Secure Code Review and Application Security
Manual Secure Code Review
We examine the critical flows of your application line by line in the source code. We identify vulnerabilities and their root causes that automated tools and external testing miss.
What it is
Manual secure code review traces the path of incoming data through the code. User input is followed from where it crosses a trust boundary to where it reaches the database or another service. The review focuses not just on the existence of controls, but whether they operate in the right place and on all paths. OWASP ASVS is used as the requirements baseline, and findings are mapped to CWE classes.
Scope
- Authentication, session management and authorization checks traced in the code
- Points where user input reaches queries, commands and templates
- File uploads, deserialization and external service calls
- Sensitive data written to error messages and logs
- Searching the rest of the code for each mistake pattern found
The need
When organizations need it
- Before launching a critical module such as payments or account management.
- When taking delivery of an application built by an outsourced team or acquiring a software company.
- When a PCI DSS assessment requires evidence of code review before release.
Method
How we work
-
Scope
We select the most critical flows and the code managing them together with you.
-
Architecture
We identify the entry points, trust boundaries and the security mechanisms of your frameworks.
-
Review
We trace each input from its entry point in the code to where it reaches data. We search the entire codebase for each mistake pattern found.
-
Findings
Each finding is reported with file and line reference, exploitation condition and recommended fix.
Outcome
What you have at the end
You receive vulnerabilities in your critical flows down to file and line. Other instances of the same issue elsewhere in the code are also listed.
Frequently asked questions
We have a static analysis tool. Why is manual review necessary?
Static analysis finds known patterns but does not understand your business rules. Authorization and business logic flaws are found by an expert who knows what the code is intended to do.
Does our source code need to leave our organization?
No. The review can be performed in an environment you provide, where the code remains under your control. The working arrangement is set together with the scope.
How long does the review take?
The duration depends more on the number and complexity of flows in scope than on lines of code. We provide a written schedule once the scope is set.
Secure Code Review and Application Security
Other services in this area
Let's talk about this service.
Tell us briefly what you need. We will agree on the scope and timing together in the first meeting.
Schedule a Meeting