Waratek is a Java-focused RASP solution that embeds security directly into the JVM. Winner of the RSA Innovation Sandbox Award, it protects Java applications from OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, zero-day exploits, and known CVEs without code changes or restarts.
The platform ships as two products: Waratek Secure (automated vulnerability remediation) and Waratek Elevate (legacy app modernization with compliance). Both operate at the JVM bytecode level using a patented data tainting engine that tracks untrusted data as it flows through the application.
Waratek claims 2% performance overhead, 150ms time-to-remediate, and protection across 80,000+ applications in production. The company targets financial services, healthcare, and government organizations running business-critical Java workloads.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | Java (JVM-based) |
| Architecture | JVM bytecode instrumentation |
| Products | Waratek Secure, Waratek Elevate |
| Detection | Patented data tainting engine |
| Performance overhead | 2% (vendor-stated) |
| Virtual patching | CVE remediation without code changes or restarts |
| API security | RESTful API endpoint discovery |
| Frameworks | Spring, Struts, Tomcat, and other Java frameworks |
| Compliance | PCI DSS, GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA |
| Management | Waratek Portal (SaaS or on-premises) |
What is Waratek?
Waratek instruments the JVM at the bytecode level. When untrusted data enters the application from the network, the data tainting engine tracks it through every method call, variable assignment, and framework transformation. If that data reaches a dangerous operation — a SQL query, a deserialization call, a file system access — Waratek knows whether it has been properly sanitized.
This approach differs from pattern-matching RASP tools that look at request signatures. Waratek sees how data actually flows through code, which eliminates the false positives that come from matching attack patterns in legitimate traffic.
Virtual patching applies security fixes at the JVM bytecode level. When a CVE affects a third-party library, Waratek can neutralize the vulnerability without modifying source code, rebuilding the application, or restarting the process. This is particularly valuable for legacy Java applications that cannot be easily patched or redeployed.
Key Features
Virtual Patching
Apply security fixes without modifying code or restarting applications:
- CVE Remediation — patch known vulnerabilities in application code and third-party libraries
- Zero-Day Protection — block exploit patterns before vendor patches exist
- Framework Coverage — protect Struts, Spring, Tomcat, and other Java frameworks
Attack Prevention
Block attacks at the runtime level:
- SQL Injection — context-aware detection through data tainting
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) — block malicious script injection
- Deserialization Attacks — prevent gadget chain exploits
- Remote Code Execution — block unauthorized command execution
- Path Traversal — stop directory traversal attempts
API Security
Discover and protect RESTful API endpoints automatically. The agent identifies exposed endpoints and delivers inventory to the Waratek Portal for hardening.
Compliance Automation
Built-in controls for PCI DSS, GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA requirements. Security monitoring and logging configured through the Waratek Portal.
Getting Started
When to Use Waratek
Waratek fits enterprises running business-critical Java applications that need protection without code changes. The data tainting approach and virtual patching are strongest when you have legacy applications with vulnerable dependencies that cannot be easily updated.
The platform is Java-only. If you need RASP for Node.js, Python, Go, or other languages, look elsewhere. For Java-specific runtime protection with near-zero false positives and minimal performance overhead, Waratek is a strong option.
