Including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and command injection.
Assessing for weak or predictable passwords, vulnerabilities in session management, and insecure authentication methods.
Identifying instances where sensitive data is accessible to unauthorized users.
Detecting insecure default configurations, redundant features, and other configuration vulnerabilities.
Identifying whether the application is susceptible to CSRF attacks
Recognizing weaknesses in session tokens, session fixation, or inadequate session expiration.
Examining flaws in authorization mechanisms, such as improper access control validations.
Once the scanning is complete, the DAST tool generates a report detailing the vulnerabilities discovered during the test and recommendations for remediation.
Automated DAST tools can quickly scan web applications for vulnerabilities, saving time compared to manual testing.
DAST tools can comprehensively scan the entire application, including all accessible parts of the web application, APIs, and backend services.
Automation allows for continuous testing throughout the development lifecycle, catching vulnerabilities early and often.
Automated DAST tools can easily scale to test multiple applications simultaneously or handle large and complex applications without requiring significant additional resources.
While initial setup costs may be involved, automated DAST can ultimately reduce costs associated with manual testing and potential security breaches.
By identifying vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and others, DAST helps mitigate the risk of security breaches and data leaks.
Many regulatory standards and industry best practices require regular security testing. Automated DAST can help organizations meet these compliance requirements more efficiently.
DAST tools can often integrate with existing development and CI/CD pipelines, allowing for seamless integration.
Automated DAST tools provide detailed reports on vulnerabilities discovered during testing, including severity levels and recommended remediation steps, enabling teams to promptly address security issues.
Define the scope of the test, including the systems and applications to be assessed in accordance with the Statement of Work of the engagement. Obtain necessary permissions and authorizations from relevant stakeholders, as applicable. Determine an acceptable testing date and window of time for performance of the assessment.
Application testing simulates attacks on the application in its operational environment to uncover weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious users.
Document all findings, including identified vulnerabilities, successful exploits, and recommendations for remediation. Present a comprehensive report to the organization's stakeholders, detailing the results of the test and providing guidance on prioritizing and addressing security weaknesses.