DAST
Dynamic Application Security Testing against running applications in staging and production environments.
DAST — Dynamic Application Security Testing
DAST tests your application as an attacker would — from the outside, against a running instance, with no knowledge of internal implementation. Where SAST analyses source code for vulnerable patterns, DAST uncovers vulnerabilities that only manifest at runtime: injection flaws in live request flows, authentication weaknesses in actual session handling, server-side misconfigurations, and API behaviours that differ from specification. Intelliroot's CREST-certified analysts use Burp Suite Professional and OWASP ZAP with authenticated scanning coverage, ensuring that logged-in application states and protected endpoints are fully tested — not just the unauthenticated surface.
We operate DAST at two levels: targeted expert-led assessments for major releases and pre-production gates, and continuous automated DAST integrated into your CI/CD pipeline for ongoing regression coverage. Both modalities are supported, and we help you determine the right balance based on your release cadence, risk profile, and team capacity. All findings are triaged by our analysts before delivery, eliminating the false positive noise that undermines developer trust in automated scanning.
Why Runtime Testing Is Non-Negotiable
Runtime Behaviour Differs from Source Code
WAF misconfigurations, server-side middleware behaviour, framework defaults, and infrastructure settings can introduce vulnerabilities that never appear in static analysis. DAST catches what the application actually does under attack.
Authenticated Coverage Closes Critical Gaps
Most automated scanners only test the unauthenticated surface. Intelliroot's DAST includes full authenticated scanning of all user roles — covering the high-value attack surface behind login that attackers target first.
Continuous DAST Catches Regressions
A vulnerability fixed in one sprint can silently reappear in a dependency update or refactor. Continuous DAST in CI/CD provides ongoing regression coverage without requiring a full manual engagement for every release.
Required by Leading Compliance Frameworks
PCI DSS 6.3.2, OWASP SAMM, and NIST SP 800-115 all include dynamic testing as a mandatory component of a secure development programme. DAST results from a CREST-certified firm satisfy audit evidence requirements.
What We Test
Web Application Surface
- Authenticated and unauthenticated endpoint coverage
- Multi-role session testing (admin, user, guest)
- Form, parameter, and header injection testing
- File upload and download handling
- Client-side rendering and SPA coverage
API Testing & Fuzzing
- REST and GraphQL endpoint fuzzing
- OpenAPI / Swagger specification deviation testing
- API authentication and authorisation bypass
- Mass assignment and object property injection
- Rate limiting and resource exhaustion testing
Infrastructure & Configuration
- HTTP security headers assessment
- TLS/SSL configuration and cipher suite review
- Error message and stack trace exposure
- Server-side request forgery (SSRF) probing
- Directory listing and default file exposure
Continuous DAST in CI/CD
- Staging environment baseline scan configuration
- Scan policy calibration for pipeline speed vs coverage
- Finding deduplication and regression detection logic
- Pipeline gate thresholds by severity
- Integration with Jira, GitHub Issues, and SIEM platforms
Our Testing Approach
Scoping & Environment Setup
Define the target environment (staging vs production), agree on scan windows, configure IP allowlisting, provision test accounts for all user roles, and document any endpoints to exclude from active testing (e.g., payment processors, external SSO providers).
Application Crawl & Surface Mapping
Spider the application to map all accessible endpoints, forms, parameters, and API paths. For SPAs and JavaScript-heavy applications, use browser-based crawling to capture dynamically rendered content that standard crawlers miss.
Authenticated Scanning & Session Recording
Configure authenticated scanning for each user role using recorded login sequences or token injection. Verify session handling remains stable throughout the scan to ensure full coverage of protected application states.
Active Scanning & API Fuzzing
Execute active scan policies covering OWASP Top 10 and API Top 10 categories. Run API fuzzing against OpenAPI specifications or manually mapped endpoints, targeting injection, authorisation bypass, and parameter manipulation vulnerabilities.
Manual Validation & False Positive Triage
Validate all medium and above findings manually to confirm exploitability and eliminate false positives before reporting. This is the step that separates expert-led DAST from raw automated scanner output and ensures development teams only act on real issues.
Reporting, Continuous DAST Setup & Handover
Deliver the findings report with proof-of-concept evidence and remediation guidance. Configure continuous DAST pipeline integration for ongoing regression coverage, document scan policies and gate thresholds, and hand over operational runbooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deliverables
Executive Summary Report
Risk posture overview with critical findings, business impact assessment, and strategic recommendations for engineering leadership and audit committees.
Technical Findings Report
Full technical detail for each validated vulnerability: request/response evidence, CVSS score, affected endpoint, and step-by-step remediation guidance with secure code examples.
Risk-Rated Vulnerability Register
Spreadsheet of all findings with severity, endpoint, CWE reference, and remediation status columns for use as a living tracking document through to closure.
Continuous DAST Pipeline Configuration
Working DAST scanner integration in your CI/CD pipeline with calibrated scan policies, gate thresholds, and issue tracker integration — ready for ongoing regression coverage.
Scan Policy & Operations Runbook
Documented scan policies, authenticated session configuration, exclusion lists, and operational procedures for your team to maintain and extend DAST coverage independently.
Retest & Closure Certificate
Post-remediation verification of critical and high findings with a signed closure certificate from a CREST-certified organisation, accepted for compliance and regulatory submissions.
Request a Security Assessment
Tell us about your environment and security objectives. We'll design a bespoke assessment and deliver a detailed proposal within 48 hours.