Runtime Reachability vs. Static Reachability

SCA scanners are synonymous with high false positive counts. The false positives are too high to justify, and the patching process too time consuming. This is where Runtime Reachability, exemplified by Raven's cutting-edge solution, emerges as a critical advancement for robust security postures.

What is Static Reachability?

Static Reachability involves analyzing code without execution. This method inspects code paths to identify vulnerabilities based on assumptions derived from the static structure of code. Although useful, this approach inherently carries limitations:

• Accuracy: Static reachability relies heavily on assumptions made during code analysis, making it prone to moderate accuracy and potentially overlooking actual runtime behaviors.‍
• False Positives: Static analysis often flags code that is referenced but never actually executed, causing unnecessary alerts.
• False Negatives: It can miss vulnerabilities in dynamically executed paths, leaving critical blind spots.
• Cloud Environment Awareness: There’s no insight into how the code interacts within the actual cloud runtime environment, leading to context-free and potentially inaccurate theoretical assessments.
• OS Reachability: Static analysis does not have the capability to determine reachability for the OS base image.

The Power of Raven's Runtime Reachability

Raven's Runtime Reachability addresses the shortcomings of static analysis by observing actual runtime execution paths and behaviors at the function level. This real-time visibility provides superior precision, eliminating common pitfalls of traditional static analysis.

Here’s what sets Raven Runtime Reachability apart:

• Maximum Accuracy: Raven delivers precision by analyzing real-time, function-level execution within your actual runtime environment. This drastically reduces guesswork, ensuring highly accurate threat detection.
• Eliminate False Positives & Negatives: With real-time analysis, Raven virtually eliminates false positives and significantly minimizes false negatives. It precisely flags code and dependencies actively executed, delivering actionable security alerts.
• Cloud Environment Awareness: Raven considers the exact context of your cloud runtime environment. It provides nuanced visibility into how your application interacts within the cloud, leading to highly contextual and relevant security insights.
• Dynamic Dependency Resolution: Unlike static methods, Raven resolves all dynamic dependencies at runtime. This capability ensures comprehensive coverage, no matter how complex or dynamic the code structure may be.
• Security Risk Prioritization: Raven dynamically evaluates risks based on real-time function execution rather than theoretical vulnerabilities. By identifying and analyzing executed vulnerable functions at the CPU level, Raven enables engineering teams to focus on the TOP RISK FIRST while de-prioritizing over 99% of vulnerabilities, saving critical engineering and AppSec time, and ultimately replacing traditional, noisy SCA solutions.
• Detection of Runtime Exploits and ADR: Crucially, Raven not only monitors runtime behaviors but actively detects and stops exploits at the function level. Its ADR (Attack Detection & Response) capability ensures vulnerabilities and attacks are managed proactively and automatically.‍
• OS Reachability: Raven's runtime analysis, however, extends coverage to include OS-level reachability, ensuring comprehensive protection across all layers of your environment.

Real-World Implications

Adopting Raven's Runtime Reachability means your organization moves beyond static assumptions to understand your true security posture. The result?

• Reduced Security Noise: Prioritize Top Risk First and de-prioritize 99% of vulnerabilities.
• Improved Application Security: Address vulnerabilities precisely where and when they're critical.
• Optimized Resource Allocation: Free your engineering team to focus on meaningful security and development tasks.

In Conclusion

While static analysis has its place, the sophistication and dynamic nature of today's cloud applications require a smarter, runtime-oriented approach. Raven's Runtime Reachability delivers this advanced level of precision, ensuring comprehensive, context-aware security that evolves alongside your applications and threats.

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