Dynamic Application Security Testing: Ensuring App Security From Development to Production

As applications grow more complex with new features and integrations, security risks also increase exponentially. To effectively secure modern web and mobile applications, organizations must implement robust security testing practices throughout the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC). One of the most effective approaches is dynamic application security testing (DAST), which analyzes apps in runtime to detect vulnerabilities.

What is Dynamic Application Security Testing?
An Introduction to DAST
Dynamic application security testing analyzes running applications to identify security vulnerabilities. Unlike static application security testing (SAST) which examines source code without executing it, DAST simulates real-world attacks to find flaws.

A DAST tool crawls through an application, exercises different functions, and analyzes the responses to detect issues. It mimics the activities of real attackers by entering unexpected or malicious inputs. This helps uncover security holes that are only present when an app is operational. DAST tools are typically used to test pre-production environments or live apps after deployment.

Benefits of DAST

1. Finds Bugs not Detected by SAST
DAST complements SAST by discovering vulnerabilities that are present only during runtime, like weaknesses caused by app configurations, dependencies, and unexpected data flows. Many vulnerabilities escaped by SAST can be revealed through dynamic testing.

2. Simulates Real Attacks
By entering unexpected inputs and launching exploit attempts, DAST accurately identifies risks faced by actual users. Issues revealed are likely to impact live systems and require immediate fixes. Static tools alone cannot match this level of realism.

3. Checks for Infrastructure Issues
In addition to app vulnerabilities, DAST also examines misconfigurations in web servers, databases, libraries, etc. that apps depend on. It helps uncover weak access controls, unnecessary ports/services, outdated components and other infrastructure security gaps.

4. Improves App Security Post-Deployment
Developers and QA teams use DAST to test pre-production builds. But periodic DAST of live apps post-launch ensures vulnerabilities introduced by changes/updates are promptly addressed. It strengthens security assurance throughout an app's lifecycle.

When to Use DAST

Ideally, DAST should be used at multiple stages of the SDLC:

1. During Development: As code is written/updated, DAST helps pinpoint flaws to fix in successive iterations before deployment. Early testing speeds development.

2. Before Release: Before software promotions, QA runs DAST to ensure pre-production versions satisfy security requirements. Bugs identified can be remedied in time.

3. Post-Deployment: Apps should undergo recurring DAST scans after launch to quickly find new problems from upgrades/changes. It safeguards live systems and user data.

4. After Patching: Whenever applications receive software fixes/patches, another DAST cycle is recommended. This validates whether issues were truly resolved.

5. Alongside Penetration Testing: DAST complements traditional pentesting methods for added security assurance. Tools catch discrepancies between tests.

Implementing an Effective DAST Program

To successfully integrate DAST into the development and operations workflows, certain best practices should be followed:

- Select a robust commercial or open-source DAST tool suitable for the organization and app type. Consider integration with CI/CD pipelines.

- Train developers, testers and operations teams on tool usage. Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing of findings.

- Clearly define success criteria, test procedures, frequencies and responsibilities upfront in a policy.

- Conduct targeted DAST against new code/features during each development stage, not just before releases.

- Monitor for high/critical vulnerabilities and track remediation in repositories. Enforce fixes before sign-offs.

- Consider both manual and automated scanning modes based on risk levels and available resources.

- Perform recurring DAST of production apps. Review scan reports regularly with security analysts.

- Integrate DAST with organizational vulnerability management program for coordinated resolution tracking.

The addition of Dynamic application security testing  to a security testing strategy ensures applications face realistic attack simulations throughout the development and deployment cycles. It helps deliver more robust software that better withstands real-world exploits while boosting development productivity. Regular application of DAST safeguards applications and user data long after launch.