SAST vs DAST: Explore Difference, Benefits, and Common Myths

Introduction to DAST vs SAST

In 2024, application security is crucial at every stage, from development to deployment, especially for enterprises that prioritize safeguarding their digital assets and maintaining customer trust. According to a recent report by Forrester, 83% of applications exhibit at least one security issue during their initial vulnerability assessment. 

The solution? Ultimate application security with SAST and DAST service of TRIOTECHSYSTEMS!

At TRIOTECH SYSTEMS, we offer comprehensive application security solutions utilizing Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools tailored to safeguard your organization. While there’s an ongoing debate over the merits of DAST vs SAST, both are essential in defending against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. 

Here is a comprehensive guide by TRIOTECHSYSTEMS to help you understand concepts, benefits, DAST vs SAST, and common myths of Static and Dynamic Application Security.

Understanding SAST and DAST with Examples

To understand the difference between SAST and DAST, let’s look at them individually with examples.

What is SAST? With Examples

SAST (Static Application Security Testing) refers to static analysis, which operates on an application without running it in a live environment. It involves analyzing an application’s source code, bytecode, or binaries before a program goes live. This is done to identify vulnerabilities during the coding phase, allowing developers to fix potential security issues early in the development cycle.

Imagine you are developing a mobile payment application for a fintech company. You want to avoid vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS) in the codebase. You can use SAST tools like Checkmarx to find and resolve such threats early before the application is even tested in a runtime environment.

Some of the most widely used SAST tools include:

• Fortify: Known for its ability to analyze complex codebases, Fortify is a versatile SAST tool with various programming languages.
• Blackduck: Primarily used for open-source code analysis, Blackduck helps teams ensure that their code complies with security best practices.

What is DAST? With Examples

On the other hand, DAST (Dynamic Application Security and Testing) tests applications by simulating external attacks on a live, running system. It analyzes an application from the outside, mimicking the behavior of a hacker trying to exploit weaknesses in a runtime environment.

Now, imagine you are developing a web portal for a healthcare organization that allows patients to access their medical records. Before launching the portal, you can employ OWASP ZAP, a widely used DAST tool, to simulate common attacks like cross-site request forgery (CSRF) or broken authentication. By doing this, you can uncover vulnerabilities in the live environment that may not have been detectable during the code review stage.

Prominent DAST tools include:

• Burp Suite: A penetration testing tool that can identify security flaws in web applications.
• Acunetix: Known for detecting and reporting vulnerabilities in web apps and websites.

In summary, DAST focuses on runtime application security by simulating attacks, ensuring that the live application is resilient to real-world threats.

DAST vs SAST: Top 12 Differences

DAST vs SAST is a common debate in the field of application security. However, many companies mistakenly believe they need only one. In reality, DAST and SAST serve different purposes, each addressing unique aspects of security vulnerabilities. 

Read our comprehensive table below to understand the SAST and DAST differences:

Difference	Static Application Security Testing (SAST)	Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
Testing Type	White Box testing	Black Box testing
Testing Approach	Inside out (developer’s approach)	Outside in (hacker’s approach)
Application Requirement	No deployed application is required	A running application is required
Vulnerability Detection Timing	Early in SDLC	Towards the end of SDLC
Cost of Fixing Vulnerabilities	Lower cost for fixing vulnerabilities	Higher cost due to late detection
Scope of Vulnerability Detection	Cannot discover runtime issues	Can discover runtime and environmental issues
Supported Software Types	All types (web apps, web services, thick clients)	Primarily web applications and web services
Knowledge Requirement	Requires knowledge of design, frameworks, and implementation	The tester does not know application design or frameworks
Source Code Access	Requires access to source code	It does not require access to the source code
Operation Type	Scans static code	Scans dynamic code
Stage in SDLC	Performed in early stages of SDLC	Performed at the end of SDLC
Analysis Depth	Comprehensive analysis possible	Limited scope, faster execution

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Top 5 Myths About SAST and DAST

1. Myth: “SAST and DAST are interchangeable.”

Fact: SAST and DAST serve different purposes, and neither can fully replace the other. They should be used in tandem for maximum security.

2. Myth: “You only need one for full security.”

Fact: Using just SAST or DAST leaves significant gaps in security coverage. Both are necessary for a comprehensive approach.

