- A
DAST
Why wrong: DAST tests running applications.
- B
IAST
Why wrong: IAST instruments the application at runtime.
- C
RASP
Why wrong: RASP protects applications at runtime.
- D
SAST
SAST analyzes source code without execution.
Question 973 of 1,000
CISSP Security Assessment and Testing Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security assessment and testing. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A developer uses a tool that analyzes source code for potential security flaws without executing the program. This is an example of:
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SAST
SAST (Static Application Security Testing) analyzes source code, bytecode, or binary code for security vulnerabilities without executing the program. This matches the description of a tool that inspects code statically, making D the correct answer.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DAST
Why it's wrong here
DAST tests running applications.
- ✗
IAST
Why it's wrong here
IAST instruments the application at runtime.
- ✗
RASP
Why it's wrong here
RASP protects applications at runtime.
- ✓
SAST
Why this is correct
SAST analyzes source code without execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing SAST with DAST because both are application security testing types, but the key differentiator is execution: SAST is static (no execution) while DAST is dynamic (requires execution).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SAST tools like Checkmarx or Fortify parse the source code into an abstract syntax tree (AST) and apply pattern matching, data flow analysis, and control flow analysis to identify vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, or buffer overflows. A subtle behavior is that SAST can produce false positives due to lack of runtime context, such as assuming user input is always tainted when it may be sanitized by a framework. In a real-world DevSecOps pipeline, SAST is typically run early in the CI/CD process to catch flaws before compilation, reducing remediation cost.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Security Assessment and Testing — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Security Assessment and Testing — This question tests Security Assessment and Testing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SAST — SAST (Static Application Security Testing) analyzes source code, bytecode, or binary code for security vulnerabilities without executing the program. This matches the description of a tool that inspects code statically, making D the correct answer.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CISSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISSP exam.
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