Integrating DAST in the Development Cycle - Zimperium

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, ensuring the security of your applications is paramount. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) has emerged as a critical tool in identifying vulnerabilities in running applications. This blog post will explore how to integrate DAST into your development cycle, focusing on continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD), combining manual and automated testing, and iteratively improving security based on DAST findings.

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

Integrating DAST tools into your CI/CD pipeline is essential for regular security checks. Automate the DAST process to run tests with each build or release. This approach ensures that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly, maintaining the integrity of your application across its lifecycle.

Automated Testing

For most enterprises, manual pen testing can be vital – and for those subject to regulation, it can even be required. But pen testing is not just cost and time-prohibitive but counterproductive to development teams incentivized to develop and release faster. Enterprises have a unique opportunity to add value by integrating automated security testing into their DevOps process to complement end-of-cycle pen testing.

Feedback and Iteration

DAST reports provide valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities. Analyze these reports to identify and prioritize issues, then iteratively improve your security measures based on the findings. This continuous feedback loop helps in refining your application’s security posture over time.

DAST Best Practices for Mobile Developers

1. Choose the Right DAST Tools

Selecting tools specifically designed or compatible with mobile applications is crucial. Look for tools that offer integrations with other development and security tools, ensuring seamless functionality within your workflow.

2. Regular Updates and Training

Keep your DAST tools updated to detect the latest vulnerabilities. Additionally, conduct regular training sessions for developers on security best practices and emerging threats. This proactive approach helps in maintaining a robust security framework.

3. Understand the Limitations

DAST is effective in identifying runtime vulnerabilities but cannot detect source code issues or vulnerabilities only visible internally. It should be used alongside Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and manual code reviews for comprehensive security coverage.

DAST Blind Spots

• False Positives: DAST may sometimes flag legitimate user inputs as vulnerabilities, leading to unnecessary alarms. Manual validation is essential to identify and mitigate false positives effectively.
• Black-Box Nature: DAST operates with limited visibility into the application’s internal workings, which can hinder its ability to detect certain vulnerabilities. Combining DAST with other testing methodologies can help overcome this limitation.
• Limited Customization: Predefined attack vectors in DAST tools might not cover unique vulnerabilities specific to your application. Automated penetration testing can provide additional coverage where DAST falls short.
• Integration Challenges: Integrating DAST tools into existing development workflows and CI/CD pipelines can be complex and require technical expertise. Proper planning and resource allocation can mitigate these challenges.

DAST in Android vs. iOS: Tailoring Your Approach

Android

• Open-Source Advantage: Android’s open-source nature offers flexibility in integrating and customizing DAST tools to meet specific security needs.
• Fragmentation Challenges:The diversity of Android versions and devices can complicate DAST effectiveness. Using multiple tools with varying capabilities can address different configurations and improve overall security.

iOS

• Closed Ecosystem: iOS’s closed ecosystem simplifies DAST tool compatibility but limits customization options. Apple’s strict security standards and review process often pre-empt common vulnerabilities, potentially reducing DAST’s immediate impact.
• App Store Gatekeeper: Apple’s stringent app review process helps in mitigating common vulnerabilities before apps reach users, complementing DAST efforts.
• Sandboxed Environment: DAST’s ability to analyze internal components is limited in iOS’s sandboxed environments. Combining DAST with static analysis and automatic penetration testing offers a holistic security assessment.

Integrating DAST into your development cycle is an essential step towards building secure mobile applications. By leveraging CI/CD pipelines, combined with automated testing, and continuously iterating based on feedback, you can create a robust security framework. Understanding the limitations of DAST and complementing it with other methodologies like SAST and automated code reviews will ensure comprehensive coverage.

​​Zimperium’s zScan offers rapid, automated penetration tests for each build, ensuring vulnerabilities are detected and addressed promptly without slowing down releases. zScan focuses on finding vulnerabilities that make the application prone to abuse and exploitation once on the app stores and end-user devices. The scan runs in minutes, so developers can integrate it into DevOps workflows while maintaining development velocity, increasing remediation time, and reducing costs associated with end-of-cycle pen testing.

For mobile app developers and cybersecurity professionals, adopting these practices will not only enhance security but also streamline the development process. Ready to take your application’s security to the next level? Start integrating DAST today and see the difference it makes.