Security Scanning

Security Scanning: Your Code’s Health Checkup 🏥

Imagine you’re a doctor for software. Before any code goes out into the world, it needs a full health checkup. That’s what Security Scanning does in CI/CD pipelines!

The Story: The Six Guardians

Picture your code as a castle. Before opening the gates (deploying), six guardians check everything:

1. SAST - The Blueprint Inspector
2. DAST - The Castle Tester
3. SCA - The Supply Chain Checker
4. Dependency Scanner - The Parts Examiner
5. License Scanner - The Rule Keeper
6. Secrets Scanner - The Key Hunter

Each guardian has a special job. Let’s meet them!

1. SAST: The Blueprint Inspector 📐

SAST = Static Application Security Testing

What Does SAST Do?

SAST looks at your code without running it. Like checking a house blueprint before building.

Your Code → SAST Scanner → "Found problems!"

Simple Example

Imagine you wrote:

// BAD: User input goes directly to database
query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE id=" + userId

SAST sees this and says: “Danger! SQL Injection possible!”

Why Is This Important?

• Finds bugs early (before code runs)
• Catches common mistakes
• Works on your actual source code

graph TD
    A["Write Code"] --> B["SAST Scans"]
    B --> C{Problems Found?}
    C -->|Yes| D["Fix Code"]
    C -->|No| E["Move Forward"]
    D --> A

Real Life Analogy

SAST is like spell-check for security. It reads your words (code) and highlights mistakes without needing to publish the book first.

2. DAST: The Castle Tester 🏰

DAST = Dynamic Application Security Testing

What Does DAST Do?

DAST runs your application and attacks it like a hacker would. It tests the actual running system.

How It Works

Running App → DAST Attacks It → Reports Weaknesses

Simple Example

Your login page is running. DAST tries:

• Putting <script>alert('hack')</script> in fields
• Sending weird requests
• Testing broken links

If something breaks, DAST reports it!

SAST vs DAST: Quick Comparison

Real Life Analogy

DAST is like a taste tester. The food (app) is cooked. Now let’s eat it and see if anything tastes wrong!

3. Software Composition Analysis (SCA) 🧩

SCA = Software Composition Analysis

What Does SCA Do?

Most code uses libraries made by others. SCA checks if those libraries are safe.

Why This Matters

Your app might have:

Your Code: 20%
External Libraries: 80%

If a library has a bug, your app has a bug too!

Simple Example

Your project uses a library called super-logger v1.2.0. SCA checks:

• Is super-logger v1.2.0 safe?
• Are there known problems with it?
• Is there a newer, safer version?

Real Life Analogy

Building a house? You buy bricks, cement, pipes from stores. SCA checks: “Are these materials safe? Any recalls?”

graph TD
    A["Your Code"] --> B["Uses Libraries"]
    B --> C["SCA Scans Libraries"]
    C --> D{Known Vulnerabilities?}
    D -->|Yes| E["Alert! Update Needed"]
    D -->|No| F["Safe to Use"]

4. Dependency Scanning 📦

Dependency Scanning = Checking Your Building Blocks

What Are Dependencies?

Dependencies are the packages your code needs to work.

Example package.json:

{
  "dependencies": {
    "express": "4.17.1",
    "lodash": "4.17.20"
  }
}

What Dependency Scanning Does

It checks:

1. Direct dependencies (what you listed)
2. Indirect dependencies (what your dependencies need)

The Hidden Danger

You use Package A. Package A uses Package B. Package B uses Package C.

If Package C has a problem = You have a problem!

graph TD
    A["Your App"] --> B["Express"]
    B --> C["Body-Parser"]
    C --> D["Raw-Body"]
    D --> E["Vulnerable!"]
    style E fill:#ff6b6b

Simple Example

Scanner finds:

WARNING: lodash < 4.17.21 has security issue
SOLUTION: Upgrade to lodash 4.17.21

Real Life Analogy

Building a car? You need an engine. The engine needs spark plugs. If spark plugs are recalled, your whole car is affected!

5. License Compliance Scanning ⚖️

License Scanning = Checking the Rules

What Are Software Licenses?

Every library has rules about how you can use it. These are licenses.

Common License Types

Why This Matters

Using a GPL library in commercial software? You might have to open-source your entire app!

What License Scanner Does

Scans All Libraries → Lists Their Licenses →
Flags Risky Ones

Simple Example

Scanner output:

✅ express: MIT (OK)
✅ react: MIT (OK)
⚠️ mystery-lib: GPL (Review Needed!)
❌ paid-tool: Commercial (No License!)

Real Life Analogy

Using a song in your video? Some songs are free to use. Some need payment. Some need credit. License scanning checks these rules for code!

6. Secrets Scanning 🔑

Secrets Scanning = Finding Hidden Keys

What Are “Secrets”?

Secrets are sensitive data that should never be in code:

• API keys
• Passwords
• Database credentials
• Private tokens

The Danger

// NEVER DO THIS!
const API_KEY = "sk-1234567890abcdef"
const DB_PASSWORD = "super_secret_123"

If this code is shared, anyone can access your systems!

What Secrets Scanner Does

It looks for patterns like:

• password = "..."
• api_key = "..."
• -----BEGIN PRIVATE KEY-----
• Token formats (AWS, GitHub, etc.)

Simple Example

Scanner finds:

🚨 Line 45: Possible AWS Key detected
   AKIA1234567890ABCDEF

🚨 Line 89: Database password in code
   "mysql_password_123"

Real Life Analogy

Imagine posting a photo of your house key online. Anyone could copy it! Secrets in code are like that—visible to everyone.

graph TD
    A["Code Commit"] --> B["Secrets Scanner"]
    B --> C{Secrets Found?}
    C -->|Yes| D["Block Commit!"]
    C -->|No| E["Allow Commit"]
    D --> F["Developer Fixes"]
    F --> A

Putting It All Together 🎯

All six scanners work together in your CI/CD pipeline:

graph TD
    A["Code Push"] --> B["SAST"]
    B --> C["Secrets Scan"]
    C --> D["Dependency Scan"]
    D --> E["SCA"]
    E --> F["License Scan"]
    F --> G["Build App"]
    G --> H["DAST"]
    H --> I{All Clear?}
    I -->|Yes| J["Deploy!"]
    I -->|No| K["Fix Issues"]
    K --> A

The Complete Picture

Key Takeaways 🌟

1. SAST reads your code like a book, finding mistakes
2. DAST tests your running app like a hacker would
3. SCA checks if libraries you use are safe
4. Dependency Scanning traces all packages deeply
5. License Scanning ensures you follow the rules
6. Secrets Scanning catches passwords before they leak

Remember the Castle

Your code is a castle. These six guardians protect it:

• Check the blueprints (SAST)
• Test the walls (DAST)
• Verify the supplies (SCA)
• Inspect every brick (Dependencies)
• Follow the laws (Licenses)
• Guard the keys (Secrets)

With all six working together, your castle is safe and strong! 🏰✨

Quick Reference

Security Scanning = Code Health Checkup

SAST     → Check code without running
DAST     → Attack running app
SCA      → Analyze external libraries
Deps     → Trace package chains
License  → Verify legal rules
Secrets  → Find hidden credentials

Now you understand how CI/CD pipelines keep code secure! Each scanner plays a vital role in catching problems before they reach users. 🎉