Dynamic Source Code Review
Dynamic source code review, also referred to as Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), is a security assessment method where you analyze a running application's behavior, interactions, and outputs in response to various inputs and stimuli.
Description
What is it?
Dynamic source code review, also referred to as Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), is a security assessment method where you analyze a running application's behavior, interactions, and outputs in response to various inputs and stimuli. Unlike static code review, which examines the source code itself without execution, dynamic analysis focuses on how the application behaves during runtime. This helps identify vulnerabilities and security issues that might only manifest when the code is actually running, such as memory leaks, insecure data handling, or unintended consequences of user actions.
Technical Data
| How to do it? | |
|---|---|
| Set Up Environment | Deploy the application in a controlled test environment resembling production as closely as possible. Configure necessary monitoring and logging tools to capture the application's behavior. |
| Identify Inputs and Outputs | Identify all possible inputs to the application (user input, API calls, file uploads, etc.) and the corresponding outputs (responses, database queries, file changes, etc.). |
| Design Test Cases | Create test cases that cover a wide range of inputs, including expected inputs, edge cases, and malicious inputs designed to trigger potential vulnerabilities. |
| Execute Test Cases | Run the test cases, carefully observing the application's responses and behavior. Pay attention to error messages, unexpected outputs, crashes, or any unusual activity. |
| Analyze Results | Use tools and manual inspection to analyze the collected data, looking for signs of: |
| Injection vulnerabilities (SQL injection, command injection, etc.) | |
| Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) | |
| Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) | |
| Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) | |
| Authentication and authorization issues | |
| Sensitive data exposure | |
| Logic flaws | |
| Memory leaks or buffer overflows | |
| Report Findings | Document the identified vulnerabilities, their severity, potential impact, and detailed steps to reproduce them. Provide recommendations for remediation. |
| Remediate & Verify | Work with developers to address the identified vulnerabilities. Re-test the application to ensure fixes are effective and no new issues are introduced. |
| Software Used | |
| DAST Tools | |
| OWASP ZAP | Open-source web application security scanner with dynamic analysis capabilities. |
| Burp Suite | Popular tool for intercepting and modifying HTTP/HTTPS traffic, useful for manual testing and vulnerability exploitation. |
| Acunetix | Commercial web application security scanner with dynamic testing features. |
| AppScan | Another commercial tool for dynamic application security testing. |
| Other tools | Various other commercial and open-source tools exist depending on your specific needs and target platforms. |
| Monitoring & Logging Tools | |
| Application Performance Monitoring (APM) tools | New Relic, AppDynamics, Datadog, etc., can help track application behavior and identify potential security issues. |
| Web Server & Database Logs | Analyze logs for evidence of attacks or unusual activity. |
| Standards for Testing | |
| OWASP Testing Guide | Provides a comprehensive framework for web application security testing, including dynamic analysis methodologies. |
| PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard) | Defines phases and activities relevant to dynamic application security testing. |
| OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual) | Offers a comprehensive methodology for security testing, applicable to dynamic analysis as well. |
| Industry-Specific Standards | PCI DSS, HIPAA, etc., may have specific requirements for dynamic application security testing. |
| Key Points | |
| Complements Static Analysis | Dynamic analysis identifies vulnerabilities that might only be apparent during runtime, making it an essential complement to static code reviews. |
| Real-World Simulation | By interacting with the running application, dynamic analysis provides a more realistic assessment of potential security risks. |
| Continuous Integration | Integrate dynamic analysis into your development pipeline to identify issues early and ensure ongoing security. |
