Static application security testing (SAST) is a methodology for analyzing an application’s code to detect security vulnerabilities, before the software is executed. SAST tools scan for common vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), buffer overflows, and insecure coding practices.
SAST is typically used early in the software development lifecycle (SDLC). As a result, it aligns with shift-left security principles, helping developers identify and remediate security flaws before deployment. By providing detailed reports on security risks, SAST enables developers to fix vulnerabilities at the source, reducing the likelihood of security breaches.
Compared to dynamic application security testing (DAST), which analyzes applications at runtime, SAST provides deeper code-level insights. However, SAST lacks visibility into execution-time behaviors. Organizations often use a number of approaches, including SAST, DAST, and forced-path execution to establish robust, comprehensive security testing.
Learn more about how Quokka’s Q-mast leverages SAST, DAST, IAST, and forced-path execution app analysis.