3. Myth: “DAST is more comprehensive than SAST.”

Fact: DAST focuses on runtime vulnerabilities, while SAST targets coding issues. Neither is more comprehensive; they complement each other.

4. Myth: “SAST is only for developers, and DAST is only for security teams.”

Fact: While SAST is more developer-oriented and security teams often use DAST, cross-functional collaboration is essential for adequate security.

5. Myth: “DAST can find all vulnerabilities.”

Fact: DAST is powerful but cannot find code-level vulnerabilities. SAST is necessary for that, making both tools crucial.

How TRIOTECH SYSTEMS Can Help You Streamline Application Security

At TRIOTECH SYSTEMS, we provide comprehensive application security by integrating SAST and DAST tools into your development cycles. Here is how our experts can help: 

• Comprehensive Vulnerability Detection: 

We use SAST to identify vulnerabilities in the source code during development and DAST to detect runtime issues in a live environment. This provides comprehensive security coverage for both the pre-deployment and post-deployment stages.

• Experience the benefits of early and Continuous Security: 

We Implement SAST early in development to identify and fix vulnerabilities sooner, reducing costs. Continuous DAST testing maintains security post-deployment, offering peace of mind and potential cost savings.

• Automated and Manual Testing: 

Our services combine automated tools with expert manual analysis to efficiently identify vulnerabilities and leverage human expertise for in-depth assessment.

• Stay on top of regulatory compliance:

Our SAST and DAST services help you meet industry standards (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA) and demonstrate a commitment to protecting sensitive data, aiding in audits, and mitigating legal and reputational risks.

Explore!

Application Security Testing by TRIOTECHSYSTEMS

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debate between DAST vs SAST often centers on their distinct advantages. However, it’s crucial to recognize that SAST and DAST are not an “either-or” choice; both are essential components of a reliable security strategy.

SAST enables you to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in your code before an application is deployed into a live environment, allowing for early detection of security flaws. In contrast, DAST assesses a running application to uncover vulnerabilities during its execution, simulating real-world attacks to identify security weaknesses that may not be evident in static code analysis. The combined approach of DAST and SAST can ensure comprehensive application protection. 

FAQs

Is Black Duck SAST or DAST?

Black Duck is primarily a Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tool for identifying open-source vulnerabilities. While it complements both SAST and DAST strategies, it is not categorized strictly as either.

Is Checkmarx SAST or DAST?

Checkmarx is a Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tool designed to identify vulnerabilities in source code during the development phase, helping developers address security issues early in the lifecycle.

Is Fortify SAST or DAST?

Fortify offers both SAST and DAST capabilities. Fortify Static Code Analyzer performs static analysis on source code, while Fortify WebInspect provides dynamic analysis of running applications to detect vulnerabilities.

What are SAST and DAST?

SAST (Static Application Security Testing) analyzes source code for vulnerabilities without executing the program. In contrast, DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) assesses running applications to identify security issues that may arise during execution.

What are SAST and DAST tools?

SAST tools analyze code for vulnerabilities before deployment, ensuring that security issues are identified early. DAST tools test running applications for security weaknesses, making them essential for a comprehensive application security strategy.

What is the difference between SAST and DAST?

The primary difference is that SAST analyzes code statically—without execution—to find vulnerabilities early. DAST tests applications in a runtime environment to identify issues that can be exploited during actual operation.

What does SAST mean?

SAST stands for Static Application Security Testing. It is a method that examines source code or binaries for security vulnerabilities without executing the program, allowing for early identification of potential threats.

What are the benefits of using SAST and DAST together?

Using SAST and DAST together creates a robust security strategy. This dual approach enables early detection of vulnerabilities through code analysis and real-time testing of applications in production, helping ensure comprehensive application security.

Why is SAST important for developers?

SAST is crucial for developers as it helps identify security vulnerabilities in the code before the application is deployed. This proactive approach reduces the risk of security breaches and compliance issues.

What are common misconceptions about SAST and DAST?

A common misconception is that SAST and DAST are interchangeable; however, they serve different purposes in security testing. SAST can catch all vulnerabilities, but it may miss runtime issues that DAST is designed to identify. Additionally, using only one of these approaches is sufficient, whereas combining both is essential for a comprehensive security strategy.