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#APPLICATION SECURITY TESTING

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) is an essential practice in application security, focusing on identifying vulnerabilities within the source code early in the development process.

  • What is SAST?
Static Application Security Testing (SAST) is a method of security testing that examines the source code, bytecode, or binary code of an application to detect vulnerabilities. Unlike Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), which tests running applications, SAST focuses on the code itself, allowing developers to find and fix security issues early in the software development lifecycle (SDLC). SAST can detect a wide range of vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), buffer overflows, and more, before the application is ever executed.

  • How SAST Works?
SAST works by analyzing the source code or compiled versions of the application without running the software. This allows for a thorough examination of the code’s structure, syntax, and logic to uncover potential security risks. The process typically involves the following steps:

Code Parsing

The SAST tool first parses the source code to understand its structure, identifying all functions, variables, and data flows.

Rule Application

It then applies a set of predefined security rules and patterns to the code, looking for known vulnerabilities such as insecure coding practices, poor input validation, and inadequate error handling.

Data Flow Analysis

SAST analyzes how data moves through the application, detecting issues like improper data handling, which could lead to security breaches.

Result Generation

After analysis, the tool produces a detailed report highlighting the vulnerabilities found, their potential impact, and recommendations for fixes.

Continuous Security

SAST can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines, enabling continuous scanning of code as it is developed, ensuring security is built into every stage of the development process.

  • Use Case​
SAST is most effective when used early in the development lifecycle, making it an invaluable tool for developers who want to build secure applications from the ground up. A typical use case is during the coding and unit testing phases, where SAST scans can catch vulnerabilities as the code is being written, allowing developers to address issues immediately. Additionally, SAST is crucial for organizations following DevSecOps practices, as it provides automated and continuous security feedback directly within the development environment, helping to maintain a high standard of code quality and security throughout the project.

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