Top 10 DAST Tools for 2025

1. Qodex.ai

Qodex is an AI-driven platform designed to simplify and automate API testing and security, covering everything from discovery to execution. It scans repositories, identifies APIs, and allows users to create detailed tests using plain English commands. This user-friendly approach eliminates the need for complex coding while upholding top-tier security standards.

With 78,000 APIs secured and a 60% reduction in threats, Qodex demonstrates its ability to handle large-scale security challenges effectively. Let’s dive deeper into its standout features and see how it transforms API security testing.

API Security Capabilities

Qodex shines in API security testing, addressing a range of scenarios like functional, penetration, security, compliance, and load testing. It automatically generates tests to detect OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities. Real-world examples include ComeUp achieving 100% test coverage without expanding its QA team and Unscript securing user onboarding APIs without writing a single line of code.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Beyond its security strengths, Qodex integrates seamlessly with both cloud and local GitHub environments. It features auto-healing tests that adapt as applications evolve, ensuring security remains intact at every stage of development. This makes it an effortless fit into existing workflows.

AI/Automation Features

The platform’s AI engine cuts test creation and maintenance time by an impressive 80%[1]. By understanding application behavior, it generates relevant test scenarios based on API specifications and usage patterns.

As applications grow and change, security tests update automatically, providing continuous protection even during rapid development cycles.

Reporting and Remediation Support

Qodex also excels in reporting by offering clear, actionable remediation steps instead of overwhelming teams with raw data. For enterprise users, features like 24/7 support and dedicated success management ensure security issues are addressed quickly and effectively.

The platform’s interactive API documentation further supports teams by making security testing approachable, even for those with limited security expertise. Qodex’s focus on practical solutions ensures development teams can act decisively without getting bogged down by technical complexities.

2. Invicti

Invicti positions itself as a DAST-first platform, expertly blending traditional vulnerability scanning with advanced AI capabilities to tackle the ever-changing security demands of modern application development. In July 2025, the company unveiled its next-generation Application Security Platform, achieving scans that are 8 times faster while maintaining an impressive 99.98% accuracy rate. This is thanks to its proof-based validation system, which ensures identified vulnerabilities are genuine threats, not false alarms. This solid foundation supports the platform's standout AI-driven features.

AI/Automation Features

Invicti's AI enhances scanning processes without sidelining human expertise. Using machine learning, the platform evaluates over 200 parameters through its Predictive Risk Scoring, which operates with at least an 83% confidence level [3]. It also incorporates an AI-powered form filler, built on large language models, to navigate complex validations and gain access to challenging backend systems. Notably, Invicti allows users full control over AI tools - these features are disabled by default, giving organizations the flexibility to integrate AI at their own pace.

API Security Capabilities

Invicti's focus on AI extends to its DAST engine, which detects 40% more high and critical vulnerabilities [4] compared to standard scanning methods. This improvement is driven by AI's ability to analyze historical exploit data and application context, predicting which vulnerabilities are most likely to be targeted by attackers. Its proprietary deterministic DAST engine performs actual vulnerability testing and verification, meeting the industry's demand for faster and more precise security solutions.

Reporting and Remediation Support

Invicti also simplifies the remediation process, achieving a 70% approval rate for AI-generated code fixes through its integration with Mend [6]. This approach delivers actionable results, aligning with the speed and efficiency requirements of 2025. Kevin Gallagher, President of Invicti, highlights the platform's focus:

"A stronger DAST engine gives our customers more than better scan results - it gives them clarity. They can see what truly matters, cut through the noise, and move faster to reduce risk. This launch continues our push to make security actionable, efficient, and focused on what's real." [4]

3. Acunetix

Acunetix, part of the Invicti Security portfolio, stands out in the world of DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) tools. Known for its accuracy and detailed reporting, it has earned a solid 4.1/5 rating on G2 [11]. Positioned as an affordable yet capable solution, Acunetix is a comprehensive web application security scanner designed for modern environments.

