From Code to Cloud: CNAPP and Code Security

More and more CNAPP vendors are venturing into the realm of application security, adding features to cover the foundational aspects of cloud security. However, most CNAPP vendors "start right", focusing on cloud or runtime security and leaving significant gaps when it comes to code security. AppSec or Code Security solutions, on the other hand, "starts left," addressing issues directly in the code. This difference creates a critical limitation in how CNAPPs handle code-related vulnerabilities.

In this blog, we’ll explore how code security and CNAPP complement each other and why it’s so challenging to bridge the gap from cloud security down to the code itself.

Let’s explore why a robust code security strategy is essential for truly securing your applications from code to cloud.

The Illusion of Full Coverage

It’s easy to assume that CNAPPs offer complete security coverage for your cloud-native applications. After all, they monitor your cloud environment, identify potential misconfigurations, and alert you to vulnerabilities that could be exploited. But this bird’s-eye view often misses what’s happening at the ground level—in your actual code.

Code security tools dive deep into your application’s source code and third-party dependencies to uncover vulnerabilities before they ever become part of your deployed application. Without this layer of security, you’re essentially building your cloud fortress on shaky ground.

Fixing Issues Early: A Superpower

We’ve all heard the saying, “A stitch in time saves nine.” This couldn’t be more true when it comes to application security. Identifying and fixing vulnerabilities early in the development process is far more cost-effective and less disruptive than doing so after deployment. 

AppSec tools help developers catch security issues right at the source. Whether it’s a misused library or a coding flaw, these tools provide immediate feedback, allowing your team to address issues before they snowball into costly problems in production. Most CNAPPs, while great at identifying runtime vulnerabilities, can only react to issues that have already been introduced into your cloud environment. By then, fixing them is like trying to patch a leaky roof during a storm.

Beyond Detection: Understanding Reachability

One of the key advantages of incorporating code security into your strategy is the ability to perform reachability analysis. This means not just finding vulnerabilities, but understanding whether they can actually be exploited in your specific application context. 

For instance, SCA tools with reachability analysis  provide a detailed view of your third-party dependencies and can pinpoint exactly where a vulnerable function is being used in your code. SAST tools with reachability analysis  go a step further, analyzing your custom code to understand the paths that an attacker could take to reach and exploit a vulnerability.

CNAPPs are excellent at identifying exposed assets and misconfigurations in your cloud infrastructure, but they lack this nuanced understanding of code behavior. Without this insight, you’re left with a list of potential vulnerabilities without a clear picture of their actual risk to your application.

Pinpointing the Source: The Magic of Code-Level Findings

CNAPP, by definition, encompasses code security, cloud security, and runtime protection. However, many of the major players initially focused on CSPM (Cloud Security Posture Management) and excel in that area, but they face challenges when it comes to code security. While CNAPPs can alert you to issues like a misconfigured S3 bucket or an exposed database, they often can't pinpoint the exact line of code responsible. This is where code security tools such as SAST and SCA come into play, providing precise, code-level insights that help developers address vulnerabilities directly at their source.

This level of precision is crucial for effective remediation. Without it, developers are left sifting through thousands of lines of code, trying to guess where the issue might be. With code security, you get a direct link to the problem, significantly reducing the time and effort required to secure your applications.

Cloud Context vs. Usage Context: Bridging the Gap

CNAPPs excel at providing cloud context. They know which resources are exposed, how your applications interact with cloud services, and where potential configuration issues might lie. But they often lack the usage context—the understanding of how these resources are actually being used within your application.

This is where code security comes in. These tools analyze your code to understand how different components interact, providing a clear picture of your application’s internal behavior. This usage context is crucial for prioritizing vulnerabilities and focusing on the ones that pose the greatest risk.

The SAST Conundrum in CNAPPs: Why Basic Doesn’t Cut It

Some CNAPP vendors have started to include basic SAST capabilities in their offerings. Gartner itself considers SAST and SCA to be part of the broader CNAPP definition, but the truth is that basic SAST capabilities may catch some obvious issues, they often generate a high volume of false positives, making it difficult to focus on the real vulnerabilities.

For truly comprehensive security, you need a dedicated SAST solution that goes beyond the basics. This means not just identifying vulnerabilities, but providing the context and remediation guidance needed to fix them effectively.

The Bottom Line: Securing the Entire Journey

From code to cloud, securing your applications requires a holistic approach. CNAPPs provide invaluable cloud context and visibility, but they are only part of the solution. To truly secure your applications, you need to integrate robust code security measures that can catch issues early, understand their reachability, and provide precise, actionable findings.

By combining the strengths of CNAPPs with advanced AppSec capabilities, you get the best of both worlds—comprehensive security coverage that spans the entire journey from code to cloud. So, while CNAPPs are a critical piece of the puzzle, don’t overlook the importance of securing your code. After all, a strong fortress needs a solid foundation.

At Backslash Security we’ve reimagined code security, offering more than just another "next-gen" tool. From advanced reachability analysis to identifying phantom packages, we provide developers with the clarity they need to fix real risks.