Fortify DAST is a tool that tests web applications for security vulnerabilities. It's like a virtual inspector that checks your web application for weak spots where hackers might try to break in. This tool works while the application is running, simulating attacks to see if there are any vulnerabilities. This tool is especially useful for developers as they can integrate it into the development process, helping build safer web applications.

This blog will teach you about Fortify DAST, its documentation, Fortify DAST scan, Installation, Fortify Web Inspect DAST, and its alternatives.

Let’s get started

What is Fortify DAST?

Fortify DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) offers a comprehensive suite of tools that meticulously fortify the security of software development life cycles (SDLC) by pinpointing vulnerabilities in deployed web applications and services.

OpenText offers this robust solution as an integral component of the Fortify WebInspect product, specializing in automated dynamic application security testing that scans and rectifies exploitable vulnerabilities within web applications.

Tailored to meet the needs of developers, Fortify DAST encompasses an array of features, including pre-configured scan policies, incremental scanning capabilities for swift assessment of vulnerabilities in altered areas of the application, and seamless integration with the CI/CD pipeline, facilitating the adoption of "Secure DevOps" or "DevSecOps" practices.

Is Fortify SAST or DAST?

Fortify WebInspect is a dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool designed to detect vulnerabilities in deployed web applications and services.

While SAST examines the application's code without running it, DAST tests it while running and doesn't look at the source code. DAST mimics an outsider trying to hack into the application, assuming the tester doesn't know how the application works internally.

Fortify DAST Documentation

The documentation provides in-depth guidance on configuring and utilizing Fortify ScanCentral DAST for dynamic scans of web applications.

It covers setup procedures and effective tool utilization for security testing, highlighting key features such as FAST, Hacker-Level Insights, Workflow Scanning with HAR Files, Enterprise-Level Risk Management, Compliance Management, Flexible Deployment, Increased Scanning Speed, Comprehensive API Testing, and Client-Side Software Composition Analysis.

Fortify DAST Scan

A Fortify DAST Scan is a process that checks your web application for any potential security weaknesses while the application is running. This is similar to performing a mock attack on your application to uncover areas where hackers could potentially gain access.

Automated scans continuously check for vulnerabilities without needing constant human supervision. This makes it a valuable tool in the development process, as it helps ensure any issues are addressed before the application is released. The main goal is to make your web applications as secure as possible.

The scan can identify various security vulnerabilities, including issues like SQL injections, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and security misconfigurations. After identifying these vulnerabilities, Fortify DAST provides detailed reports that help you understand their nature and how to fix them.

Fortify Web Inspect DAST

Fortify WebInspect effectively finds weak spots in web applications and services. It's a dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool. Its many features help modern applications, protect software supply chains, and keep code safe. Here's a rundown of what it can do and why it's useful:

1. Functional Application Security Testing (FAST): Utilizes existing functional tests to uncover vulnerabilities and continues crawling to identify additional issues.

2. Hacker-Level Insights: Provides detailed findings, including client-side frameworks and version numbers, crucial for vulnerability mitigation.

3. Enterprise-Level Risk Management: Monitors vulnerability trends and prioritizes critical issues within applications.

4. Flexible Deployment: Offers deployment options on-premises, such as SaaS or AppSec-as-a-service.

5. Compliance Management: Includes pre-configured policies and reports for major regulations like PCI DSS, NIST, and HIPAA.

6. Increased Scanning Speed: Utilizes horizontal scaling and Kubernetes to parallelize JavaScript processing, resulting in faster scans.

7. Comprehensive API Testing: It can test a wide range of API types, including SOAP, REST, Swagger, GraphQL, and more.

8. API Scanning: Offers comprehensive coverage of various APIs, including SOAP, REST, Swagger, OpenAPI, Postman, GraphQL, and gRPC, ensuring improved accuracy.

Fortify WebInspect Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

Fortify WebInspect is a dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool that helps identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in web applications. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install Fortify WebInspect:

Step 1: System Requirements

Before starting the installation, ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements:

• Operating System: Windows Server 2016/2019 or Windows 10 (64-bit)

• Processor: Intel i5/i7 or equivalent

• RAM: Minimum 8 GB (16 GB recommended)

• Hard Disk: At least 50 GB of free space

• Other Software: .NET Framework 4.8, SQL Server (if using database scanning features)

Step 2: Download Fortify WebInspect

1. Visit the Micro Focus Fortify WebInspect download page and log in with your credentials.

2. Download the latest version of Fortify WebInspect.

Step 3: Installation Steps

1. Run the Installer:

   • Locate the downloaded installer file (e.g., WebInspectInstaller.exe) and run it.