API Security Capabilities

Acunetix excels at API security, offering robust scanning for REST, SOAP, and GraphQL APIs. Given that REST APIs dominate usage in over 85% of organizations [8], this feature is particularly relevant. The tool can discover hidden APIs and conduct authenticated scans to ensure the entire attack surface is covered [7]. It supports various API specifications, including OpenAPI3, Swagger2, and RAML [9]. By using both DAST and IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing) methodologies, Acunetix can identify over 6,500 vulnerabilities, including those listed in the OWASP Top 10 [10].

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Acunetix integrates seamlessly with development workflows, enabling teams to catch vulnerabilities early in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), well before they reach production [13]. It offers dedicated plugins for tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and Azure DevOps, allowing automatic scans and even halting pipelines if specific threat levels are detected [13][12].

Kurt Zanzi from Xerox CA-MMIS Information Security Office highlights this capability:

"We use Acunetix as part of our Security in the SDLC and to test code in DEV and SIT before being promoted to Production." [13]

In addition to automated scans, the tool can generate reports and send vulnerabilities directly to issue trackers like JIRA, GitHub, GitLab, and Azure DevOps [13]. This integration simplifies the remediation process and enhances development efficiency.

AI/Automation Features

While Acunetix incorporates AI, it ensures its core DAST capabilities remain intact. The platform uses predictive risk scoring, analyzing 220 parameters to assess risks with at least 83% confidence [14]. Its proof-based scanning technology automatically verifies vulnerabilities with 99.98% accuracy, significantly minimizing false positives [14]. Unlike tools that rely solely on AI, Acunetix ensures its functionality is reliable even without AI features enabled [5].

Reporting and Remediation Support

Acunetix delivers detailed vulnerability reports, helping security teams prioritize issues and streamline remediation. By integrating with popular issue tracking systems, it ensures an efficient workflow from discovery to resolution [10]. This approach aligns with the growing need for faster remediation as security challenges evolve. However, some users have noted that the platform’s licensing model can increase costs when scanning multiple targets [11]. Despite this, Acunetix remains a strong choice for organizations seeking thorough web application security solutions.

4. StackHawk

StackHawk takes a developer-focused approach to strengthen API security, making it a standout tool in modern application security. With APIs responsible for over 80% of internet traffic [17], its focus on API security is more relevant than ever. StackHawk was recently recognized as the top API security platform by the Global Infosec Awards at RSA 2025 [19], showcasing its growing influence in the industry.

API Security Capabilities

StackHawk is designed to handle a variety of API types, including REST, GraphQL, SOAP, and gRPC [16]. One of its key features, Sensitive Data Detection, automatically flags APIs that process regulated or high-risk data. For instance, in a fintech app, it can identify API endpoints /transactions that handle sensitive fields such as "card_number", "cvv", or "expiry_date", allowing teams to focus their testing efforts on areas with the highest risk [17]. This ensures security is integrated into the development process from the start.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Seamlessly integrating with CI/CD workflows, StackHawk connects with platforms like GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure Repos [17]. It scans for vulnerabilities during pull requests, providing continuous security validation [15]. Unlike traditional tools that depend on API gateway monitoring, StackHawk goes directly to the codebase to identify potential risks before deployment. It even supports Docker-based scanner deployment, with configurations managed through code [16], making it easier for developers to incorporate security into their workflows.

AI-Driven Automation

StackHawk's HawkAI technology ensures thorough API coverage while prioritizing testing based on factors like commit frequency, sensitive data flows, and business risk [21]. By leveraging AI, the tool eliminates false positives and offers automated vulnerability fixes with code generation, simplifying the remediation process for developers.

Reporting and Remediation Support

The platform also excels in reporting, offering a clear view of the entire API environment through its API Oversight feature. This includes identifying shadow APIs and mapping sensitive data flows to uncover potential security gaps [30, 37].

Tom Johnson, Head of Cyber Security Operations & Engineering, highlights the platform's collaborative benefits:

"StackHawk enables our teams to work collaboratively, providing the actionable discovery and insights we need to align with our key security principles, while delivering end-user satisfaction." [20]

CEO Joni Klippet underscores the platform's mission:

"We're dedicated to helping security teams pinpoint where their most vulnerable and critical APIs are in order to reduce unnecessary toil and maintain a strong security posture." [19]

Backed by $35.3 million in funding across four rounds [18], StackHawk continues to evolve, equipping development teams to tackle the growing challenges of API security in today's complex landscape.

