Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid When Implementing DAST
No matter how closely programmers adhere to the most recent secure coding standards or how well they intend, some production code will almost always include at least one security flaw.
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is one of the most effective methods for performing application security testing. It uses a “black-box” approach which assumes that the testers are unaware of the source code or internal workings of the application or don’t have access to it.
To find potential weaknesses, DAST tests simulate actual cyberattacks on the application, like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). The goal of DAST is to identify and report on security issues that could be exploited by an attacker, so that they can be fixed before the application is deployed.
So, we’ve established that DAST is good for application security testing. But while implementing DAST a few things must be considered for smooth sailing.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 things to avoid when implementing DAST:
Not integrating DAST into the development process
DAST is most effective when it is integrated into the development process, so that vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed early on. If DAST is not integrated into the development process, it may be too late in the development cycle, making it more difficult and expensive to remediate vulnerabilities. Understanding the correct stages to implement DAST in your development cycle is crucial. To know more, have a look at the previous edition of All Things AppSec to learn how to integrate DAST into DevSecOps.
Using DAST in isolation
DAST is just one aspect of application security. Integrating it with other security testing tools such as SAST (Static Application Security Testing) and IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing) can provide a more comprehensive security testing approach. This will help to identify vulnerabilities that may have been missed by DAST alone.
Not keeping the DAST tool updated
DAST tools need to be updated regularly to ensure that they can identify the latest vulnerabilities. If a tool is not kept updated, it may not be able to identify newer vulnerabilities, leaving the application at risk.
Not involving developers
Developers have a deep understanding of the application's architecture and functionality. Involving them in the testing process can help in identifying vulnerabilities and addressing them effectively. This also helps in creating a culture of security within the organization.
Not setting up a testing environment
Testing on a live production environment can lead to unintended consequences and disruptions. It's important to set up a testing environment that closely mimics the production environment. The testing environment should be isolated from the production environment and should be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to conduct effective testing.
Not reviewing the results of the DAST tool
DAST tools generate a large number of results, some of which may be false positives. It's important to review the results and weed out false positives to avoid wasting time and effort on non-existent vulnerabilities. This helps in focusing on the most critical vulnerabilities and addressing them effectively.
Not defining clear testing goals
The first and foremost mistake that organizations make while implementing DAST is not defining clear testing goals. Without clear testing goals, it can be difficult to determine the scope of the testing and the areas that need to be tested. This can lead to incomplete testing and missed vulnerabilities. It's important to define clear testing goals based on the application's architecture, functionality, and security requirements.
Not configuring the DAST tool properly
Improper configuration of the DAST tool can lead to false positives, false negatives, and incomplete testing. It's important to configure the tool properly based on the application's architecture and security requirements. The tool should be configured to scan only the relevant parts of the application and avoid scanning unnecessary areas.
Not prioritizing vulnerabilities
Not all vulnerabilities are equally critical. It's important to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their impact and likelihood of exploitation. This helps in focusing resources and efforts on the most critical vulnerabilities and addressing them first.
Not selecting the right DAST tool
Different DAST tools have different capabilities and limitations. It's important to select the right DAST tool that suits your application and testing needs. Some of the factors to consider while selecting a DAST tool are the application's programming language, framework, and the complexity of the application.
Implementing DAST is a crucial aspect of web application security, but it requires careful planning, preparation, and execution to be effective. By avoiding the common mistakes outlined above, you can ensure that DAST testing is thorough, accurate, and provides actionable insights for improving the security of your web applications.
Ultimately, the goal of DAST is to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers and to address them before they can be used to compromise the security and integrity of the application. By following best practices and avoiding common mistakes, developers and security testers can enhance the effectiveness and value of DAST in their web application security efforts.
Looking for a DAST tool with the fastest go-live time, integrates with your CI/CD, and comes with the lowest false positives? Check out Beagle Security’s product tour to have a look inside or sign up for a free account today.