Testing A Running Version Of Your Application To Identify Potential Security Flaws Is Called Dynamic Application Security Testing

 

Dynamic Application Security Testing

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a type of security testing that is performed on an application while it is running. This testing method simulates real-world attacks on the application to identify vulnerabilities in the code or configuration. DAST is an important part of an organization's security strategy as it helps to identify vulnerabilities that may not be found through other testing methods.

Dynamic Application Security Testing is a critical component of an organization's security strategy. It helps to identify vulnerabilities in an application that may be exploited by attackers. DAST provides comprehensive coverage of an application's security vulnerabilities and simulates real-world attacks on the application. This testing method is automated, cost-effective, and helps organizations to comply with industry standards and regulations. By including DAST in their security testing program, organizations can improve their overall security posture and reduce the risk of a security breach.

The working of DAST involves several steps:

1. Scanning the Application: The first step in Dynamic Application Security Testing is to scan the application for vulnerabilities. This is done by sending requests to the application and analyzing the responses. The scanner identifies vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and buffer overflows.
2. Identifying Attack Vectors: Once the vulnerabilities have been identified, the next step is to determine the attack vectors. Attack vectors are the paths that an attacker can take to exploit the vulnerability. This involves understanding the application's architecture, APIs, and data flows.
3. Simulating Attacks: In this step, the DAST tool simulates attacks on the application using the identified attack vectors. The tool sends requests to the application with payloads that are designed to exploit the identified vulnerabilities. The responses from the application are then analyzed to determine if the attack was successful.
4. Reporting Vulnerabilities: After the attacks have been simulated, the DAST tool generates a report that lists the vulnerabilities found in the application. The report includes information about the vulnerability, such as the type of vulnerability, the attack vector, and the severity of the vulnerability.
5. Remediation: The final step in Dynamic Application Security Testing is to remediate the vulnerabilities that have been identified. This involves fixing the vulnerabilities in the code or configuration of the application. Once the vulnerabilities have been fixed, the application can be tested again to ensure that they have been properly remediated.