Types of Applications DAST Can Test

Web applications remain DAST's primary target, from simple websites to complex enterprise portals. DAST tools understand HTML forms, JavaScript interactions, AJAX requests, and modern frameworks. They can test applications regardless of backend technology, making them valuable in heterogeneous environments. Coverage includes both public-facing sites and internal applications when properly configured.

API testing through DAST has become increasingly important as organizations adopt microservices architectures. Modern DAST tools parse OpenAPI/Swagger definitions, test REST endpoints, and even understand GraphQL schemas. They systematically test each endpoint with malformed inputs, authentication bypasses, and injection attacks. API-focused DAST provides crucial coverage for headless services that traditional web scanners might miss.

Mobile application testing via DAST focuses on backend services rather than client-side code. By intercepting mobile app traffic, DAST tools can test APIs that mobile applications consume. This approach identifies server-side vulnerabilities that could be exploited regardless of mobile platform. Some tools also test mobile-specific issues like insecure data transmission or weak certificate validation.