- A
Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
SAST analyzes source code without execution.
- B
Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)
Why wrong: IAST combines SAST and DAST, running in the application server.
- C
Penetration testing
Why wrong: Pen testing involves manual or automated attacks on a running system.
- D
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
Why wrong: DAST tests the application while it is running, analyzing responses.
Question 25 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 testing analyzes source code for security vulnerabilities without executing the program?
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
✓
Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
Static Application Security Testing (SAST) analyzes source code, bytecode, or binary code for security vulnerabilities without executing the program. It operates by scanning the codebase for known patterns, such as SQL injection or buffer overflow, using techniques like data flow analysis and taint tracking. This white-box approach identifies issues early in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), making it the correct answer for testing that does not require runtime execution.
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.
- ✓
Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
Why this is correct
SAST analyzes source code without execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)
Why it's wrong here
IAST combines SAST and DAST, running in the application server.
- ✗
Penetration testing
Why it's wrong here
Pen testing involves manual or automated attacks on a running system.
- ✗
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
Why it's wrong here
DAST tests the application while it is running, analyzing responses.
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 automated security testing tools, but SAST is static (no execution) and DAST is dynamic (requires execution), and the question explicitly states 'without executing the program' to eliminate DAST.
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 perform data flow analysis to trace untrusted input from sources (e.g., user input) to sinks (e.g., SQL queries). A subtle behavior is that SAST can produce false positives due to incomplete path analysis or inability to handle dynamic code constructs like reflection. In a real-world CI/CD pipeline, SAST is often integrated as a pre-commit hook to catch vulnerabilities like CWE-89 (SQL Injection) before code reaches 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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Software Development Security — study guide chapter
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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: Static Application Security Testing (SAST) — Static Application Security Testing (SAST) analyzes source code, bytecode, or binary code for security vulnerabilities without executing the program. It operates by scanning the codebase for known patterns, such as SQL injection or buffer overflow, using techniques like data flow analysis and taint tracking. This white-box approach identifies issues early in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), making it the correct answer for testing that does not require runtime execution.
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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