensive API testing for REST, GraphQL, SOAP, and gRPC-based APIs.
The platform truly excels with its developer-centric design, providing robust reporting capabilities that empower developers to easily track and analyze results. Its seamless integration into CI/CD pipelines ensures testing becomes a natural part of the development workflow. The extensive API support is a standout feature, making the platform adaptable to a wide range of modern testing needs, from API testing to complex integrations.
The interface is user-friendly yet designed with technical users in mind. Consequently, individuals without a development background may encounter a slight learning curve. Nevertheless, the platform's potent features and capacity to streamline testing processes render it an invaluable asset for teams prepared to dedicate the necessary time and resources to become proficient with it.
2. Invicti
Invicti, formerly known as Netsparker, is a well-known platform that provides precise vulnerability scanning. It is particularly noted for its Proof-Based Scanning technology, which automatically verifies identified vulnerabilities, thereby saving time and helping to minimize false positives.
Invicti's advantages lie in its proof-based scanning technology, delivering accuracy that instills confidence in security teams, enabling them to effectively identify and neutralize threats. Its comprehensive scanning capabilities, encompassing everything from vulnerability detection to compliance checks, make it a versatile solution adaptable to a wide range of security needs. The platform's scalability and robust features make it an ideal choice for large enterprises grappling with complex security requirements.
While the platform stands out for its robust features and accuracy, but the costs may be prohibitive for smaller organizations with tight budgets. Furthermore, some users have reportedly experienced a cumbersome initial setup process that may require extra time and technical know-how.
3. Acunetix
Acunetix has been a leader in the DAST space—known for its speed and advanced scanning technology. It is adept at handling complex web applications and detecting intricate vulnerabilities, making it a favorite for fast-paced tech environments.
The core strength of Acunetix lies in its lightning-fast scanning capabilities, ensuring that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed quickly enough to keep pace with development. It excels at uncovering more complex vulnerabilities, providing a level of security that will be required in the face of evolving threats. Furthermore, its user-friendly design helps overcome technical barriers, making it accessible to security professionals and developers alike.
The platform's speed and accuracy are notable, but its premium pricing places it in a higher cost bracket that could be challenging for smaller organizations with tight budgets. Additionally, some users have reported a higher-than-desired rate of false positives. This can result in extra investigative work and manual review, leading to frustration as vulnerabilities pile up and valuable time is lost.
4. BurpSuite
BurpSuite by PortSwigger is a comprehensive set of tools for security testing. It's a blend of automated and manual testing tools, highly valued by security professionals for its depth and flexibility in penetration testing.
Burp Suite is favored by seasoned engineers and penetration testers for its ability to facilitate comprehensive analyses and reveal concealed vulnerabilities. It also allows users to create proof of concept tests by exploiting potential weaknesses. The platform’s strong community and extensibility greatly augment its capabilities, promoting a collaborative space where knowledge and tools are freely exchanged. For practitioners involved in both manual and automated penetration testing, Burp Suite shines as an outstanding option, providing the versatility and depth needed for meticulous assessments.
The platform’s comprehensive nature is an asset for experienced users; however, it can be quite overwhelming for beginners trying to navigate its vast array of features. Certain aspects of the platform require in-depth security knowledge and previous experience with Burp to be leveraged effectively, potentially limiting its accessibility for those new to the field. Despite a somewhat nuanced UI and a wide array of plugins that might challenge beginners, for seasoned professionals seeking a powerful and adaptable tool, the platform’s benefits far outweigh its learning curve.
5. GitLab
GitLab, primarily known for its comprehensive coverage as a DevOps platform, incorporates DAST into its integrated security testing suite. Its one-stop-shop nature appeals to teams looking for cohesive development and security solutions and are already running within the GitLab ecosystem.
Gitlab, as part of its integration into a comprehensive DevOps platform, also offers DAST, acting as a unified toolset that streamlines workflows and enhances collaboration. For teams already leveraging GitLab for development, this integration proves particularly valuable, creating a cohesive environment where security and development seamlessly coexist.
While the platform's DAST capabilities provide convenience within the GitLab ecosystem, they may not be as extensive as those found in specialized tools. Moreover, its full potential is realized only by users already committed to the GitLab ecosystem, limiting its appeal to those in search of a standalone security solution. However, for teams deeply invested in GitLab, the platform's integration and workflow benefits make it a compelling addition to their security arsenal.
6. Bright Security
Bright Security, formerly NeuraLegion, focuses on automating security testing in the early stages of the software development lifecycle. Offering various approaches to testing, its ease of use and integration capabilities make it a good fit for Agile and DevOps-focused teams.
Bright distinguishes itself with a clear emphasis on early-stage testing automation, empowering agile teams to seamlessly integrate security into their development workflows. Its user-friendly interface further facilitates adoption, ensuring that developers of all skill levels can readily contribute to security efforts. The platform's strong integration with CI/CD pipelines adds another layer of efficiency, enabling continuous security testing throughout the development lifecycle.
Bright offers a solid foundation for DAST, but it may lack some of the advanced features found in more established tools. Additionally, as a newer entrant in the market, it may not have the same level of recognition or experienced user base as its more seasoned competitors. However, for organizations prioritizing early-stage testing automation and ease of use within agile environments, Bright presents a compelling option.
7. Checkmarx
Checkmarx is a comprehensive application security platform offering a powerful scanning engine and broad integration capabilities. It provides a holistic view of security, ideal for organizations with complex and multifaceted security requirements.
Checkmarx's secret weapon lies in its powerful scanning engine, capable of uncovering vulnerabilities across vast and intricate codebases. Adding to its merits, extensive integration with a wide array of development tools ensures a seamless fit within existing workflows, promoting security as an integral part of the development process. For large-scale, complex environments, Checkmarx emerges as an ideal solution, offering the robustness and scalability required to maintain a high level of security.
While Checkmarx's power and versatility are proven assets, its complexity may prove overwhelming for smaller organizations or those with less extensive security needs. Moreover, harnessing the full potential of Checkmarx (much like with Burp) often necessitates a significant upfront investment in training and setup, potentially presenting a challenge for teams with limited resources or small security teams. However, for enterprises seeking a comprehensive and robust security solution capable of tackling the most demanding environments, Checkmarx's strengths far outweigh its initial hurdles.
As can be seen, each DAST tool comes with its unique set of strengths and challenges. When selecting a DAST tool, organizations need to evaluate how its specific features match their development team's size, expertise, and security priorities. Considerations such as the types of sensitive data collection, the needs for a graphical user interface versus a command line interface, and even the long-term development timeline for each solution should come into play. The right tool should integrate seamlessly into existing processes, enabling developers to enhance software security effectively.
With that in mind, below is a quick reference chart summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the solutions we have reviewed:
Conclusion
DAST tools are indispensable in a comprehensive security testing strategy by pinpointing vulnerabilities in applications before they become targets for attackers.
Among the leading DAST tools, each offers distinct features and capabilities, catering to the diverse requirements of organizations of all sizes. The key to bolstering your cybersecurity initiatives is selecting an application security testing solution that not only boasts advanced features but also seamlessly integrates with your development processes, aligns with your security objectives, and fits within your budget constraints.
With robust API support and user-friendly tools, StackHawk can help your team find and fix vulnerabilities quickly and efficiently. But don’t just take our word for it; see what others have to say about us: StackHawk Secures Top Honor in The 2024 Global Infosec Awards at RSA.
If you're looking to enhance your security measures, explore our detailed guide on how StackHawk works. Discover how StackHawk can integrate into your security strategy and begin safeguarding your applications today!
