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CWE-256 - Plaintext Storage of a Password

CWE-256 High

  • Abstraction:
  • Base
  • Structure:
  • Simple
  • Status:
  • Incomplete
Weakness Name

Plaintext Storage of a Password

Description

Storing a password in plaintext may result in a system compromise.

Password management issues occur when a password is stored in plaintext in an application's properties, configuration file, or memory. Storing a plaintext password in a configuration file allows anyone who can read the file access to the password-protected resource. In some contexts, even storage of a plaintext password in memory is considered a security risk if the password is not cleared immediately after it is used.

Common Consequences

Scope: Access Control

Impact: Gain Privileges or Assume Identity

Related Weaknesses
  • Release Date:
  • 2006-07-19
  • Latest Modification Date:
  • 2024-02-29

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