- A
SAST
SAST analyzes source code without execution, identifying vulnerabilities like injection flaws.
- B
Penetration testing
Why wrong: Penetration testing is a manual/automated dynamic test on a live system.
- C
IAST
Why wrong: IAST combines static and dynamic analysis but requires execution.
- D
DAST
Why wrong: DAST tests running applications, not source code.
Question 435 of 1,000
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which type of security testing involves analyzing source code for vulnerabilities without executing the code?
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. It operates by scanning the codebase for patterns known to be insecure (e.g., SQL injection via string concatenation) using techniques like data flow analysis, taint tracking, and pattern matching, all performed at rest.
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.
- ✓
SAST
Why this is correct
SAST analyzes source code without execution, identifying vulnerabilities like injection flaws.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Penetration testing
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing is a manual/automated dynamic test on a live system.
- ✗
IAST
Why it's wrong here
IAST combines static and dynamic analysis but requires execution.
- ✗
DAST
Why it's wrong here
DAST tests running applications, not source code.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse SAST with DAST because both are 'security testing' acronyms, but the key differentiator is that SAST analyzes code without execution (static), while DAST requires a running application (dynamic).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SAST tools often parse the code into an abstract syntax tree (AST) and perform data flow analysis to trace untrusted input from sources (e.g., user input) to sinks (e.g., SQL queries) without executing the code. A subtle behavior is that SAST can produce false positives due to its inability to understand runtime context, such as input validation that occurs after the code is compiled. In a real-world DevSecOps pipeline, SAST is integrated early in the SDLC (e.g., during pull requests) to catch vulnerabilities like hardcoded credentials or insecure deserialization before the code is deployed.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — 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. It operates by scanning the codebase for patterns known to be insecure (e.g., SQL injection via string concatenation) using techniques like data flow analysis, taint tracking, and pattern matching, all performed at rest.
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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