What Is SAST?

Source code analysis is a broader term that includes manual and automated examination of source code for various purposes. Static application security testing (SAST) specifically refers to the automated analysis of source code to identify and address security vulnerabilities during the development process.

Static application security testing (SAST) tools analyze the source code or binary code of an application for security vulnerabilities without executing the program. They identify issues early in the development process, allowing developers to address potential security risks.

Static application security testing (SAST) tools analyze source code for security vulnerabilities early in the development process, providing proactive identification and mitigation. Benefits include faster detection, reduced security risks, and cost savings.

Static application security testing (SAST) examines the source code, while dynamic application security testing (DAST) evaluates the running application. Combining both provides a comprehensive approach to identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities.

For static application security testing (SAST), commonly used standards include MISRA (Motor Industry Software Reliability Association) for C and C++ code, CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) standards, which provide guidelines for secure coding practices, and OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) guidelines for web application security. These standards offer best practices and guidelines to ensure code quality, security, and compliance with industry regulations.