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CWE-257 - Storing Passwords in a Recoverable Format

CWE-257 High

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

Storing Passwords in a Recoverable Format

Description

The storage of passwords in a recoverable format makes them subject to password reuse attacks by malicious users. In fact, it should be noted that recoverable encrypted passwords provide no significant benefit over plaintext passwords since they are subject not only to reuse by malicious attackers but also by malicious insiders. If a system administrator can recover a password directly, or use a brute force search on the available information, the administrator can use the password on other accounts.

Common Consequences

Scope: Confidentiality, Access Control

Impact: Gain Privileges or Assume Identity

Notes: User's passwords may be revealed.

Scope: Access Control

Impact: Gain Privileges or Assume Identity

Notes: Revealed passwords may be reused elsewhere to impersonate the users in question.

Related Weaknesses
  • Release Date:
  • 2006-07-19
  • Latest Modification Date:
  • 2023-10-26

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