Software Testing  

Security Testing Automation: Integrating SAST and DAST in Pipelines

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

SAST analyzes source code or binaries for security vulnerabilities without executing the program. It is typically performed early in the development lifecycle and helps identify issues like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure coding practices.

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

DAST tests a running application to identify vulnerabilities in real-time. It simulates external attacks and is effective in detecting runtime issues such as authentication flaws, server misconfigurations, and insecure APIs.

Benefits of Automation

  • Early detection of vulnerabilities

  • Continuous security validation

  • Reduced manual effort and human error

  • Faster feedback loops for developers

  • Improved compliance and audit readiness

Tools Used

Common tools for SAST include:

  1. SonarQube

  2. Checkmarx

  3. Fortify

  4. CodeQL

Common tools for DAST include: OWASP ZAP

  • Burp Suite

  • AppSpider

  • Acunetix

Integration Strategies in CI/CD Pipelines

Integrating SAST and DAST into CI/CD pipelines involves:

  • Running SAST tools during the build phase to analyze code before deployment

  • Triggering DAST scans post-deployment in staging environments

  • Using plugins or CLI tools to automate scans and fail builds on critical vulnerabilities

  • Storing scan results in centralized dashboards for visibility and tracking

Sample Configurations

SAST with SonarQube in Jenkins

pipeline { 
  stages { 
    stage('Code Analysis') { 
      steps { 
        script { 
          sh 'sonar-scanner -Dsonar.projectKey=myapp -Dsonar.sources=src -Dsonar.host.url=http://localhost:9000' 
        } 
      } 
    } 
  } 
}

DAST with OWASP ZAP in GitHub Actions

  
    jobs: 
  zap_scan: 
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest 
    steps: 
      - name: ZAP Baseline Scan 
        uses: zaproxy/[email protected] 
        with: 
          target: 'http://localhost:8080' 
          fail_action: true

Best Practices

  • Shift security left by integrating early in the SDLC

  • Use both SAST and DAST for comprehensive coverage

  • Automate scans and enforce quality gates

  • Regularly update tools and rulesets

  • Educate developers on secure coding practices

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