During a routine security review, the development team learns that their Java-based e-commerce platform pulls in dozens of open-source libraries via its build tool. Concerned that a frequently used logging library version may contain a newly disclosed CVE, which scanning approach will best uncover vulnerabilities in that external component?
Scanning source code with a static analyzer
Instrumenting the app with an IAST runtime agent
Running a software composition analysis (SCA) scan on the dependency list
Software composition analysis inventories all direct and transitive dependencies and compares each version to public vulnerability databases, quickly flagging CVEs in third-party libraries. Dynamic crawling, static code scanning, and IAST agents primarily assess application behavior or source code; they seldom pinpoint vulnerable package versions unless an exploit is observable at runtime, so they are less effective for this use case.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is Software Composition Analysis (SCA)?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How does SCA differ from Static Application Security Testing (SAST)?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why are third-party libraries a common target for vulnerabilities?