Limitations and Challenges

Code coverage limitations represent DAST's most significant weakness. DAST can only test code it can reach and execute. Hidden functionality, error handlers, and code paths requiring specific conditions may never be tested. Administrative functions protected by IP restrictions, features behind feature flags, or seasonally active code might remain untested. This limitation means DAST alone cannot provide comprehensive security assurance.

Testing speed poses challenges for modern development practices. Comprehensive DAST scans of large applications can take hours or days, far exceeding typical CI/CD pipeline durations. This duration forces organizations to choose between limited quick scans that might miss vulnerabilities or comprehensive scans that delay releases. Balancing thoroughness with speed remains an ongoing challenge.

State and workflow complexity in modern applications challenges DAST tools. Multi-step workflows, complex state machines, and applications requiring specific data states for testing pose difficulties. While tools continue improving at handling complexity, they may miss vulnerabilities that only appear in specific application states or require particular sequences of actions.