About
StackHawk is a comprehensive runtime application and API security testing platform built for modern development teams practicing DevSecOps. Its core focus is shift-left DAST — moving security testing earlier in the software development lifecycle so vulnerabilities are caught and fixed before they reach production. The platform automatically maps an application's full API attack surface from source code, enabling teams to discover blind spots without manual configuration. Runtime testing continuously scans apps and APIs for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, broken authentication, and business logic flaws. StackHawk integrates with popular developer tools including GitHub, Semgrep, Snyk, Endor Labs, and Wiz, fitting naturally into existing workflows. StackHawk also extends into emerging security domains: it can test LLM-powered applications for critical AI-specific risks, scan Remote MCP Server configurations for vulnerabilities, and perform automated business logic and authorization flaw detection. Sensitive data detection identifies APIs handling PII, PCI, and PHI, helping teams maintain compliance. Designed for developers, security engineers, and DevSecOps teams, StackHawk is especially well-suited for organizations shipping APIs at scale, running microservices, or building AI-enabled applications. Its CI/CD-native approach means security scans run automatically on every pull request, providing fast, actionable feedback without slowing down release cycles.
Key Features
- API Attack Surface Discovery: Automatically maps your complete API attack surface from source code, surfacing endpoints and data flows that might otherwise go untested.
- Runtime Application Security Testing (DAST): Scans live applications and APIs for vulnerabilities such as SQLi, XSS, and broken authentication during every CI/CD pipeline run.
- CI/CD & Developer Tool Integrations: Integrates natively with GitHub, Semgrep, Snyk, Endor Labs, and Wiz to embed security checks directly into existing development workflows.
- LLM & AI Application Security Testing: Surfaces critical security risks in LLM-powered applications and Remote MCP Servers as part of existing runtime testing pipelines.
- Business Logic & Sensitive Data Testing: Detects complex authorization flaws automatically and identifies APIs that handle PII, PCI, and PHI data to support compliance requirements.
Use Cases
- Automating API security testing on every pull request within a CI/CD pipeline to catch vulnerabilities before they reach production.
- Discovering and testing the full attack surface of microservices-based architectures, including REST, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs.
- Testing LLM-powered applications and AI agents for AI-specific security risks such as prompt injection and data leakage.
- Identifying APIs that handle sensitive personal data (PII, PCI, PHI) to support compliance with GDPR, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA.
- Providing DevSecOps teams with continuous application security monitoring and risk oversight across all pre-production environments.
Pros
- Shift-Left Security: Catches vulnerabilities early in the SDLC by running automated security tests on every pull request, reducing costly late-stage fixes.
- Broad Protocol & Framework Coverage: Supports REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and LLM application testing, making it versatile for modern API-heavy and AI-enabled architectures.
- Developer-Friendly Workflow: Designed to integrate into tools developers already use, minimizing friction and enabling security without slowing release cadence.
- Rich Integration Ecosystem: Works with leading security and DevOps platforms including Snyk, Semgrep, Wiz, and GitHub for a unified AppSec workflow.
Cons
- Technical Setup Required: Effective use requires understanding of CI/CD pipelines and API configuration, which may present a learning curve for non-technical security staff.
- Runtime-Only Testing: StackHawk focuses on DAST (runtime testing) and does not include built-in SAST (static analysis), so it works best when combined with complementary static tools.
- Cost at Scale: Larger organizations with many applications and APIs may find costs increase significantly as their testing surface grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DAST and how is it different from SAST?
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tests your running application by simulating attacks at runtime, finding vulnerabilities that only appear when the app is live. Static Application Security Testing (SAST) analyzes source code without executing it. StackHawk focuses on DAST, complementing SAST tools like Semgrep or Snyk.
How does StackHawk integrate with CI/CD pipelines?
StackHawk provides native integrations with GitHub Actions, Jenkins, CircleCI, and other CI/CD platforms. Security scans are triggered automatically on pull requests or deployments, returning findings directly in the developer's workflow.
Does StackHawk support API security testing?
Yes. StackHawk is purpose-built for API security testing, supporting REST, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs. It can automatically discover your API attack surface and test endpoints for common and complex vulnerabilities.
Can StackHawk test LLM-powered or AI applications?
Yes. StackHawk includes LLM Application Security Testing capabilities that surface AI-specific risks such as prompt injection as part of your existing runtime testing pipeline. It also supports Remote MCP Server Security Testing.
Is there a free plan available?
StackHawk offers a free tier to get started, with paid plans available for teams and enterprises that need broader coverage, more integrations, and advanced AppSec oversight features. Pricing details are available on their website.
