Embedding Static Application Security Testing (SAST) into a JenkinsBitbucket Pipeline

The client is a leading cybersecurity company offering web and email security solutions to enterprise customers. Their cloud-based isolation platform prevents malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks while supporting Zero Trust architecture.

• Lacked automated static code scanning, relying on manual reviews to detect vulnerabilities.
• Faced inconsistent secure coding practices across multiple development teams.
• Developers had limited visibility into security issues within pull requests.
• Onboarding new teams with standardized security checks was slow and inefficient.
• Resulted in delayed releases and missed opportunities to prevent defects early.

TMA implemented an integrated SAST solution using SonarQube, seamlessly connected with Jenkins and Bitbucket to automate code security checks throughout the CI/CD pipeline. The setup ensured every build was scanned automatically, and developers received real-time feedback directly within pull requests, reducing vulnerabilities early in the SDLC.

Key solution components:

• Seamless Integration
  • Installed and configured SonarQube plugins for Jenkins and Bitbucket
  • Enabled secure, automated two-way communication for analysis and feedback
• Pipeline Standardization
  • Created reusable Jenkins file templates with embedded SAST stages
  • Applied branch-specific rules and quality gates for consistent enforcement
• Governance & Visibility
  • Set up a centralized SonarQube project hierarchy aligned with Bitbucket repos
  • Defined quality profiles, rule sets, and dashboards for cross-team transparency
• Developer Enablement
  • Collaborated with architects to fine-tune SAST rules and minimize false positives
  • Provided developers with in-line feedback, detailed triage reports, and remediation guidance within pull requests

• 60% Fewer Post-Merge Vulnerabilities: Early enforcement of SAST reduced exploitable code from reaching production.
• 30% Faster Developer Feedback: Inline annotations and automated triage reports delivered actionable results in under five minutes.
• Scalable and Repeatable Security Model: New services and teams onboarded in less than one day using standardized templates.
• Improved Security Maturity: The shift-left approach embedded security within daily development, lowering long-term maintenance risks.
• Balanced Speed and Protection: Enabled the client to scale development velocity while maintaining continuous security assurance.