Top 5 SAST Tools Comparison
1. Checkmarx SAST
Checkmarx SAST examines application source code, bytecode, or binaries without execution, identifying security weaknesses early in the SDLC.
Key Features:
- Supports a wide range of languages and frameworks (35 languages, 80+ frameworks).
- Incremental scanning for faster performance.
- Highly accurate scanning with low false positives.
- Provides remediation guidance and code-level suggestions.
- Integrates with IDEs and CI/CD pipelines.
- AI-powered query builder for custom test queries.
- Fast Scan configuration for quick results.
- Query Editor to adapt security functionality to non-standard code.
Pricing is quote-based and depends on functionality. Higher price point, but justified by features.
Generally positive reviews, highlighting ease of integration, comprehensive scanning, and actionable insights. Some concerns about performance with large-scale testing.
2. Veracode Static Analysis
Veracode SAST scans code at each development stage (IDE, Pipeline, and Policy scans) with high accuracy and low false positives.
Key Features:
- Supports 100+ languages and frameworks.
- Scans both source and binary code.
- Provides real-time feedback and reduces flaws with IDE scans.
- Prioritization and remediation guidance.
- Seamless integration with developer tools (IDEs, CI/CD).
- Comprehensive, whole-program analysis.
- Cloud-based engine for scalability.
Starts at approximately $10,000 – $15,000 per year for up to 100 applications or 100,000 lines of code.
Users praise its thoroughness, accuracy, and integration capabilities. Some find it expensive, particularly for smaller businesses.
Learn More about Veracode SAST3. SonarQube
SonarQube analyzes source code to detect vulnerabilities, security hotspots, and flaws early in the SDLC.
Key Features:
- Supports 30+ languages.
- Detects a broad range of security issues (SQL injection, XSS, etc.).
- Provides early security feedback and empowers developers.
- Integrates with popular SCMs (Git, Subversion) and CI/CD pipelines.
- Offers taint analysis and advanced SAST.
- Provides code security and compliance.
- Includes secrets detection and IaC scanning.
Offers a free tier for small projects (up to 50k LOC). Paid plans start at around $32 per month for the Team plan.
Well-regarded for its user-friendly interface, integration capabilities, and detailed reporting. Users appreciate its ability to identify and explain code issues.
Learn More about SonarQube4. Snyk Code
Snyk Code provides real-time static analysis within the developer workflow, focusing on identifying and fixing vulnerabilities quickly.
Key Features:
- Supports popular languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, and more.
- Fast and accurate scanning with a focus on developer experience.
- Real-time feedback in the IDE.
- Automatic fix suggestions and remediation advice.
- Integration with CI/CD pipelines and developer tools.
- Open-source security focus through Snyk Intel.
Offers a free plan for individual developers. Paid plans are available for teams and enterprises.
Praised for its ease of use, speed, and developer-friendly approach. Strong focus on open-source vulnerabilities as well.
Learn More about Snyk Code5. GitHub Code Scanning (CodeQL)
GitHub Code Scanning, powered by CodeQL, is a powerful static analysis engine that runs as part of GitHub Actions to find security vulnerabilities in code.
Key Features:
- Supports a wide range of languages, including C/C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Go, and more.
- Deep code analysis using a semantic code model.
- Highly customizable queries for finding specific vulnerability patterns.
- Seamless integration with GitHub workflows and pull requests.
- Open-source query packs and community contributions.
- Actionable results directly within the GitHub interface.
Included with GitHub Enterprise. Available for free for public repositories.
Highly valued for its deep analysis capabilities, customization, and tight integration with the GitHub ecosystem. Can have a steeper learning curve for writing custom queries.
Learn More about GitHub Code Scanning
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