How SAST Detects Logic Flaws and Business Logic Errors

Introduction:

Business logic vulnerabilities are subtle yet dangerous threats to application security. Unlike traditional vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS), business logic flaws occur when an application’s internal processes are misconfigured. 

This allows attackers to bypass standard workflows and security measures. However, these issues often remain unnoticed until exploited, resulting in unauthorized access, financial losses, or even data breaches.

Fortunately, Static Application Security Testing (SAST) can identify these vulnerabilities during the development phase by scanning the application’s source code. 

What Are Business Logic Vulnerabilities?

Business logic vulnerabilities arise when an application fails to execute its intended business processes properly. Unlike technical flaws such as: Input validation issues, Business Logic Flaws occur when internal processes and rules are not properly enforced within the code. 

Common Business Logic Flaws:

Here are some common examples of business logic vulnerabilities:

• Authorization Bypass: Attackers exploit flaws in access control mechanisms to bypass authentication, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the application.
• Transaction Manipulation: Flawed logic can allow attackers to alter transaction amounts or apply unauthorized discounts, particularly in e-commerce applications.
• Workflow Manipulation: Attackers exploit flaws in workflow design, enabling them to skip critical steps or perform unauthorized actions, which compromises the integrity of the process.

How SAST Detects Logic Flaws and Business Logic Errors

1. Code Analysis

SAST tools automatically scan the source code for logical flaws, such as incorrect validation or missing checks that could allow unauthorized actions or access.

2. Business Rule Validation

SAST reviews how business rules are implemented in the application. It ensures that these rules are enforced correctly, preventing unauthorized transactions or user actions.

3. Flow Analysis

SAST tools analyze the flow of data and processes through the application, detecting any inconsistencies or vulnerabilities that could be exploited to bypass security measures.

SAST Detecting Business Logic Flaws: Explained with Example

Let’s consider an e-commerce platform where customers can apply discounts during checkout. A business logic flaw in this process will allow an attacker to bypass discount eligibility checks and apply unauthorized discounts, leading to financial loss for the business. 

Here’s how SAST can detect business logic flaws:

1. Code Analysis: SAST scans the source code to identify logic flaws, such as failure to validate user eligibility for discounts.
2. Flagging the Issue: It flags vulnerabilities where the system doesn’t properly enforce business rules, like applying discounts without verification.
3. Vulnerability Detection: SAST detects how attackers can exploit these flaws, such as by manipulating URLs or request parameters to bypass validation.
4. Early Alert: Developers are alerted to this flaw before deployment, allowing them to fix the issue in the code.

This proactive detection ensures that issues are addressed before they can impact the application in production.

TRIOTECH SYSTEMS: Your Partner in Application Security!

At TRIOTECH SYSTEMS, we help you secure your application logic by integrating Static Application Security Testing (SAST) into your development process. We ensure your workflows and business processes remain protected from malicious attacks.

Protect Your Applications from Business Logic Flaws:

Contact TRIOTECH SYSTEMS Today!

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