Web Application Security Testing Tools

SAST analyzes an application’s code base without executing the program to identify well-known vulnerabilities and coding flaws early in the software development lifecycle, making it ideal for catching issues before an application is pushed into production. Common vulnerabilities detected by SAST include buffer overflows, where data exceeds the allocated memory buffer, potentially leading to crashes or code execution. SAST can also catch SQL injection flaws, in which unsanitized input is used in database queries, allowing attackers to manipulate or access data. It can also detect cross-site scripting (XSS), where malicious scripts are injected into webpages viewed by other users.

Unlike DAST, SAST tools typically run early in the development lifecycle to ensure secure coding practices are being followed, at a point when errors are often simpler to fix. Unlike pen testing, SAST is typically performed via automated tools with minimal human intervention and often runs as part of a continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) process.

SAST tools are language-specific, so be sure to select one that supports your programming language(s). The Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) maintains an exhaustive list of SAST tools.

DAST analyzes applications while they are running to identify runtime vulnerabilities that may not be visible in the source code. DAST can help detect configuration-dependent vulnerabilities that only appear under certain environmental conditions, and identify security risks from interactions with external systems, such as APIs, databases, and third-party services. DAST can also detect vulnerabilities triggered by malicious or unexpected user behavior, such as input manipulation or session abuse.

Unlike SAST, DAST tools run later in the development lifecycle once the application is running in production. DAST typically probes and tests from the client-side, without access to the source code, thereby mimicking an attacker trying to find and exploit vulnerabilities. DAST is especially valuable for identifying issues in staging or production-like environments, and complements code-level testing methods like SAST. DAST is also unlike pen testing, as it’s typically performed by automated tools with minimal human intervention and runs continuously as part of a CI/CD process

F5 offers a DAST-type solution through F5 Distributed Cloud Web App Scanning, which   simplifies web security by automatically crawling, discovering, and mapping exposed web assets to create accurate inventories of applications and services across domains. It performs automated penetration testing and identifies both known vulnerabilities, such as common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) and outdated software, as well as unknown vulnerabilities, including the OWASP Top 10 and LLM Top 10 threats. This proactive approach ensures comprehensive protection for your web assets. OWASP also maintains a long list of DAST tools.

Penetration testing is typically a manual security assessment conducted by experienced cybersecurity professionals who simulate sophisticated real-world attacks to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in an application, system, or network. Pen testing provides valuable insights into an organization’s security posture by revealing how an attacker could exploit weaknesses and what the potential impact could be.

Pen testing is particularly effective for uncovering sophisticated or complex threats that automated tools may miss, such as business logic attacks, which exploit an application’s intended functionality and processes. Pen testing can also identify the potential for social engineering attacks, in which attackers manipulate individuals to gain unauthorized access or information.

Unlike SAST and DAST, penetration testing is done on a scheduled basis for most organizations. This testing is often performed annually, quarterly, or monthly depending on budget and security requirements.

Penetration testing leverages a wide array of specialized tools to simulate attacks and uncover potential vulnerabilities across an organization’s digital environment, including web application scanners to map a domain’s external attack services and identify potential vulnerabilities. Tests also include network sniffers to monitor and analyze network traffic for signs of unauthorized activity or data exposure, and web proxies to intercept and inspect traffic between a browser and an organization’s web server(s) to help identify issues like insecure data transmission. Password cracking tools test the strength of password hashing or improperly stored credentials.

Some specialized testing products, such as Burp Suite, provide a comprehensive set of pen testing tools, but most pen testers use a variety of specialized tools that are best suited for each individual task. While some tools claim to provide “automated penetration testing” and can offer a more affordable alternative to a manual pen test, it’s still a good idea to have cybersecurity experts perform a comprehensive, manual penetration test occasionally as budgets allow, pairing this with continuous automated testing solutions that can fill gaps in between manual testing efforts.

In addition, F5 offers a complimentary web app scanning engagement that can serve as a first step to evaluating and improving any organization’s web application security posture. This interactive engagement provides visibility into any domain and serves as a great foundation to shore up your security defenses.

To ensure the effectiveness of the web app security testing tools you choose for testing, be sure to follow these best practices.

Integrate security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to catch vulnerabilities early and often.

• Leverage a combination of testing techniques and tools to provide comprehensive coverage and reduce blind spots.
• Automate continuous testing within the CI/CD pipeline to maintain consistent security checks with every code change.
• Conduct regular, in-depth penetration testing to uncover sophisticated or overlooked threats.
• Ensure security testing tools and processes are capable of detecting a broad range of vulnerabilities, from common coding errors to complex attack vectors including modern threats across the OWASP Top 10 for APIs and LLMs.