Introduction
DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) is a type of testing of the app in the run-time. It can run without access to the source code. In addition, it is used in the black-box type of tests. “Where the security consultant doesn’t have any idea about the source code of the application,” as opposed to SAST tools.
It detects the presence of a flaw in a running application. For interface crashes, internal server errors, sessions misconfiguration, authentication, and more, DAST tools rely on operating code. DAST can be done manually (in a form of penetration testing) or using the tools.
DAST tools use fuzzing. by sending malicious requests, It is often in huge volumes of invalid and unexpected test cases. For example, if the application has a login page, the DAST tool will “fuzz” that page by sending many unexpected requests. Like a username with 1000 characters, empty passwords, and observe the application’s response.
Dynamic Application Security Testing is also known as “black-box testing”. A DAST tool detects flaws while running the app. You can detect security errors early in the development cycle by using DAST tools.
The dynamics of a part of the name of DAST are the product of a complex test. DAST tests are performed when the application is running instead of the SAST scanning code of a program without executing it. SAST tools add a lot of value during the development cycle. DAST is typically used in functional testing, QA, or penetration testing.
How Does DAST Work?
DAST runs automatic scans. It simulates malicious attacks on the app. Thus, it can find the flaws. As an example, a malicious code injection to detect various injection flaws. DAST checks for the entry points, which means user input. Finally, it runs requests with uncertain data.
DAST does not have access to an application’s source code. However, it detects security flaws by externally attacking the program. When flaws are found, testers cannot refer to particular lines of code as SAST does.
DAST type of testing like “penetration testing” depends on expertise. the security experts have to execute checks. They also refine the method to be usable for DAST. This needs a good knowledge of the working environment.
