Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
- OWASP SonarQube for Code Scanning
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
- Fortify Webinspect for Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
- AppScan on Cloud
Runtime application self-protection (RASP)
- Twistkock – Understanding and Implementing Security aspect of Docker()
- Notary – Understanding and Implementing Security aspect of Kubernetes()
- NewRelic – Understanding and Implementing Security aspect of Java Virtual Machine
- AWS Security service – Understanding and Implementing Security aspect of AWS cloud.
- Chef InSpec – For Scanning your applications and infrastructure
- ELK – For Log analysis related to Security Threat.
- HashiCorp Vault – For security tool for certificates, API keys, or passwords
- Fortify Application Defender – For Runtime Application Security Testing (RAST)
Comparison of SAST, DAST, and RASP in DevSecOps
| Feature | SAST (Static Application Security Testing) | DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) | RASP (Runtime Application Self-Protection) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Analyzes source code, bytecode, or binary for vulnerabilities without executing the application. | Examines the application in a running state by simulating attacks to find vulnerabilities. | Protects the application during runtime by monitoring and preventing attacks within the app itself. |
| When Applied | Early in the SDLC during the coding phase. | After deployment, during testing or staging environments. | During runtime in production environments. |
| Type of Testing | White-box testing (access to source code). | Black-box testing (no access to source code). | Real-time protection in a live environment. |
| Vulnerability Detection | Identifies coding flaws, hardcoded secrets, and potential vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS. | Detects vulnerabilities like XSS, CSRF, and SQL injection by interacting with the application. | Identifies and mitigates attacks like SQL injection, XSS, and unauthorized access in real time. |
| Primary Focus | Code-level vulnerabilities before deployment. | Application behavior under simulated attacks. | Mitigating threats during runtime. |
| Advantages | – Detects issues early in development.- Reduces costs of fixing vulnerabilities later.- Comprehensive coverage of code. | – No access to source code required.- Tests real-world scenarios.- Finds vulnerabilities missed by SAST. | – Real-time attack detection and prevention.- No modifications to the code needed.- Works with third-party libraries. |
| Limitations | – False positives can be high.- Cannot detect runtime vulnerabilities.- Limited effectiveness for compiled code. | – Requires a deployed application.- Limited in detecting deep code-level issues.- Higher false negatives. | – Performance overhead.- Complex integration.- May not provide full coverage for all vulnerabilities. |
| Use Cases | – Reviewing source code for vulnerabilities before deployment.- Ensuring compliance with secure coding practices. | – Penetration testing.- Validating application security in staging environments.- Identifying vulnerabilities in live applications. | – Protecting live applications from real-time attacks.- Complementing WAF and other security tools. |
Popular Tools for SAST, DAST, and RASP
1. SAST Tools
| Tool | Features | Languages Supported |
|---|---|---|
| SonarQube | – Detects vulnerabilities, code smells, and bugs.- Integrates with CI/CD pipelines. | Java, C#, JavaScript, Python, etc. |
| Checkmarx | – Offers deep code analysis.- Highly customizable for specific projects. | Multiple languages. |
| Fortify Static Code Analyzer | – Enterprise-grade tool for static analysis.- Provides detailed vulnerability insights. | Over 25 languages. |
| Veracode Static Analysis | – Cloud-based SAST.- Easy integration with CI/CD pipelines. | Java, .NET, Python, etc. |
| Codacy | – Focuses on code quality and security issues.- Integrates with GitHub, GitLab, etc. | Multiple languages. |
2. DAST Tools
| Tool | Features | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| OWASP ZAP | – Open-source DAST tool.- Automated vulnerability scanning.- Active and passive scanning. | Penetration testing, security assessments. |
| Burp Suite | – Advanced manual and automated DAST capabilities.- Highly extensible with plugins. | Web application security testing. |
| Acunetix | – Automated web application scanner.- Detects over 7,000 vulnerabilities. | Comprehensive web vulnerability scanning. |
| Netsparker | – Accurate DAST with minimal false positives.- Supports automation in CI/CD pipelines. | Scanning for web vulnerabilities like XSS and SQL injection. |
| AppScan | – Enterprise-grade DAST.- Integration with DevSecOps workflows.- Focus on OWASP Top 10. | Validating security in staging environments. |
3. RASP Tools
| Tool | Features | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast Security | – Real-time vulnerability detection.- Protection against OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities.- Lightweight and efficient. | Runtime attack prevention in production. |
| Imperva RASP | – Protects web applications by neutralizing attacks at runtime.- Seamless integration without code changes. | Enhancing WAF and protecting APIs. |
| Waratek | – Java-focused RASP solution.- Provides zero-day protection.- Works without code modification. | Runtime security for Java applications. |
| Signal Sciences (Acquired by Fastly) | – Combines RASP with advanced threat intelligence.- Integrates with DevSecOps pipelines. | Protecting microservices and APIs. |
| Runtime Application Self Protection (CA Veracode) | – Comprehensive runtime protection.- Focuses on application-layer security. | Real-time protection in live environments. |
How to Integrate These Tools in DevSecOps
- Integrating SAST:
- Use SAST tools early in the development lifecycle during code writing and reviews.
- Automate SAST in CI/CD pipelines to prevent introducing vulnerabilities.
- Example: Run SonarQube as part of Jenkins builds.
- Integrating DAST:
- Conduct regular scans in staging and pre-production environments.
- Use DAST tools during integration testing or user acceptance testing (UAT).
- Example: Automate OWASP ZAP scans in CI/CD pipelines.
- Integrating RASP:
- Deploy RASP tools in production environments to monitor and mitigate runtime threats.
- Complement RASP with Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) for comprehensive protection.
- Example: Use Contrast Security alongside a WAF for live protection.
Conclusion
- SAST: Best for identifying code vulnerabilities early in the SDLC.
- DAST: Best for finding vulnerabilities in running applications by simulating attacks.
- RASP: Best for real-time protection of live applications.
By integrating SAST, DAST, and RASP tools into a DevSecOps workflow, organizations can address vulnerabilities across all phases of development, testing, and production. These tools complement each other to provide robust application security.
I’m a DevOps/SRE/DevSecOps/Cloud Expert passionate about sharing knowledge and experiences. I am working at Cotocus. I blog tech insights at DevOps School, travel stories at Holiday Landmark, stock market tips at Stocks Mantra, health and fitness guidance at My Medic Plus, product reviews at I reviewed , and SEO strategies at Wizbrand.
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