42Crunch API Security Platform

Overview

42Crunch API Security Platform combines API security testing with runtime protection. Its approach centers on API contracts: OpenAPI definitions drive security checks, while the contract also informs runtime traffic controls. The platform extends this contract-based governance to MCP servers used by AI agents.

Its listed capabilities include API discovery, API posture management, sensitive data detection, and specification governance. For APIs, it generates static and dynamic tests from OpenAPI definitions and maps findings to the OWASP API Security Top 10. At runtime, a micro-firewall builds an allowlist from the API contract and blocks traffic that is not declared there; 42Crunch states that this operates with sub-millisecond overhead.

For MCP, the platform discovers servers across registries, gateways, and repositories, then generates contracts for their advertised tools, resources, and prompts. Security findings can be mapped to NIST AI RMF, OWASP MCP Top 10, the EU AI Act, ISO/IEC 42001, and CSA AICM controls.

Key features

• OpenAPI-based security testing: Static and dynamic tests use API definitions as their basis, with findings organized against the OWASP API Security Top 10.
• Runtime micro-firewall: Contract-derived allowlisting is used to block undeclared traffic. The stated overhead is sub-millisecond.
• MCP server discovery: The platform searches registries, gateways, and repositories for MCP servers and creates contracts covering their advertised tools, resources, and prompts.
• MCP compliance mapping: Findings can be related to a range of AI, security, and governance frameworks, including NIST AI RMF, the EU AI Act, and ISO/IEC 42001.
• Development workflow integrations: Named technology partners include Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ, Eclipse, Bitbucket, Bamboo, GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, Microsoft Azure, Azure Sentinel, SonarQube, Kubernetes, Docker, Postman, and MuleSoft.
• Security and privacy commitments: 42Crunch says it is ISO/IEC 27001 certified, with controls covering areas such as risk assessment, access, encryption, monitoring, and business continuity. It also says it commits to applicable privacy laws including GDPR, CCPA, UK GDPR, and Australia's APPs.

Pricing

42Crunch offers a free plan, paid individual plans, and enterprise pricing on request. The free trial lasts 14 days, requires a corporate email address, and does not require a credit card.

Platforms

Listed platforms are API, extension, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows. Enterprise deployment options include cloud, on-premises, and hybrid.

CI/CD documentation names Azure Pipelines, Bamboo, Bitbucket Pipelines, GitHub Actions, GitLab Pipelines, Jenkins, and Tekton, as well as a generic Docker image for REST API static security testing. IDE integration documentation names Visual Studio Code, JetBrains IDEs, Eclipse, and Microsoft Visual Studio.

There are specific GraphQL constraints to note: GraphQL federation is not supported in CI/CD integration, and Jenkins instructions say GraphQL scanning requires a separate subscription.

Who it's for

42Crunch is aimed at teams that define APIs with OpenAPI and want security checks tied to those definitions, along with runtime controls based on the same contracts. Its MCP discovery and governance features may also suit organizations overseeing MCP servers used by AI agents. The plan structure ranges from a free option and single-user subscriptions to enterprise deployments scoped to APIs, MCP servers, and users.

Pros and cons

Pros

• OpenAPI definitions inform both generated security tests and runtime allowlisting.
• Findings map to named API and AI governance frameworks.
• CI/CD and IDE integrations cover several commonly used development tools.
• Enterprise deployment choices include cloud, on-premises, and hybrid.
• The trial is 14 days and does not require a credit card.

Cons

• Enterprise pricing is not listed.
• GraphQL federation is not supported in CI/CD integration.
• GraphQL scanning in Jenkins requires a separate subscription.
• Support varies by plan: email for Individual, community support for Individual Pro, and a dedicated support manager for enterprise pricing.

Alternatives

Other products to consider include Akto API Security Platform, Wallarm API Security, APISec Platform, F5 BIG-IP APM, Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud API Security, Cisco Panoptica, APIPosture, and Onam Security API Security.

Verdict

42Crunch stands out for linking OpenAPI-based testing and runtime traffic controls, while extending contract governance to MCP server discovery. The listed free and individual plans provide clear entry points, although enterprise pricing is undisclosed. Teams with GraphQL workflows should account for the stated CI/CD and Jenkins limitations.

Explore the API Security Software and API Security Testing Software categories for more options.