From an application security standpoint, “code is code.” This phrase encapsulates the reality that there is no meaningful difference in security risk between first-party code (analyzed by SAST tools) and third-party dependencies (analyzed by SCA tools). The distinctions between SAST (Static Application Security Testing) and SCA (Software Composition Analysis) are rooted in the historical evolution of scanning tools rather than in fundamental differences in how vulnerabilities manifest or affect applications. When it comes to protecting your application, the origin of the code is irrelevant—only its behavior and risk potential matter.
The separation of SAST and SCA as distinct tools emerged from how application security evolved over time. Early scanners, designed to analyze first-party code, were developed when applications were largely monolithic, and dependencies were minimal or absent. These tools focused on identifying vulnerabilities directly in the custom-written code of the application. As software development grew more complex and heavily reliant on open-source components, a new category of scanners, SCA, emerged to address the specific risks associated with third-party libraries and dependencies. This divergence wasn’t driven by any intrinsic difference in the security risks posed by first-party versus third-party code but by a practical need to extend coverage to an increasingly modular development environment.
From a security risk perspective, vulnerabilities in first-party code and third-party libraries are equally dangerous. Attackers do not differentiate between a buffer overflow vulnerability in your custom application logic and a critical flaw in a widely used open-source library. The risks are the same: exploitation can lead to data breaches, system compromises, and operational disruptions. Whether the code was written by your internal team or pulled from an open-source repository, its ability to impact your application’s integrity, confidentiality, and availability remains unchanged.
A unified approach to application security is essential for effectively addressing the vulnerabilities in today’s complex applications. Modern software is a blend of first-party and third-party code, with attack paths often weaving through both. For example, a threat actor might exploit a vulnerability in a third-party library to gain access to your application and then leverage weaknesses in your first-party code to execute a broader attack. A complete attack path analysis must include both first-party and third-party code, treating them as interconnected components of the same system. Focusing on one while ignoring the other leaves critical blind spots that attackers can exploit.
To prioritize effectively, it’s not enough to identify vulnerabilities in isolation. Triggerabilityᵀᴹ is a key concept for filtering the vulnerabilities that matter. A triggerable vulnerability is one that exists within a full attack path and can be exploited under real-world conditions. This means the vulnerable code is not only reachable (accessible through the application’s control flow) but also exploitable, with external inputs or conditions allowing an attacker to activate it. For example, a SQL injection vulnerability in a database query might only be exploitable if the input field in question is publicly accessible. Without these specific conditions, the vulnerability, while technically present, poses no real risk.
Unified analysis bridges these gaps by mapping all vulnerabilities—whether in first-party or third-party code—into a comprehensive model, such as the Backslash App Graph. The App Graph enables full attack path analysis, identifying not just where vulnerabilities exist but how they can be chained together to create exploitable scenarios. By combining reachability and triggerabilityᵀᴹ, the analysis filters out irrelevant vulnerabilities that have no chance of ever being exploited, allowing security teams to focus on the real threats. This holistic, context-aware perspective ensures that security resources are spent where they matter most, effectively reducing noise and increasing the efficiency of remediation efforts.
Backslash exemplifies this unified approach with App Graph, which treats the entire application as a single entity. By mapping all code—regardless of its origin—into a comprehensive digital twin, Backslash eliminates the need for separate SAST and SCA tools. Vulnerabilities are evaluated based on their real-world impact, not on whether they exist in first-party or third-party code. For example, a vulnerability in a core library used across multiple business processes is prioritized alongside a critical issue in custom payment processing logic. This contextual analysis ensures that security efforts are directed at the most significant risks, streamlining workflows and enhancing protection.
The distinction between SAST and SCA is a relic of an earlier era of application security. As development practices have evolved, so too must our approach to securing applications. By embracing the principle that “code is code,” organizations can move beyond the limitations of separate tools and workflows, focusing instead on holistic analysis and prioritization. This shift is critical for addressing the complexities of modern software development and ensuring that all vulnerabilities—regardless of their origin—are identified and mitigated effectively. Backslash App Graph’s model-based approach paves the way for a future where application security is comprehensive, efficient, and aligned with the needs of today’s fast-paced development environments.