logo

CWE-312 - Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information

CWE-312

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

Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information

Description

The product stores sensitive information in cleartext within a resource that might be accessible to another control sphere.

Because the information is stored in cleartext (i.e., unencrypted), attackers could potentially read it. Even if the information is encoded in a way that is not human-readable, certain techniques could determine which encoding is being used, then decode the information. When organizations adopt cloud services, it can be easier for attackers to access the data from anywhere on the Internet. In some systems/environments such as cloud, the use of "double encryption" (at both the software and hardware layer) might be required, and the developer might be solely responsible for both layers, instead of shared responsibility with the administrator of the broader system/environment.

Common Consequences

Scope: Confidentiality

Impact: Read Application Data

Notes: An attacker with access to the system could read sensitive information stored in cleartext.

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

Free security scan for your website