Reporting SAST (Static Application Security Testing) and DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) results effectively is a critical skill for ensuring vulnerabilities are clearly communicated to stakeholders. A well-structured report provides actionable insights, aligns security goals with business objectives, and facilitates faster remediation.
In this guide, TRIOTECH SYSTEMS has covered a step-by-step approach to writing a clear and impactful SAST and DAST report, highlighting essential components, and an example to help you succeed.
Steps to Reporting SAST and DAST Results:
Step 1: Know Your Audience
Before starting the report, identify your stakeholders:
- Executives: Require a high-level summary of risks and business impacts.
- Developers: Need detailed technical information and fixes.
- Compliance Teams: Focus on regulatory and policy alignment.
Setting an audience ensures the report addresses the specific concerns and priorities of each stakeholder group, making it more effective and actionable.
Step 2: Structure Your SAST and DAST Report
A well-organized report ensures key insights are easy to find and understand. Use the following structure:
1. Executive Summary
- Purpose: Briefly outline the objective of the report.
- Key Takeaways: Highlight critical vulnerabilities, their risks, and business implications.
- Call to Action: State the next steps, such as immediate remediation of high-risk issues.
2. Detailed Findings
SAST Results:
- List vulnerabilities in source code.
- Include severity levels and exploitation likelihood.
DAST Results:
- Describe vulnerabilities discovered in the live application.
- Provide real-world examples, like cross-site scripting or injection flaws.
Expert tip: Use tables to summarize vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommended fixes.
3. Remediation Recommendations
- Offer clear, actionable steps to fix issues.
- Prioritize vulnerabilities based on their severity and business impact.
- Suggest timelines for remediation (e.g., critical issues within 7 days).
Pro tip: Provide specific code snippets or links to resources to help developers implement fixes.
4. Compliance Analysis
- Explain how the vulnerabilities relate to compliance standards such as OWASP Top 10, GDPR, or PCI DSS.
- Highlight gaps and suggest improvements to meet compliance requirements.
Step 3: Write Clearly and Concisely
Keep the language of your report simple and professional:
- Use actionable language (e.g., “Apply input validation for all user inputs”).
- Avoid technical jargon for non-technical readers; explain concepts briefly when needed.
Example SAST and DAST Report Sample:
Executive Summary
- Objective: Address vulnerabilities before deployment.
- Key Findings:
- 4 critical vulnerabilities identified.
- 8 medium vulnerabilities detected.
- Business Impact: Potential for data breaches and compliance violations.
Detailed Findings of SAST and DAST:
| Vulnerability | Tool | Severity | Impact | Recommended Fix |
| SQL Injection | DAST | Critical | Data theft, system breach | Use parameterized queries |
| Outdated Dependencies | SAST | Medium | Exploitation via known flaws | Update to secure versions |
Remediation Plan
- Critical vulnerabilities: Fix within 7 days.
- Medium vulnerabilities: Address within 30 days.
Compliance Status
- Currently non-compliant with OWASP Top 10.
Step 4: Present the Report Effectively
When sharing your report:
- Use Visuals: Incorporate charts and graphs to summarize findings.
- Focus on Prioritization: Clearly label critical issues for immediate attention.
- Provide Context: Explain the real-world implications of each vulnerability.
Conclusion: TRIOTECH SYSTEMS – Your Partner in Application Security
Writing a SAST and DAST report requires technical expertise and a deep understanding of stakeholder needs. At TRIOTECH SYSTEMS, we specialize in crafting actionable vulnerability assessments and reports tailored to your organization’s unique requirements.
Enhance your security efforts with confidence.
Contact Us Today! for Expert Application Security and Reporting
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