PlexTrac ConceptsStatic Application Security Testing

Static application security testing (SAST), or static analysis, is the cybersecurity practice of analyzing the source code, bytecode, or binaries of an application before it is deployed to identify potential vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).

SAST is typically performed as early in the software development cycle as possible to identify potential security issues and address them quickly.

Static application security testing (SAST) benefits include:

• Early detection of vulnerabilities in the development process
• Analysis of the entire codebase for a quick view of potential security issues and bugs
• Reduced costs of incidents or vulnerabilities by catching and fixing issues early in the lifecycle 
• Creation of more secure applications through real-time feedback before deployment

SAST can come with some challenges you will want to consider and be aware of before implementing. Some challenges with SAST include:

• The code is analyzed before execution, which could miss runtime vulnerabilities
• By interpreting code and applying assumptions, SAST tools can produce false alerts
• SAST tools are often language-specific and may require more tools for your apps
• Configuration interpretation and remediation often require manual work

Static application security testing (SAST) analyzes the application code, whereas dynamic application security testing (DAST) tests the application functionality and simulates real-world attacks to uncover potential vulnerabilities.

Interactive application security testing (IAST) is the combination of the two. IAST tests and monitors the application before and during runtime to identify security gaps and functional issues.

PlexTrac aggregates pentest and vulnerability data from various scanners and tools — including popular static application security testing (SAST) solutions — and automates reporting with AI to effectively prioritize risk.

Request a demo to see how to close the loop on continuous validation by prioritizing, assigning, and tracking findings from all your scanner tools in one place with PlexTrac.

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