5. Bright Security

Bright Security makes its mark with the STAR (Security Testing & Automated Remediation) platform, which blends dynamic testing with AI-driven automation. This platform is designed to help developers build secure applications and APIs right from the start of the development process.

AI/Automation Features

Bright Security uses AI to scan both human- and machine-generated code early in development. It automatically creates and validates security tests, adjusting its methods based on how the application behaves in real-time. The platform goes a step further by generating AI-powered code fixes to address vulnerabilities, making the remediation process smoother for developers. Its AI engine is smart enough to understand application architecture and launch targeted attacks, which leads to some impressive results: less than 3% false positives, a 98% boost in vulnerability remediation, and 10x more vulnerabilities resolved during development [22].

These capabilities make it a strong contender for robust API security testing.

"Bright Security enabled us to significantly improve our application security coverage and remediate vulnerabilities much faster. Bright Security has reduced the amount of total hours we used to spend doing preliminary scans on applications by about 70%."

API Security Capabilities

When it comes to API security, Bright Security offers thorough testing across various architectures, including REST, SOAP, and GraphQL. It can parse API structures using OpenAPI specifications or schema introspection and even analyze HAR files. The platform simulates attacks based on the OWASP API Top 10, NIST standards, and business logic tests. By tweaking requests - like payloads and endpoint parameters - and analyzing responses, it identifies all accessible API endpoints, even those that might be undocumented or overlooked.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Bright Security fits seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines using its REST API, CLI, and popular DevOps tools like CircleCI, Jenkins, GitHub, Azure DevOps, GitLab, Travis CI, JFrog, and TeamCity. This integration allows teams to trigger scans with every new build, embedding security checks directly into the development workflow. Its "shift-left" approach ensures vulnerabilities are caught during development and testing, reducing risks before production. This integration also promotes better collaboration between development, operations, and security teams by making security testing a natural part of the process.

Reporting and Remediation Support

The platform provides clear, actionable insights with visual aids like screenshots to help developers quickly address vulnerabilities. While it offers detailed remediation suggestions, these recommendations can be customized to fit specific environments. This blend of reporting and remediation ensures security issues are resolved efficiently and in real time.

"Bright Security has helped us shift left by automating AppSec scans and regression testing early in development while also fostering better collaboration between R&D teams and raising overall security posture and awareness. Their support has been consistently fast and helpful." [22]

"Empowering our developers with Bright Security's DAST has been pivotal at SentinelOne. It's not just about protecting systems; it's about instilling a culture where security is an integral part of development, driving innovation and efficiency." [22]

6. Veracode

Veracode brings a powerful Application Risk Management (ARM) platform to the table, offering a combination of dynamic testing and comprehensive security solutions. This is especially significant given that web applications are responsible for over 40% of breaches, and 80% of them contain critical vulnerabilities that only dynamic application security testing (DAST) can uncover [25]. Veracode’s strategy emphasizes shifting security left while catering to organizations of all sizes, laying the groundwork for its advanced AI-driven security features.

AI/Automation Features

Veracode uses AI to make security testing and remediation faster and more efficient. Its Veracode Fix feature employs AI to create secure code patches, slashing vulnerability detection time by 92%, speeding up remediation by over 200%, and achieving an impressive 80% acceptance rate for fixes [26]. For Java security findings, Veracode Fix can address up to 74% of issues without requiring developers to write new code [27]. Additionally, the platform automates complex authentication flows, cutting down script setup time and broadening the scope of dynamic testing [29].

"One future success factor will be Veracode's artificial intelligence helping fix our findings. AI supporting fixes is a game changer. We have an approved plan for benefitting from AI, and it's time to roll it out." - Phillip Hagedorn, HDI Global SE, Cloud Architect [23]

Beyond these AI capabilities, Veracode also enhances API security measures to further its goal of seamless protection.

