Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Quiz Quiz

Enhance your understanding of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) with this focused quiz, covering core concepts, key processes, and common pitfalls. Discover best practices and foundational knowledge essential for identifying vulnerabilities in web applications through runtime security testing.

1. DAST vs. SAST

   Which statement best describes how Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) differs from Static Application Security Testing (SAST)?

   1. DAST scans compiled source code before deployment.
   2. DAST is performed on desktop software exclusively.
   3. DAST analyzes running applications, while SAST reviews source code without execution.
   4. DAST only examines configuration files, not application logic.

   Explanation: DAST tests applications in their running state, evaluating the system as an end user would, which helps in discovering runtime vulnerabilities. In contrast, SAST inspects the application's source code, binaries, or bytecode without actually executing the application. The option about compiled source code describes SAST, not DAST. Examining only configuration files is incorrect, as DAST focuses on application behavior. The desktop software option is misleading since DAST is mostly applied to web applications but not exclusively to desktops.

2. DAST Coverage

   When performing DAST on a web application, what is a key limitation compared to other testing methods?

   1. DAST cannot detect vulnerabilities that are hidden in unreachable code paths.
   2. DAST is not able to simulate any user interactions with the application.
   3. DAST always requires physical access to the application's server.
   4. DAST can test source code directly for security issues.

   Explanation: DAST relies on interacting with the running application through its interfaces, meaning it cannot find vulnerabilities in code that is never executed or reachable during testing. DAST does not analyze source code directly, so that option is inaccurate. DAST simulates user interactions to discover vulnerabilities, so the third option is incorrect. Physical server access is not required for DAST, which can often be performed remotely.

3. DAST and Vulnerability Detection

   Which type of security issue is DAST particularly effective at identifying in web applications?

   1. Syntax errors in unused code sections.
   2. Compiler optimization flaws.
   3. Misspelled documentation comments.
   4. Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities.

   Explanation: DAST excels at finding runtime vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS) by interacting with the application’s user interface and monitoring for malicious behaviors. Misspelled documentation comments and syntax errors are typically uncovered by static analysis or build tools, not by DAST. Compiler optimization flaws are unrelated to application behavior and thus not within DAST’s scope.

4. DAST False Positives

   What is a common challenge encountered when using Dynamic Application Security Testing tools?

   1. They automatically fix detected vulnerabilities without any developer input.
   2. They guarantee complete coverage of all possible execution paths.
   3. They only identify hardware-related security issues.
   4. They may report false positives due to incomplete coverage or misinterpretation of results.

   Explanation: DAST tools can sometimes generate false positives, especially if some application states or workflows are not fully covered during testing, leading to results that may not represent real vulnerabilities. DAST does not guarantee full coverage — no tool does, making that option incorrect. DAST tools do not fix vulnerabilities automatically; they report findings for developers to act on. Lastly, DAST focuses on application-layer issues, not hardware vulnerabilities.

5. Preparing for DAST

   Before running a DAST scan on a staging environment, what is an important precaution to take?

   1. Use production credentials in non-secure testing environments.
   2. Ensure the database and application are backed up to prevent data loss during active testing.
   3. Disable all input validation features.
   4. Restrict network access for developers only.

   Explanation: Backing up the application and its database helps prevent any potential data loss or corruption that might occur during DAST, as such tests might exploit or manipulate application states. Disabling input validation undermines security and should not be done. Restricting network access to only developers is not specifically relevant to DAST preparation. Using production credentials in testing environments increases risk and is not recommended.