Veracode DAST, which stands for Dynamic Application Security Testing, checks web applications and their associated APIs for potential security vulnerabilities. It operates like an external attacker trying to exploit weaknesses but does not need access to the source code.

This blog will teach you about Veracode DAST, its essentials, Veracode SAST or DAST, documentation, authentication pricing range, and some noteworthy alternatives.

Let’s get started

What is Veracode DAST?

Veracode DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) is a comprehensive security solution that combines automation, processing, and speed to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs during the software development lifecycle.

It operates as a black box test, simulating the actions of an attacker without requiring access to the application's source code or internal architecture. This approach allows Veracode DAST to discover vulnerabilities that might not be found through other testing techniques, such as static analysis or white box testing.

Veracode DAST Essentials

Veracode DAST Essentials quickly scans web applications and APIs, focusing on key security issues that occur during use. It's easy setup and smooth integration into automated pipelines highlight its ability to add new features quickly without problems.

Unlike other security tests, Veracode DAST Essentials simulates real-world attacks to find hidden issues that other tools might miss. This helps find and fix weaknesses that could harm the application's security.

Veracode DAST Essentials can easily work with your development tools. It connects with common CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitHub using custom scripts from Veracode. You can choose to run scans daily, weekly, or monthly. This helps find vulnerabilities in your software early. This not only keeps up with fast release cycles but also helps prevent serious vulnerabilities from getting into your final product.

Is Veracode SAST or DAST?

Veracode presents a comprehensive suite encompassing Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) solutions. SAST inspects the codebase for vulnerabilities precisely and excels at uncovering issues such as directory traversals, Cross-Site Scripting, and injection flaws.

On the other hand, DAST operates similarly to an attacker, engaging with the application to simulate actions and pinpoint vulnerabilities within web applications and APIs while they operate in production environments. Consequently, Veracode delivers both SAST and DAST solutions to address different facets of application security testing.

Veracode DAST Documentation

The documentation for Veracode DAST provides detailed guidelines to help users understand how to utilize this tool effectively.

The documentation explains that Veracode DAST functions like a black box test. This means it behaves like an external attacker who tries to find vulnerabilities without accessing the application's source code.

The Veracode DAST documentation also highlights that it works with applications built in various languages such as PHP and Java/JSP. It provides comprehensive reports on critical vulnerabilities, which can help teams to replicate and fix these flaws faster.

Veracode DAST Essentials occupy a significant section of the documentation. The documentation explains how to integrate Veracode DAST Essentials into automated pipelines and connect it with common CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitHub.

Veracode DAST Authentication

Veracode DAST also includes a feature for testing the authentication mechanisms of your web applications and APIs. Authentication is the process where an application verifies the identity of its users. It's a critical aspect of security because it prevents unauthorized access.

It ensures that your application's login systems are secure and working correctly. The tool exploits potential weaknesses in the authentication process, much like an attacker would. If Veracode DAST finds any issues, it will report them so they can be fixed, helping to ensure the security of your application.

Moreover, Veracode DAST's authentication testing is not limited to just one type of authentication mechanism. It supports a wide range of login systems, including form-based, basic, and digest, NTLM, and even client certificate-based authentication. This means that no matter what type of authentication method your web application or API uses, Veracode DAST can help ensure its security.

Veracode DAST Pricing

The Veracode Application Security Platform integrates both SAST and DAST capabilities and offers annual pricing ranging from $96 to $9808 per unit.

Although Veracode DAST Essentials doesn't explicitly outline specific pricing, it seems to encompass itself within the overall pricing structure of the Veracode Application Security Platform. Further insights into Veracode pricing include the availability of education pricing and free trial options.

Many acknowledge that Veracode's pricing is higher, yet they often deem the perceived value it delivers in terms of bolstering security and yielding DevOps efficiencies justifiable, particularly for larger enterprises. However, smaller organizations might find the pricing model challenging due to its potential expense.

For the most accurate and current pricing information, refer to Veracode's official website or directly engage with their sales team. The pricing for security solutions like SAST and DAST fluctuates based on the organization's scale, the number of applications tested, and the required features or services. You should directly consult with Veracode to obtain detailed pricing insights, including potential discounts or trial offerings.

Veracode DAST Alternatives

Here are some noteworthy alternatives, including Akto, a dynamic analysis tool serving similar purposes:

1. Akto

Akto is a proactive API security platform providing comprehensive API security testing. While Veracode DAST focuses on web applications, Akto specializes in API security testing with a robust testing library and supports Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST).

This specialization makes it a strong alternative to Veracode DAST, especially for organizations prioritizing API security and seamless integration into development workflows. Akto's emphasis on API security and flexible deployment options make it particularly appealing for teams seeking targeted dynamic analysis capabilities.

2. OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy)

OWASP ZAP is an open-source web application security scanner tailored to automatically detect security vulnerabilities in web applications throughout the development and testing phases. Offering both automated scanners and manual vulnerability identification tools, ZAP is favored among developers and security experts.

Beyond Veracode DAST’s comprehensive cloud-based approach, OWASP ZAP offers extensive flexibility and community support. ZAP’s cost-effectiveness and strong community backing make it an ideal alternative for those seeking a robust, flexible, and free solution for comprehensive security testing.

3. AppScan

AppScan, now integrated into IBM Security, presents a robust application security testing solution encompassing dynamic analysis capabilities. Engineers have designed AppScan to detect vulnerabilities across web applications, APIs, and mobile applications, offering a comprehensive suite comprising automated and manual testing methods.

Veracode DAST provides detailed and actionable reporting, while AppScan offers a full spectrum of testing capabilities. AppScan's comprehensive approach to dynamic and static testing makes it suitable for organizations needing an all-encompassing security solution across multiple application types, surpassing Veracode DAST in coverage breadth.

4. Acunetix

Acunetix is a web vulnerability scanner renowned for its automated scanning capabilities targeting web applications and APIs. It is proficient in identifying various vulnerabilities, including SQL injection and XSS. Beyond Veracode DAST’s cloud-based dynamic testing platform, Acunetix emphasizes ease of use and powerful automated scanning, which makes it an excellent alternative for teams looking for an intuitive and efficient dynamic analysis solution.

Final Thoughts

Veracode DAST emerges as a formidable tool for enhancing the security posture of web applications and APIs through rigorous dynamic analysis. Veracode DAST effectively identifies vulnerabilities that traditional testing methods might overlook by simulating real-world attack scenarios. Its integration into automated pipelines facilitates seamless security assessments within the software development lifecycle, ensuring timely identification and mitigation of potential risks.

Exploring alternatives such as Akto can further augment an organization's security toolkit. Akto focuses on dynamic testing capabilities and proactive API security testing, offering robust capabilities for uncovering vulnerabilities and smoothly integrating them into development workflows. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive security testing features, Akto presents a compelling option for teams aiming to fortify their applications against evolving cybersecurity threats.