Web application security testing becomes more important as the problem of leaking information rises. However, IBM (International Business Machines) predicts that half of compromised organizations didn't boost security spending. Web application security testing isn't hard given expertise and affordable tools recently.
This article discusses web application security testing tools and offers expert advice on how to choose the right one.
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GitHub
GitHub, an open-source software repository, contains many web application security testing tools. These tools enable you to detect and patch problems before attackers exploit them, thereby protecting your application and user data.
Types:
- SAST (e.g. SASTify, GoSec, Bandit).
- DAST (e.g., Wapiti, Netsparker Community Edition, OpenVAS).
- IAST (e.g., Konf security or Arachni is partially open-source)
- Penetration Testing Tools (such as Kali Linux, Metasploit Framework, or Ettercap)
Features:
- Vulnerability scanning and detection: Find probable flaws in your application.
- False positive reduction: Reducing irrelevant alarms allows for a more focused investigation.
- Reporting and Prioritisation: Receive clear reports indicating important vulnerabilities that require immediate attention.
- Integration with development workflows: Make security testing part of your development process.
Competitive Advantages:
- Cost-effective: Free to use and modify, which saves you money.
- Transparency: Open-source code enables scrutiny and modification.
- Active Community: Benefit from the wisdom of developers across the world.
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Contrast CodeSec - Scan & Serverless
Contrast CodeSec - Scan and Serverless provides a surprisingly easy solution. This tool, which is available on GitHub, allows you to find and address vulnerabilities in your web apps right from your development workflow.
Types: SAST tool.
Features:
- Fast Scans: Receive results rapidly to keep development going.
- Actionable Tip: Learn how to patch vulnerabilities and prioritize them.
- Easy integration: Integrates easily with your GitHub workflow.
- Scans Java, JavaScript, and .NET: Supports common programming languages.
Competitive Advantages:
- Simple setup: link to GitHub and scan.
- Developer-Friendly: Clear results assist developers in writing secure code.
- Free for Open Source: An affordable choice for open-source projects.
Coverity Scan Static Analysis
Coverity Scan Static Analysis is an extremely useful tool available on GitHub. This complete solution looks deeply into your application's source code, detecting and correcting security flaws before they become significant.
Furthermore, this tool is suitable for enterprises with large web applications and sophisticated coding and security-conscious organizations that comply with industry security standards and laws.
Type: SAST tool.
Features:
- Deep Analysis: Identifies a broader range of vulnerabilities than standard SAST tools.
- Accurate Results: Fewer false positives, which saves you time correcting actual problems.
- Works with your workflow: It integrates with development tools and CI/CD pipeline security processes.
- Security Standards Check: Ensures that your code adheres to security best practices.
- Supports Multiple Languages: Scans code written in common web development languages.
Competitive Advantages:
- Super Accurate: Less time lost on false alerts.
- Discovers Additional Weaknesses: More thorough security assessments for a stronger app.
- Scales well: Can handle enormous code bases for complicated web applications.
ZAP
ZAP enables you to be a web security activist. This powerful tool serves as an intermediary, intercepting communications between your browser and the web application. ZAP analyses this traffic, allowing you to detect and exploit weaknesses in the same way that a real attacker would.
Type: DAST tool.
Features:
- Security Lookout: ZAP analyses interactions between your browser and the web app.
- Test Login Strength: Test your logins' security by simulating hacker attacks.
- Find Data Leaks: Look for flaws that could allow hackers to steal information.
- Catch malicious scripts: Identify vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to inject malicious code.
- Customizable Tests: Focus your testing on specific flaws that you are concerned about.
Competitive Advantages:
- Free and Open-source: There's no need to pay for expensive licenses.
- Active Community: Benefit from a community that is continually working to enhance ZAP.
- ZAP Marketplace: Add-ons allow you to expand your toolkit with even more functions.
- Simple to Use: Use ZAP even if you're new to web security testing.
Arachni
Arachni is a feature-rich web security scanner hosted on GitHub. It combines two testing strategies:
- Code Scrutiny: Checks your code for flaws such as SQL injection.
- Dynamic Defence: Simulates real-world attacks to identify weaknesses in your running program.
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Types: Combines parts of SAST and DAST to provide an extensive method of security analysis.
Features:
- Code Scanner: Discovers flaws buried in your code.
- Attack Simulator: This tool simulates real-world attacks to determine how well your app performs.
- Expandable Toolkit: Add extra functionality by using plugins for specialized security tests.
- Detailed details: Receive clear details on risks and how to address them.
- Customization Options: Able to customize testing options to meet your requirements.
Competitive Advantages:
- Free and Open-source: There's no need to pay for expensive licenses.
- Pick Your Tools: Select the features required for targeted testing.
- Highly Expandable: Using plugins, you can add functionality to meet specific needs.
- Active Community: Benefit from continuing development and a supportive user base.
Contrast Community Edition (CE)
Contrast CE is a thorough web application security testing platform hosted on GitHub. It combines functionality from many testing methodologies to provide a comprehensive solution for developers and security professionals.
Type: SAST tools.
Features:
- Find Code Weaknesses: Detect vulnerabilities in your code before they cause issues.
- Uncover Hidden Risks: Detect security flaws in libraries on which your app relies.
- Partial Attack Protection: Helps prevent some attacks from occurring.
- Simple to Use: It integrates seamlessly with your development workflow.
- Clear Instructions: Receive step-by-step instructions on how to remedy problems.
Competitive Advantages:
- Multi-layered Security: Combines many testing methods for a comprehensive approach.
- Developer-friendly: Simple to use and comprehend for developers.
- Cost-effective: This approach is for open-source development.
SpotBugs
SpotBugs is a static application security testing (SAST) tool hosted on GitHub. It examines your code line by line, looking for flaws before your application even launches.
Type: SAST tool.
Features:
- Deep Code Analysis: Dig deep into your code to identify a variety of potential faults.
- Customizable Checks: Direct SpotBugs to the portions of your code that concern you the most.
- Works with your tools. Integration with common development tools ensures a smooth workflow.
- Free and open-source: There is no need to pay for pricey licenses.
Competitive Advantages:
- Free to Use: Available to everyone, regardless of budget.
- Highly Extensible: Add new functionality using plugins for certain coding styles and frameworks.
- Active Community: Benefit from continuous enhancements and problem fixes from a devoted developer community.
How to Choose the Right Web App Security Testing Tool?
There are so many choices that it can be hard to pick a web app security testing tool. Here are some important things to keep in mind as you look for the right tool for your needs.
- Budget: There are a lot of different types of security tools, from free ones to paid ones with lots of features. To cut down your options, first figure out how much money you have.
- Important Features: Do you need to protect your app while it's running, or do you just need a good security scanner? You can choose a tool with the right features if you know what kind of security you need.
- Simple to Use: Is it easy to use the tool, or is it like learning rocket science? A complicated tool might be great for security experts, but coders might want something easier that works with their workflow.
- Security Weaknesses: Some tools are made to fix certain security problems. The key to good testing is choosing a tool that can fix your unique problems.
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Conclusion
Web application security must be ensured. Some web application security testing tools are essential, even though experts have diverse approaches. Implementing security procedures and tools may seem intimidating, but it will get more efficient when choosing the right tools for the right problem. Remember to consider your budget and main problems to choose the most efficient tool for your project.
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