Black Box Testing

Improve application security with Black Box Testing Techniques

Black box testing, also known as Dynamic Analysis security testing (DAST test), is an essential tool for achieving application security. Black box analysis takes place in real time, finding vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit while the application is running in production.

Black box test techniques are helpful for finding certain vulnerabilities such as input/output validation problems, mistakes related to server configuration, and other problem specific to applications. But a black box test on its own cannot identify every vulnerability in the application – other forms of testing are required to fully vet an application before it goes live. And while black box testing can help improve application security, it can also be a drag on development timelines if it is not well-managed and easily integrated into the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

Veracode solutions include everything from unit testing tools for testing microservices to tools for vendor application security and runtime protection.

For development teams that want to deploy black box testing as part of the application development process, Veracode offers a cloud-based black box testing service that can help improve security while still meeting development deadlines.

The Pros and Cons of black box testing techniques.

Black box testing techniques – also known as dynamic analysis – are a crucial component of a comprehensive application security testing protocol. Blackbox testing techniques probe applications in production and have no view of source code and no information about the internal structure of the software. Consequently, black box testing techniques operate similarly to the way an attacker would search an application for vulnerabilities, for example, by inputting malicious code into web forms or shopping carts.

Black box testing techniques can be very effective at finding certain kinds of flaws such as input/output validation errors, server configuration mistakes and other application problems. But black box testing is also highly resource-intensive to deploy and manage, creating issues for development teams trying to meet aggressive deadlines. And to be successful, black box testing techniques must be combined with other testing tools to identify and remediate more vulnerabilities successfully.

That’s where Veracode can help.

Contrasted with white box testing, which analyzes source code, black box testing is done without access to code and with no understanding of the structure of the application. A black box test takes an outsider’s view, seeing only what an attacker would see and using the tools and techniques that attackers would employ to penetrate security.

Black box testing can identify a wide variety of vulnerabilities, including input/output validation problems, server configuration mistakes or errors, and other application-specific problems. But managing a black box testing solution can be both resource-intensive and time-consuming, hindering aggressive development schedules – which is why developers need solutions that improve efficiency and speed.

Black box testing tools from Veracode

Veracode provides application security tools for a software-driven world. Veracode’s solution portfolio helps organizations improve the security of applications from inception through production, seamlessly integrating security testing at the most effective and cost-efficient points in the development process. As a SaaS-based service, Veracode’s black box test can be implemented without capital expense and is easy for developers to use. Results are returned quickly – most often within four hours.

Veracode Dynamic Analysis (DAST) is a comprehensive testing solution that combines black box testing with additional testing tools to find and fix vulnerabilities in software applications. Veracode’s black box testing solution analyzes and probes applications to find hidden security issues that may be missed by other testing approaches.

Veracode’s black box test searches inside debug code, directories, leftover source code, and resource files to find SQL strings, ODBC connectors, hidden passwords or usernames, and other sensitive information that malicious individuals could use to attack an application.

Benefits of Veracode's Black Box Testing Solution

With Veracode’s black box testing solution, you can:

• Probe applications by simulating the attack methods of threat actors, identifying vulnerabilities by analyzing unexpected results.
• Detect vulnerabilities and issues in applications before they are shipped.
• Scan PHP, JAVA/JSP, and any other engine-driven web application; Veracode’s tool is not language-dependent.
• Get a complete report of critical issues with information that helps development and QA teams re-create vulnerabilities and fix flaws.
• Receive guidance for proactive actions that can improve application security overall.

Ready to get started? Learn more about Veracode solutions for black box testing and data loss protection.