A Comprehensive Guide to GitLab Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

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Published 2025-09-17
Last modification 2025-09-17
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Learn how GitLab's Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) can help secure your web applications in real-time. Discover key features, benefits, and integration strategies in this detailed guide by IDEA GitLab Solutions.

Strengthening Web Application Security with GitLab DAST

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is an essential part of any comprehensive security strategy. Offered as an integrated feature in GitLab, DAST allows development teams to scan live web applications and APIs for vulnerabilities without accessing the source code.

What is GitLab DAST?

DAST is a black-box security testing method that simulates external attacks on your application in its runtime environment. By behaving like a real attacker, GitLab DAST uncovers security issues such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and other OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities.

Built-in Efficiency for Your DevSecOps Workflow

GitLab offers DAST as part of its security solutions, integrating directly with GitLab CI/CD pipelines. With minimal configuration, you can start scanning during development, staging, or production phases—providing continuous and automated protection.

  • Ease of Integration: GitLab DAST requires only a few lines of YAML to get started in your pipeline.
  • Auto-Configuration: Automatically detects your application type and starts scanning with smart defaults.
  • Custom Rules: Tailor your scans using authentication settings, excluded URLs, and scan profiles.
  • Merge Request Feedback: Vulnerabilities are surfaced directly in merge requests, promoting secure coding practices early.

Generate High-Impact Reports

Scans provide detailed reports, highlighting risk severity, affected URLs, remediation guidance, and CVE references. This empowers developers and security teams to make prioritised and informed decisions fast.

Our Professional Services

At IDEA GitLab Solutions, we help organisations across the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Israel, South Africa, and Paraguay embrace secure development practices. Our certified GitLab experts provide consulting, GitLab licensing, and integration support — tailored to your region’s needs.

Get Started with GitLab DAST Today

Security should never slow down innovation. With GitLab DAST, you can strengthen your applications against real-world threats while enhancing developer velocity. Whether modernising your DevSecOps approach or just getting started, our team is here to help with professional guidance and end-to-end support.

Ready to make your applications safer? Contact IDEA GitLab Solutions today and discover how GitLab can transform your application security.

Tags:GitLabDASTDynamic Application Security TestingApplication SecurityDevSecOpsGitLab CI/CDSecurity TestingIDEA GitLab Solutions

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