API Security Capabilities

Veracode’s DAST functionality extends to API security testing, offering robust support for REST APIs documented with Swagger or OpenAPI files. It parses endpoints and examples from the specifications to conduct thorough scans [24]. The platform identifies common vulnerabilities such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), injection flaws, and server misconfigurations. Teams can initiate scans and access detailed insights with minimal setup [25].

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Veracode integrates seamlessly into CI/CD workflows [2]. It supports both static and dynamic analysis within automated pipelines and works with popular tools like Jenkins and GitLab to enforce security measures [30]. By embedding Veracode into CI/CD processes, organizations experience 25% faster lead times and 50% fewer failures. Automated scanning, whether daily or weekly, ensures continuous improvement throughout the software development lifecycle [25].

Reporting and Remediation Support

After completing scans, Veracode delivers detailed reports with actionable remediation guidance [24]. Its DAST Enterprise Mode offers centralized visibility and control, streamlining flaw reporting and enabling security teams to operate more effectively [28].

Companies using Veracode Risk Manager have reported a 75% reduction in the risk of software-based attacks, along with an 80% boost in developer productivity [27]. This integration of dynamic testing with automated remediation highlights Veracode’s commitment to a well-rounded security approach.

"DAST Enterprise Mode empowers security teams to work faster, smarter, and safer. It eliminates the challenge of fragmented tools and enables mature, resilient risk management with centralized visibility and control." - Derek Maki, Head of Product at Veracode [28]

7. Checkmarx

Checkmarx stands out as a security platform designed to address the growing complexity of modern software development, especially with the increasing reliance on AI-generated code. By 2024, nearly 70% of organizations reported that over 40% of their code was AI-generated, highlighting the urgent need for robust security solutions tailored to this trend [32]. Checkmarx simplifies the process with a unified platform that combines multiple security testing tools, helping development teams maintain strong security practices. Let’s take a closer look at how its AI-powered automation plays a key role.

AI/Automation Features

Checkmarx incorporates AI tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and automated pull requests to identify vulnerabilities and suggest code fixes. This layered defense approach ensures AI-generated code is protected throughout the entire development process [32] [34]. Considering that research has found 29.5% of Python and 24.2% of JavaScript snippets generated by Copilot contain security flaws, this capability is more important than ever [32].

The Checkmarx One platform extends this defense strategy across the development lifecycle, integrating AI-powered security solutions to support developers, application security (AppSec) teams, and DevSecOps workflows [32] [33].

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Checkmarx is designed to integrate seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, offering plugins for Jenkins, TeamCity, GitHub, Azure DevOps, Maven, Bitbucket Pipelines, CircleCI, GitLab, Bamboo, and Codebuild [36]. This integration allows teams to embed security scans, enforce policies, and catch vulnerabilities early - before they reach production [36]. Supporting over 75 programming languages and frameworks, Checkmarx ensures compatibility with nearly any development stack [35]. This smooth integration helps teams identify and address vulnerabilities efficiently without disrupting their workflows.

Reporting and Remediation Support

The platform offers real-time scanning, vulnerability fixes, and remediation guidance directly within tools like IDEs, pull requests, and bug trackers [35]. It consolidates results from SAST, SCA, and API security tests, giving teams a comprehensive view of their security status.

"We view Checkmarx as our trusted partner. They've elevated our security posture by consolidating our SAST, SCA, and API Security into a unified platform, Checkmarx One, enabling us to achieve vulnerability remediation, reduce noise, and benefit from strong support."
– Matthew Hurewitz, Director, Platforms and Application Security [31]

This streamlined reporting is particularly valuable as development practices evolve. With 56% of developers deploying code multiple times a day and only 29% fully integrating security into their DevOps lifecycle, Checkmarx helps close this gap by making security an integral part of the process [37].

"Incorporating Checkmarx's technology has revolutionized our development culture. It's more than just technology; it serves as the foundation of our security strategy, ensuring that our applications are secure by design."
– Sudharma Thikkavarapu, Sr. Director, Product Security Engineering [35]

8. OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) is a free, open-source tool designed to help developers identify security vulnerabilities. It's widely recognized in the development community, with over 1.1 billion alerts raised in February 2024 alone - proof of its extensive use and effectiveness[41].

