Waratek
Runtime application self-protection (RASP) software
Patch management software
Application security software
Vulnerability management software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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What is Waratek
Waratek is an application security platform focused on protecting Java applications at runtime and reducing exposure to known vulnerabilities without requiring immediate code changes. It targets security and DevOps teams that need compensating controls for legacy or hard-to-patch Java services running on common application servers and JVM-based stacks. The product uses runtime instrumentation to detect and block exploit techniques and can apply “virtual patches” for certain classes of vulnerabilities while applications continue to run. It is typically deployed alongside existing SDLC and vulnerability management processes to reduce risk between discovery and remediation.
Runtime protection for Java apps
Waratek focuses on JVM-based applications and provides in-process runtime controls rather than relying only on perimeter defenses. This can help protect applications where source changes are slow or operationally risky. It is suited to environments with many legacy Java services and third-party components. The approach aligns with teams that need protection during the window between vulnerability discovery and code remediation.
Virtual patching capability
The platform is positioned to mitigate certain known vulnerabilities through runtime rules/controls, reducing dependence on immediate library upgrades. This is useful when patching is constrained by vendor support, regression risk, or change freezes. It can complement traditional patch management by providing a compensating control. It also supports prioritization by focusing on exploitable conditions in running applications.
Operational fit for legacy stacks
Waratek is commonly associated with enterprise Java deployments where applications run on established app servers and long-lived JVM services. Runtime instrumentation can be deployed without a full rebuild of the application in some scenarios, which may reduce friction for older delivery pipelines. This can be practical for organizations with mixed modernization progress. It provides an option when other application security tools primarily emphasize pre-production testing rather than runtime enforcement.
Primarily JVM/Java focused
Waratek’s core value is tied to Java runtime environments, which limits applicability for organizations with significant non-Java workloads. Teams running polyglot microservices may need additional tools for other languages and runtimes. This can increase operational complexity and vendor sprawl. Buyers should validate coverage for their specific frameworks and deployment models.
Runtime overhead and tuning
In-process security instrumentation can introduce performance overhead and requires careful testing under production-like load. Effective blocking policies often need tuning to avoid false positives that disrupt legitimate traffic. Rollout typically requires coordination between security and operations teams. Organizations with strict latency SLOs should validate impact and rollback procedures.
Not a full patch workflow
Virtual patching does not replace the need to update vulnerable dependencies and remediate root causes in code. The product does not function as a general-purpose OS/endpoint patch management system. Teams still need vulnerability scanning, prioritization, and change management to permanently fix issues. Governance is required to ensure runtime mitigations do not become long-term substitutes for remediation.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source Apps (per app/agent) | Contact sales (price not published) | Remediate open-source library CVEs; remediations for known active vulnerabilities CVSS >= 4.0 (open-source CVEs >= 7.0); drop-in replacement for vendor patches; supports libraries (Log4j, JBoss EAP, etc.), app servers and middleware. |
| Closed-Source Apps (per app/agent) | Contact sales (price not published) | Remediate third-party CVEs in popular closed-source apps; remediation for known active vulnerabilities CVSS >= 4.0 (third-party CVEs >= 7.0); optimized for WebLogic, EBS, WebSphere, PeopleSoft. |
| Waratek Elevate (legacy modernization) | Contact sales (custom pricing) | Live remediation for any CVSS score for essential open-source packages; offered SaaS or dedicated/on-prem; tailored/custom solution via sales. |
| Threat Remediation subscriptions (categories) | Contact sales (each category has its own subscription/pricing) | Customers with active Waratek Secure receive Active Exploit Threat Remediation for CVSS >= 9.5; each Threat Remediation category is a separate subscription and priced separately. |
