12 Best Dynamic Application Security Testing Tools[DAST Software] in 2023

Dynamic Application security testing (DAST) tools automate application security vulnerability scanning testing to secure business applications, in production, against sophisticated application security attacks and vulnerabilities and provide appsec test results to quickly triage and mitigate (CVE)critical issues found.

The DAST scanning engine acts as automated and fully configurable web application security scanner enabling IT developers, security experts and pen-testers build security automation into every step of software development lifecycle SDLC

helps your business to monitor potential application security vulnerabilities, hackers’ efforts and shields you against potential attack vectors.

What is Dynamic application security testing (DAST)?

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), also known as a black box testing,  is a type of automated security testing that is used to identify vulnerabilities in web applications. DAST tools work by sending requests to the web application and analyzing the responses to identify any security weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.

DAST is designed to simulate real-world attacks on web applications. During a DAST scan, the tool will attempt to access every page and feature of the application, and will test for common security vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and buffer overflow vulnerabilities.

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is an important part of an overall web application security strategy. Here are some reasons why DAST is important:

1. Identify vulnerabilities: DAST is designed to identify vulnerabilities in web applications, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and buffer overflow vulnerabilities. By identifying these vulnerabilities, organizations can take steps to remediate them before they can be exploited by attackers.
2. Simulate real-world attacks: DAST security testing simulates real-world attacks on web applications, which can help identify vulnerabilities that may be difficult or impossible to find through manual testing. This helps ensure that the application is secure against a wide range of potential attacks.
3. Save time and resources: DAST vulnerability scanning are able to scan large and complex applications quickly and accurately, which can save time and resources when compared to manual testing. This allows organizations to identify and fix vulnerabilities in a timely manner, reducing the risk of a successful attack.
4. Complement other testing methods: DAST is often used in conjunction with other security testing methods, such as static application security testing (SAST) and manual penetration testing. By using multiple testing methods, organizations can identify vulnerabilities from different angles and ensure that the application is secure from a wide range of potential attacks.
5. Compliance requirements: Many compliance standards, such as PCI-DSS and HIPAA, require regular security testing of web applications. DAST can help organizations meet these requirements by identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring that the application is secure.

What is a DAST Tool and why is important for AppSec Vulnerabilities Scanning?

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools are automated tools that are used to scan web applications for security vulnerabilities. DAST tools work by simulating attacks on the web application while it is running, and analyzing the application’s response to determine whether there are any security weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.

DAST tools are important for application security scans because they help identify vulnerabilities that are present in web applications. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by attackers to gain access to sensitive data or to take control of the application.

Some common types of vulnerabilities that DAST tools can identify include:

1. Injection flaws: These occur when an attacker is able to inject malicious code into the application, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).
2. Authentication and authorization flaws: These vulnerabilities allow attackers to bypass authentication or gain unauthorized access to parts of the application.
3. Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities: These occur when an attacker is able to inject malicious code into a web page that is viewed by other users.
4. Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities: These vulnerabilities allow an attacker to trick a user into performing an action on the application without their knowledge or consent.
5. Broken access control: These vulnerabilities allow attackers to gain access to parts of the application that they should not have access to.

DAST tools are important because they help identify vulnerabilities that may be difficult or impossible to find through manual testing. DAST tools are also able to scan large and complex applications quickly and accurately, which can save time and resources when compared to manual testing.

12 Top DAST Tools List For App Security Scanning Testing in 2023

1. Netsparker vulnerability scanner
2. Beagle Security
3. Appknox to test mobile app vulnerabilities
4. Hdiv Security
5. Veracode
6. HCL AppScan
7. Acunetix
8. Indusface WAS
9. PortSwigger
10. Detectify
11. AppCheck Ltd
12. AppScan

Netsparker vulnerability scanner

Beagle Security

Appknox to test mobile app vulnerabilities

Hdiv Security

Veracode

HCL AppScan

Acunetix

Indusface WAS

PortSwigger

Detectify

AppCheck Ltd

AppScan

What are the features of DAST tools?

How does DAST tools compare with SAST and IAST tools?

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools are designed to identify vulnerabilities in web applications by simulating real-world attacks on the application. Some of the key features of DAST tools include:

Scanning capabilities: DAST tools are able to scan web applications for security vulnerabilities while they are running, simulating real-world attacks on the application.

Accurate results: DAST tools are able to accurately identify vulnerabilities that may be difficult or impossible to find through manual testing, helping to ensure that the application is secure against a wide range of potential attacks.

Customization: DAST tools often offer the ability to customize scans and reports to meet the specific needs of an organization, allowing for more targeted testing and remediation efforts.

Integration: DAST tools can often be integrated with an organization’s software development life cycle (SDLC), providing continuous security testing throughout the development process.

Automated testing: DAST tools can perform automated testing on a regular basis, reducing the need for manual testing and saving time and resources.

Reporting: DAST tools often provide detailed reports on vulnerabilities identified during testing, including severity ratings and recommended remediation steps.

Compliance: DAST tools can help organizations meet compliance requirements, such as PCI-DSS and HIPAA, by providing regular security testing of web applications.

DAST vs SAST vs IAST. What are the key differences?

As a potential buyer of SAST tools for application security scanning, it’s essential to understand the differences between Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), Static Application Security Testing (SAST), and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) tools.
DAST tools scan web applications for vulnerabilities while running, simulating real-world attacks on the application. SAST tools, on the other hand, analyze the application’s source code for potential vulnerabilities. IAST tools combine the benefits of both DAST and SAST by examining the application’s source code while running, providing real-time feedback on potential vulnerabilities.

To compare DAST tools with SAST and IAST tools in more detail, let’s take a look at the following table:

SAST, DAST, and IAST: How to choose?