Dynamic Application Security Testing Coverage and Key Considerations in API Security

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern applications, security is a paramount concern that companies simply cannot afford to ignore. The proliferation of digital platforms and services has led to a staggering accumulation of data, with companies like Facebook alone amassing approximately 50GB of information per user. This data encompasses personal and highly sensitive information, such as likes, clicks, preferences, and even financial data. However, Facebook is just one example; companies like Google, Apple, and various banking applications collect similar vast amounts of data. This increasing digital footprint underscores the critical importance of security in today’s world.

The significance of robust security cannot be overstated. Users, the underlying infrastructure, and government regulations all demand a high level of security. The old adage “information is power” holds true, and the degree to which an application is tested can mean the difference between a secure and vulnerable system. This is where Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) comes into play, serving as a vital tool in the security testing arsenal. However, the scope and coverage of DAST are of utmost importance. This article explores the essential role of security test coverage, distinguishing DAST from other testing methods and delving into key considerations to achieve comprehensive DAST coverage.

The Importance of Comprehensive Security Test Coverage

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the depth and breadth of security testing are critical. In an era where digital attacks have become ubiquitous, both individuals and companies have a 98% likelihood of experiencing a digital breach during their lifetimes. The reality is that digital breaches are virtually inevitable; even industry giants like Samsung and the Secret Service have fallen victim to attacks.

The alarming statistics further emphasize the importance of security test coverage. These statistics include nearly a billion breached emails in a single year, data breach costs averaging $4.35 million, and a surge in ransomware attacks. Considering the high risk of cyberattacks and their potentially devastating consequences, comprehensive security test coverage is vital for every organization.

Also read: Application Security: SAST vs. DAST vs. SCA

Understanding Security Test Coverage

Security test coverage is a crucial metric that assesses the extent of vulnerability testing in an application. It considers the thoroughness, frequency, and effectiveness of these tests. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a significant method in security testing, but it differs from other approaches like Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST).

DAST predominantly concentrates on the application’s external functions and its reactions when exposed to actual attacks, setting it apart from other testing techniques. It essentially acts as an external entity, evaluating the application’s real-world performance against threats like SQL injections and cross-site scripting.

DAST proves highly effective in recognizing runtime vulnerabilities, including errors in authentication and server configuration. However, it doesn’t address source code problems or issues related to business logic. Moreover, DAST may distribute specific security duties to other testing approaches and could miss vulnerabilities tied to human behaviors and social engineering attacks.

In the context of API security, DAST provides valuable insights into how APIs react to external threats, helping identify runtime vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, it might not address the intricacies of API code and logic, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that combines various testing methods to cover all aspects of API security.

In summary, DAST plays a crucial role in security test coverage but requires a holistic approach involving multiple testing methods, automation, and advanced techniques to comprehensively address security vulnerabilities and emerging threats.

Exploring the Methodology of Test Coverage in DAST

An application’s attack surface encompasses the digital space exposed to potential threats and attackers. Security test coverage is the extent to which this attack surface is examined for vulnerabilities. A comprehensive approach ensures that your application is scrutinized for any exploitable weaknesses that malicious actors could target.

DAST typically focuses on testing an application’s external behaviors by simulating real-world attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Unlike SAST, DAST operates with limited knowledge of the application’s inner workings. It evaluates the application’s security in its operational state, testing how it responds to real-world attacks once deployed. It excels at identifying runtime vulnerabilities, such as authentication and server configuration errors, code injections, SQL injections, and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.

However, DAST may not be as effective at identifying vulnerabilities in the source code, runtime issues, or specific business logic vulnerabilities. It may also overlook certain aspects, such as the human factor, including poor passwords, human errors, or social engineering attacks.

Also read: Obtaining Perfect Performance Through End-to-End Testing

Strategies for Ensuring Comprehensive DAST Coverage

To achieve comprehensive DAST coverage, consider the following strategies:

• Supplement with Other Testing Methods: Utilize complementary testing methods like SAST and IAST to address areas that DAST might not cover adequately.
• Educate Your Team: The human factor is a significant security challenge. Over 92% of digital breaches result from human errors. Therefore, educating your staff about efficient security practices and adopting a DevSecOps approach is essential.
• Methodical Testing: Develop a systematic testing plan that covers different aspects of your application comprehensively.
• Automation: Implement automation to conduct DAST scans regularly and consistently, reducing the need for human intervention.
• Advanced Scanning Techniques: Employ advanced scanning techniques that go beyond surface-level vulnerabilities to identify complex issues.

Challenges and Solutions in Achieving Effective DAST Coverage

While DAST is a crucial component of securing modern applications, it presents its own set of challenges. Challenges in achieving comprehensive DAST coverage include dealing with false positives, and false negatives, and maintaining consistent scanning throughout different application states.

Investing in tools equipped with advanced logic to reduce false positives and continuously refining DAST configurations to minimize false negatives can help overcome these challenges. Implementing regular scanning throughout the development lifecycle, covering various application stages, is vital to achieving effective DAST coverage. In a digital landscape where security breaches are a constant threat, comprehensive security testing is a non-negotiable aspect of safeguarding digital assets and maintaining the integrity of systems.