Top 15 Dynamic Application Security Testing Tools

DAST is a method of detecting vulnerabilities in web applications as they are used or while they are being developed. This type of testing is done by executing code snippets or scripts against the target application in order to identify potential vulnerabilities.

This is in contrast to static application security testing (SAST), which tests applications before they go into production. DAST is a relatively new area, and there are many various solutions to choose from.

In this article, we will discuss the basics of DAST, as well as the top 15 tools for performing this type of testing. We will also explore the pros and cons of dynamic application security testing so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this approach is right for your organization.

Basics of Dynamic Application Security Testing

DAST is an approach of detecting web application flaws while they’re in use or during the creation process. This type of testing is done by executing code snippets or scripts against the target application in order to identify potential vulnerabilities.

One of the benefits of DAST is that it can be used to identify vulnerabilities that may not be found through other types of software testing. For example, SAST is great for identifying vulnerabilities in code, but it cannot identify issues that may only occur when the application is running. DAST can identify these types of vulnerabilities by monitoring how the application behaves while it is being used.

Dynamic application security testing can also be helpful in cases where an organization has a large number of applications. It would devour a considerable amount of time to manually test all of the applications in this scenario. DAST may help speed up the process by automating certain tests.

Top 15 Dynamic Application Security Testing Tools

There are many different tools available for performing dynamic application security testing. Here are ten of the most popular tools:

1. Burp Suite: Burp Suite is a tool for performing both manual and automated security testing of web applications. The program monitors the network, detects anomalies, and protects against attacks. It includes a variety of security tools such as a scanner, spider, and intruder.
2. Astra Pentest: Astra Pentest is a complete pentesting suite which involves security scanner, vulnerability management and pentesting for web applications, mobile apps, cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure/GCP), and much more. The solution also includes features like an automatic scanning, pdf and email report generation, and scan behind login, etc.
3. WebInspect: WebInspect is another tool that scans web applications for vulnerabilities. It offers features like vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and code analysis.
4. Microsoft Security Compliance Manager: Microsoft Security Compliance Manager is a tool from Microsoft that helps organizations to secure their systems by identifying compliance issues.
5. Fiddler: Fiddler is a program that records all internet traffic between your computer and other computers. It can be used for debugging, monitoring, and security testing.
6. Paros Proxy: Paros Proxy is a tool for intercepting and analyzing traffic between your computer and the web. It can be used for security testing and debugging.
7. Nikto: Nikto is a tool that searches for vulnerabilities in web servers. It includes features like scanning for outdated software, insecure files, and server misconfiguration.
8. ModSecurity: ModSecurity is a tool used for intrusion detection and prevention in web applications. It offers features like rule-based filtering, session tracking, and real-time monitoring.
9. Netsparker: Netsparker is a program that checks for web applications’ security flaws without requiring the user to do anything. It includes features like Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) detection and SQL injection prevention.
10. AppScanner: AppScanner is a tool from IBM that scans applications for vulnerabilities and carries out penetration testing for mobile apps. It includes features like vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and code analysis. Static, dynamic, and manual testing are all available.
11. OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP): The ZAP module is a free and open-source tool that aids in the detection of web application flaws. It includes features like spidering, fuzzing, scanning, intrusion detection, and recon.
12. WebScarab: WebScarab is a tool for intercepting and manipulating requests made to web servers. It can be used for debugging or security testing purposes.
13. Retina Network Security Scanner: This scanner from Qualys is a program that tests networks for security flaws. It includes features like vulnerability assessment, policy compliance, and patch management.
14. Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer: This Security Analyzer is a free program from Microsoft that checks for exploits on Macs. It includes features like vulnerability scanning and malware detection.
15. Grendel-Scan: It is an open-source program for finding security flaws in web applications. Spidering, fuzzing, and scanning are all included features.

Each of these tools has its own set of features, so it is important to choose one that will fit the needs of your organization. Before making a selection, the benefits and drawbacks of each technology should be evaluated. For example, some tools are free while others are expensive.

Pros And Cons Of DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)

There are many benefits to dynamic application security testing, but there are also some drawbacks to consider before deciding if this approach is right for your organization.

Benefits of Dynamic Application Security Testing:

• Can identify vulnerabilities that may not be found through other types of testing
• Can help speed up the process of testing a large number of applications
• Can help to automate some tests

Drawbacks of Dynamic Application Security Testing:

• Maybe more expensive than other types of testing
• Requires specialized knowledge and skill sets
• Cannot identify vulnerabilities that are not related to the application’s behavior

Conclusion

Dynamic application security testing is a powerful process that can help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their applications. However, it’s essential to analyze the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision if this method is appropriate for your business. Hope this article has enlightened you on the various tools available for DAST.