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

ZAP works seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, enabling automated security testing that aligns with modern development workflows. It offers multiple automation options via its CLI, REST API, and Automation Framework. These features allow teams to script sophisticated workflows and embed security checks directly into their pipelines[39].

For instance, in July 2025, Codific integrated ZAP into its GitLab CI/CD pipeline. They adopted a dual-scanning strategy: nightly "baseline" passive scans for lightweight monitoring and weekly active scans for more thorough testing in environments replicating their production setup. Additionally, they connected ZAP with Slack to deliver real-time alerts to developers when issues surfaced[38]. This integration ensures that security is consistently monitored without disrupting development speed.

According to the GitLab 2024 Global DevSecOps Survey, 56% of developers release code multiple times a day, but only 29% have fully incorporated security into their DevOps processes[37]. ZAP plays a crucial role in bridging this gap by automating security tests.

AI/Automation Features

ZAP's Automation Framework is a key feature, enabling teams to manage the entire security testing process through a single YAML file. It also includes AJAX spidering, which is particularly useful for JavaScript-heavy and single-page applications, ensuring dynamic content is thoroughly tested - something traditional crawlers often struggle with.

Another standout feature is its "ATTACK Mode", which provides automated scanning capabilities comparable to paid tools, but at no cost[41]. Unlike static analysis tools, ZAP interacts with live applications, uncovering runtime vulnerabilities in areas like authentication flows, APIs, and JavaScript-intensive applications[39]. These automation features make it easier to generate precise, actionable insights.

Reporting and Remediation Support

ZAP enhances its automation capabilities with robust reporting options. Through its API, it supports JSON, XML, and HTML formats, making it easy to integrate results into existing workflows and dashboards[42]. ZAP can also run during builds on CI/CD platforms like Jenkins and GitLab, providing instant feedback on vulnerabilities[40].

Teams can customize thresholds to block builds when critical vulnerabilities are detected, while allowing lower-severity issues to pass with notifications. The tool's dual scanning modes - passive scans for continuous monitoring and active scans for in-depth assessments during scheduled maintenance - offer flexibility without impacting application performance[41]. This combination ensures that teams can address vulnerabilities effectively while maintaining their development pace.

9. AppCheck

AppCheck is an automated vulnerability scanner built by seasoned penetration testers. It leverages dynamic fuzzing technology to find vulnerabilities that standard signature-based tools often overlook.

API Security Capabilities

APIs now account for 61% of internet traffic[44], and API-related attacks made up 83% of web application breaches in 2024, a sharp rise from 69% the previous year[46]. This makes AppCheck's API security features more important than ever.

"AppCheck's API security features enhance protection against potential threats by examining API endpoints and communication channels." - Verified G2 Review[43][45]

AppCheck creates detailed API maps by using WSDL and OpenAPI/Swagger files, ensuring thorough scanning. It supports various API authentication methods, such as API access keys, to probe all endpoints effectively.

The platform includes custom vulnerability checks designed by its in-house penetration testers to identify previously unknown weaknesses. It also conducts deep scans for injection attacks and uses parameter mining to align real application data with request parameters, ensuring comprehensive test coverage.

Additionally, AppCheck employs brute-force path discovery to locate legacy or alternative API versions that might still be accessible. It also detects vulnerabilities like data deserialization issues and sensitive data exposure, such as PII and credentials revealed in API responses.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

AppCheck integrates seamlessly into CI/CD workflows, extending its API scanning capabilities to enhance development pipeline security. Its GoScript feature enables DevOps teams to simulate complex multi-step authentication flows, ensuring access controls are secure before production[46]. The platform's DAST capabilities provide real-time insights by scanning live API instances during staging or pre-production phases[47][46].

"AppCheck's platform leverages dynamic fuzzing to uncover hidden vulnerabilities overlooked by traditional tools. This ensures validation of dependencies and detection of hidden issues in your attack surface." - AppCheck[47]

The platform supports integration with JetBrains TeamCity and other popular CI/CD tools through its API[49]. Automated scans help identify and address vulnerabilities in dependencies, reducing the risk of supply chain attacks[46].

