The increasing complexity of applications and networks means that it’s more important than ever to have comprehensive application scanning and attack surface management in one place. Any true and complete standalone EASM solutions should already have application scanning capabilities built into them. But how does this work exactly?
What is web application scanning?
Web application scanning is a type of security testing that focuses on identifying weaknesses within web applications. It typically takes a targeted approach by scanning each web application individually, and can help identify vulnerabilities and security flaws within each web application. Web application scanning is typically performed by automated tools that scan the application’s code, APIs, and user interface for security flaws.
What is EASM?
EASM stands for External Attack Surface Management. It’s a type of security solution that focuses on finding and monitoring an organization’s Internet-facing assets, such as domains and subdomains. EASM solutions automatically discover and monitor these assets for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and other security issues. They provide automated scanning and reporting to identify potential security threats as well as recommendations for remediation.
Why do the best EASM solutions naturally incorporate application scanning capabilities?
Making sure that web application scanning capabilities form part of a comprehensive EASM solution will provide better coverage for digital assets. This is because application scanners are tailored to analyze web applications instead of generic web hosts. Application scanners are typically equipped to handle more complex web environments, including things like SPAs and scanning behind authentication. By focusing on these intricacies and potential weak points, application scanners are able to provide a more thorough and accurate evaluation of the application’s security posture.
Application scanners aren’t capable of identifying or discovering external-facing assets. This is where asset monitoring capabilities can be combined with application scanning, in order for organizations to get a more comprehensive view of their digital assets and identify potential security threats before they’re exploited.
For example, suppose your EASM solution identifies a new asset that belongs to your organization. This asset can then be combined with a deeper application scan to automatically uncover further application-related vulnerabilities as soon as they’re identified.
To sum things up, the benefits of utilizing an EASM solution that has web application scanning capabilities means that:
- The power of these two solutions used in tandem provides AppSec and ProdSec teams with better coverage.
- The early detection of vulnerabilities: Applications may be scanned as soon as they’re discovered.
- Costs associated with manual security testing are reduced and speed of response is increased.
- Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks require organizations to have comprehensive security measures in place. Combining EASM with vulnerability scanning can be an excellent demonstration of this.
How Detectify’s Surface Monitoring and Application Scanning products work together
Detectify’s External Attack Surface Management platform uses a combination of its products Surface Monitoring and Application Scanning to deliver maximum efficiency to its customers. Here’s how it works:
- By adding your root assets to the Detectify EASM platform, Surface Monitoring then begins scanning your attack surface for subdomains beneath your root asset.
- Once subdomains are discovered, users can then select which assets should be scanned deeper with Application Scanning.
- Application Scanning performs automated and fully customizable scans using unique crawling and fuzzing capabilities.
- Surface Monitoring continues to perform daily discovery, inventory, and vulnerability assessment of all your external facing assets.
Conclusion
When choosing an EASM solution, it’s important to consider whether it incorporates in-depth web application scanning capabilities. It’s also important for teams to consider factors unique to your organization’s needs, such as scalability, ease of use, and how well the tools integrate with other security solutions and platforms in your tech stack.
To recap, a few key benefits of utilizing an EASM solution that has web application scanning capabilities include better coverage for AppSec and ProdSec teams, early detection of vulnerabilities, reduced costs, increased speed of response, and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
By investing in the comprehensive capabilities offered by an EASM solution, organizations can get a more complete view of their digital assets and identify potential security threats before they’re exploited. This provides comprehensive coverage for both external-facing assets and internal application code, early detection of potential security threats, and cost-effective security testing.
Written by:
Luke Stephens (Hakluke)
Hakluke is a hacker, pentester, bug bounty hunter and founder. His obsession with cybersecurity is only trumped by his love of family time. In the last couple of years, he has founded his own cybersecurity consultancy (Haksec.io) and a marketing agency for cybersecurity organizations (HackerContent.com).