2. Installation Wizard:

   • Follow the on-screen instructions in the installation wizard.

   

   • Accept the license agreement.

   

   • Choose the installation directory.

     

   
   

3. Configure WebInspect:

• You need to configure certain settings during the installation process. These settings might include:

  • Proxy Settings: Configure it here if your network uses a proxy.

  • Database Settings: Provide the necessary details on how to use SQL Server for database scans.

4. Complete the Installation:

• Click Install to begin the installation process.

  

• Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a confirmation screen. Click Finish to exit the wizard.

  

  
  

• Initial Setup:

  • Launch Fortify WebInspect from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.

  • You should activate your product using the license key provided by Micro Focus.

Step 4: Configuration and Scanning

1. Initial Configuration:

   • Upon the first launch, you may need to complete some initial configuration settings, such as configuring the default scan policy and setting up user preferences.

2. Creating a New Scan:

   • To create a new scan, click New Scan and follow the wizard to configure the scan settings:

     • Scan Type: Choose between basic, guided, or advanced scan types.

     • Target URL: Enter the web application URL you wish to scan.

     • Authentication: If the application requires authentication, provide the necessary credentials.

3. Running the Scan:

   • After configuring the scan, click Start Scan. Fortify WebInspect begins analyzing the target application for vulnerabilities.

   • Monitor the scan progress and view real-time results.

4. Reviewing Results:

   • After completing the scan, review the findings in the results dashboard.

   • Fortify WebInspect generates detailed reports with identified vulnerabilities and remediation suggestions.

Fortify DAST Alternatives

Various aspects of application security benefit from each alternative's unique features. Specific needs like testing types, integration capabilities, and application complexity determine the best choice. Here are the alternatives:

1. Akto

Akto is a proactive API security platform designed to help security and engineering teams secure their APIs. Akto excels in API inventory management, running business logic tests in CI/CD pipelines, and performing comprehensive API security testing. While Fortify DAST primarily focuses on web applications, Akto specializes in API security and offers both cloud and on-premise deployment, providing businesses with flexible deployment options.

2. GitLab

GitLab is renowned for its comprehensive DevSecOps platform, which facilitates software innovation by empowering development, security, and operations teams. It seamlessly integrates security into the DevSecOps lifecycle, spanning software development, security, and deployment stages. GitLab provides integrated DevSecOps capabilities that Fortify DAST lacks. That's why it is a good alternative to Fortify DAST.

3. Checkmarx

Checkmarx delivers both static and interactive application security testing (IAST), enabling the identification and remediation of security vulnerabilities across multiple programming languages and frameworks. Fortify DAST does not offer static code analysis. Checkmarx provides a combination of static, dynamic, and interactive testing capabilities, offering a more thorough security assessment of codebases than Fortify DAST’s primary focus on dynamic testing.

4. PortSwigger Burp Suite

PortSwigger Burp Suite offers a comprehensive suite for web security testing, including interactive scanning, crawling, and manual testing functionalities. Security professionals widely utilize it to detect vulnerabilities in web applications and to gain comprehensive insights into web security posture. Compared with Fortify DAST, Burp Suite offers extensive manual testing features, making it ideal for security professionals who need a more hands-on approach.

5. Veracode

Veracode is a cloud-based platform providing software composition analysis (SCA) and static and dynamic application security testing (SAST and DAST) capabilities. It identifies and mitigates security vulnerabilities effectively across various stages of the software development lifecycle. Veracode provides a broader range of combined SAST/DAST capabilities, making it a good alternative to Fortify DAST.

6. Invicti

Invicti specializes in automated security testing for web applications, featuring automated crawling, scanning, and reporting functionalities. Its automated approach ensures a thorough vulnerability assessment of web applications. Invicti offers automated security testing for web applications, which may require less manual intervention compared to Fortify DAST, making it a good alternative.

Final Thoughts

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is crucial for fortifying web applications against evolving cyber threats. Fortify DAST, including tools like Fortify WebInspect from OpenText, offers robust solutions with automated scanning and simulated attacks to detect and prioritize vulnerabilities. Its CI/CD pipeline integration capabilities support Secure DevOps, enhancing security throughout the development lifecycle.

Among all DAST tools, Akto seamlessly integrates with development pipelines and provides dynamic security testing specifically focused on APIs. It facilitates comprehensive API security by creating detailed inventories, conducting business logic tests, and offering both cloud and on-premise deployment options. For organizations seeking a modern, API-centric approach to security, Akto offers a versatile and effective solution that identifies vulnerabilities and provides actionable insights to address them, ensuring robust protection in a rapidly changing security environment.

Discover Akto today and elevate your application security strategy with confidence.