AI/Automation Features

AppCheck enhances its scanning capabilities with advanced automation. Its AI-powered crawling engine combines web scraping with a browser crawler to mimic user behavior[50]. This intelligent system uses heuristics and application modeling to uncover complete attack surfaces while avoiding redundant testing by recognizing identical components[50].

The platform's VulnFeed service provides hourly updates, guarding against zero-day vulnerabilities and over 100,000 known security flaws[45][49].

Reporting and Remediation Support

AppCheck simplifies vulnerability management with automated reporting and actionable remediation advice[48]. Its customizable scans can be scheduled for continuous or off-hours operation, aligning with business needs[48].

Considering that 56% of breaches take months or longer to detect and 71% of attacks are financially motivated, AppCheck's reporting tools enable faster responses to security threats[48]. The platform integrates seamlessly with development tools, helping teams incorporate security findings into their workflows[48].

10. Detectify

Detectify is a cloud-based DAST platform that blends automated security testing with insights from a global network of ethical hackers. This unique approach is powered by its Crowdsource community, which has contributed over 1,765 modules and identified nearly 240,000 vulnerabilities in customer assets[51]. By incorporating real-world attack techniques from this community, Detectify keeps its scanning engines updated to address emerging threats. To complement this, the platform offers specialized API scanning features for enhanced security.

API Security Capabilities

Detectify extends its security offerings with dedicated API scanning tools in addition to its web application testing. Its Application Scanning feature can identify API endpoints during the crawling and fuzzing of web applications[52]. Furthermore, Detectify has developed a proprietary API scanner, currently in beta, equipped with a fuzzing engine capable of detecting over 900 vulnerabilities, including command and prompt injections[52]. The platform’s Surface Monitoring feature also conducts payload-based tests on internet-facing domains, subdomains, IP addresses, ports, and technologies to uncover exposed files, misconfigurations, and other vulnerabilities. For comprehensive coverage, Detectify recommends combining Surface Monitoring with Application Scanning[51]. These capabilities are designed to seamlessly integrate into modern CI/CD workflows.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Detectify supports CI/CD workflows through its API, enabling teams to automate security testing throughout the development lifecycle[53][54]. With this integration, development teams can programmatically initiate scans and retrieve results, embedding security checks into their existing processes. By performing continuous scans early in the development cycle, teams can identify sensitive issues before they escalate, reducing the need for extensive remediation later[53]. This proactive approach aligns with the DevSecOps philosophy, ensuring security becomes an integral part of the development process and giving developers greater confidence in their deployments.

AI/Automation Features

Detectify leverages AI-powered automation through Alfred, its system that scans the internet for threat intelligence and prioritizes relevant security tests[55]. As Detectify describes:

"Alfred, our AI scanning the internet for threat intel, prioritizing and building tests for relevant new vulnerabilities." - Detectify[55]

Threat intelligence is derived from three primary sources: internal security researchers, the Crowdsourced community, and Alfred AI. This collaboration enabled Detectify to receive over 300 zero-day vulnerabilities from its Crowdsourced community during 2020–21 [51]. Additionally:

"Automated attacks fuelled by elite ethical hackers are built into our expert-built engines." - Detectify[51]

By running continuous, payload-based attacks that mimic real-world scenarios, Detectify ensures its security tests address actual threats. These automated tests feed directly into detailed reports, helping teams identify and resolve vulnerabilities efficiently.

Reporting and Remediation Support

Detectify provides clear, actionable reports with prioritized remediation guidance to address vulnerabilities promptly[53]. These reports are designed to help teams focus on the most critical risks. Integration with tools like Jira ensures that security findings are seamlessly incorporated into existing workflows. This streamlined process supports both immediate fixes and strategic security planning, offering teams a comprehensive view of their security posture across multiple applications and environments. From its crowd-driven insights to its automation-driven remediation, Detectify exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to security in today's evolving landscape.