* Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST):
* DAST tools interact with the running application from the outside, simulating attacks to identify security vulnerabilities.
* They are particularly effective in identifying issues like SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, and other vulnerabilities in web applications.
* DAST tools do not require access to the source code, making them suitable for black-box testing.
* Advantages of DAST:
* Real-World Testing: DAST simulates real-world attacks by interacting with the application in the same way a user would.
* Comprehensive Coverage: Can identify vulnerabilities in all parts of the web application, including input fields, forms, and user interactions.
* Automated Scanning: Automates the process of testing and identifying vulnerabilities, providing detailed reports on discovered issues.
* Examples of DAST Tools:
* OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy): An open-source DAST tool widely used for web application security testing.
* Burp Suite: A popular commercial DAST tool that provides comprehensive scanning and testing capabilities.
Pentest References:
* Web Application Testing: Understanding the importance of testing web applications for security vulnerabilities and the role of different testing methodologies.
* Security Testing Tools: Familiarity with various security testing tools and their applications in penetration testing.
* DAST vs. SAST: Knowing the difference between DAST (dynamic testing) and SAST (static testing) and when to use each method.
By using a DAST tool, the penetration tester can effectively identify all vulnerable input fields on the customer website, ensuring a thorough assessment of the application's security.