Understanding SAST & SCA

A comprehensive guide to Static Application Security Testing and Software Composition Analysis

SAST Analyzes your code
SCA Manages dependencies
Shift-Left Early detection

Executive Overview

The Problem

Modern software development requires security to be integrated early in the development lifecycle, not as an afterthought. Traditional late-stage security audits create bottlenecks and costly fixes.

The Solution

SAST and SCA provide complementary security testing that covers both your custom code and third-party dependencies, enabling early detection and prevention of vulnerabilities.

The Benefit

By "shifting left" and implementing both tools, organizations save time and resources while building more secure applications with continuous, automated security checks.

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

What is SAST?

SAST analyzes your application's source code, bytecode, or binary code to find security vulnerabilities without executing the program. It's "white-box" testing that examines your code from the inside out.

How SAST Works

1

Code Analysis

Parses source code, bytecode, and binary files

2

AST Creation

Builds Abstract Syntax Tree for code structure

3

Flow Analysis

Traces data and execution paths

4

Taint Analysis

Tracks untrusted data from source to sink

5

Report Generation

Provides detailed vulnerability reports

Benefits

  • Early vulnerability detection
  • Real-time developer feedback
  • Compliance and governance support
  • Integration with IDEs and CI/CD

Challenges

  • High false positive rates
  • No runtime context understanding
  • Can cause developer "alert fatigue"
  • Limited to static code analysis

Software Composition Analysis (SCA)

What is SCA?

SCA identifies and manages open-source and third-party components in your applications. It scans dependencies against vulnerability databases and manages license compliance.

SCA Focus Areas

Vulnerabilities

Scans components against CVE and OSV databases to identify known security flaws

License Compliance

Identifies component licenses to ensure legal compliance and avoid liabilities

Supply Chain Integrity

Detects outdated dependencies, malicious packages, and typosquatting

Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)

SCA generates a complete inventory of all components, versions, and licenses in your software. This SBOM provides transparency and enables effective supply chain risk management.

Benefits

  • Supply chain attack defense
  • Automated license compliance
  • Continuous vulnerability monitoring
  • Fast scanning (seconds)

Challenges

  • Reactive to database updates
  • Zero-day vulnerability window
  • Potential false negatives
  • Complex dependency chains

SAST vs SCA: Complementary Approaches

Aspect
SAST
SCA
Focus
Custom/proprietary code
Third-party dependencies
Analysis Type
White-box testing
Component inventory
Speed
Slower (minutes)
Faster (seconds)
Remediation
Code fixes
Component updates
CI/CD Placement
Tiered approach
Every commit

1. Define Security Foundation

Establish secure coding policies and compliance requirements (OWASP Top 10, GDPR, HIPAA)

2. Select the Right Tools

Choose tools that support your tech stack and integrate with existing CI/CD pipelines

3. Configure CI/CD Integration

Implement automated security checks on every commit or pull request

4. Baseline and Monitor

Conduct initial scans to identify existing issues and enable continuous monitoring

5. Automate Feedback

Provide real-time alerts and establish clear remediation processes

Tool Landscape

SAST Tool Comparison

SonarQube

Code Quality Focus
  • Developer-friendly interface
  • Free community edition
  • Limited security depth
  • High false positive rate
Best for: Getting started

Checkmarx SAST

Security-First
  • Deep security analysis
  • Wide language support
  • ~5% false positive rate
  • Detailed attack vectors
Best for: Enterprise security

Veracode

Compliance Focus
  • Comprehensive platform
  • Strong compliance features
  • SaaS-only deployment
  • Enterprise pricing
Best for: Regulated industries

SCA Tool Comparison

Sonatype

Accuracy Leader
  • Near-zero false positives
  • Deep binary fingerprinting
  • Full SBOM management
  • AI model analysis
Best for: Accuracy & automation

Snyk

Developer-First
  • Developer-friendly platform
  • Multiple security tools
  • Data quality issues
  • Partial automation
Best for: Developer adoption

JFrog

DevOps Integration
  • DevOps platform integration
  • Artifact management
  • High false positive rate
  • Limited automation
Best for: JFrog ecosystem

Key Takeaways

Complementary, Not Competing

SAST and SCA address different risks and should be used together for comprehensive security coverage.

Early Integration Saves Time

Implementing both tools early in the SDLC prevents costly late-stage security fixes.

Layered Security Approach

Neither tool is a silver bullet. Combine with DAST and other testing for complete coverage.

Culture Matters

Success requires fostering a security-first culture where development and security teams collaborate.