What testing method should be included to check for vulnerabilities in an Azure App Service web app?

The most suitable testing method for checking vulnerabilities in an Azure App Service web app is Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST). IAST operates within the application runtime, allowing it to analyze the application’s behavior while it's running. This method typically combines elements of both static and dynamic testing, providing real-time feedback on potential security vulnerabilities as the application is executed.

One of the key advantages of IAST is that it can identify issues that may arise from interactions between different components of the application, capturing security flaws that might not be apparent through static or dynamic testing alone. This makes IAST particularly useful for web applications deployed in environments like Azure, where multi-tiered architectures may introduce complex interactions.

When evaluating other methods, it’s essential to note that while Static Application Security Testing (SAST) analyzes source code for vulnerabilities before the application is running, and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tests the application while it’s executing to identify security weaknesses, they each have limitations. SAST may miss runtime vulnerabilities and contextual issues that IAST can pick up through its execution-based approach. DAST, on the other hand, does not have the same level of insight into the application’s internal workings, which can lead to a less comprehensive assessment of potential vulnerabilities.

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