- A
They require access to the source code
Correct: SAST scans source code statically.
- B
They are typically used after deployment
Why wrong: SAST is used before deployment; DAST is used after.
- C
They can be integrated into the CI/CD pipeline
Correct: SAST tools are often used in DevOps pipelines.
- D
They analyze the application while it is running
Why wrong: That describes DAST or IAST, not SAST.
- E
They identify vulnerabilities early in the software development lifecycle
Correct: SAST helps catch issues during coding.
Question 6 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 security team is selecting tools for code review. Which THREE of the following are characteristics of Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools?
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
✓
They require access to the source code
SAST tools analyze source code, bytecode, or binary code without executing the application. They require access to the source code to perform static analysis, scanning for security flaws such as injection vulnerabilities, buffer overflows, and insecure cryptographic implementations. This allows developers to identify and fix vulnerabilities early in the development lifecycle, before the code is compiled or deployed.
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.
- ✓
They require access to the source code
Why this is correct
Correct: SAST scans source code statically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
They are typically used after deployment
Why it's wrong here
SAST is used before deployment; DAST is used after.
- ✓
They can be integrated into the CI/CD pipeline
Why this is correct
Correct: SAST tools are often used in DevOps pipelines.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
They analyze the application while it is running
Why it's wrong here
That describes DAST or IAST, not SAST.
- ✓
They identify vulnerabilities early in the software development lifecycle
Why this is correct
Correct: SAST helps catch issues during coding.
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: candidates often select 'analyze while running' (Option D) because they think 'static' means 'after deployment' or 'during runtime', but SAST is static (non-executing) and DAST is dynamic (executing).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SAST tools work by parsing source code into an abstract syntax tree (AST) or control flow graph (CFG), then applying pattern matching and data flow analysis to trace tainted input paths to sensitive sinks (e.g., SQL queries, system calls). A subtle behavior is that SAST can produce false positives when it cannot resolve dynamic code constructs (e.g., reflection or eval statements) without runtime context. In a real-world CI/CD pipeline, SAST is often run as a pre-commit hook or in a build stage to gate code merges, reducing remediation cost by catching flaws before they reach production.
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 team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
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: They require access to the source code — SAST tools analyze source code, bytecode, or binary code without executing the application. They require access to the source code to perform static analysis, scanning for security flaws such as injection vulnerabilities, buffer overflows, and insecure cryptographic implementations. This allows developers to identify and fix vulnerabilities early in the development lifecycle, before the code is compiled or deployed.
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.
About these practice questions
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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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