CWE-515 - Covert Storage Channel

CWE ID:

CWE-515

High

Abstraction:Base
Structure:Simple
Status:Incomplete

Release Date:2006-07-19
Latest Modification Date:2024-07-16

Weakness Name

Covert Storage Channel

Description

A covert storage channel transfers information through the setting of bits by one program and the reading of those bits by another. What distinguishes this case from that of ordinary operation is that the bits are used to convey encoded information.

Covert storage channels occur when out-of-band data is stored in messages for the purpose of memory reuse. Covert channels are frequently classified as either storage or timing channels. Examples would include using a file intended to hold only audit information to convey user passwords--using the name of a file or perhaps status bits associated with it that can be read by all users to signal the contents of the file. Steganography, concealing information in such a manner that no one but the intended recipient knows of the existence of the message, is a good example of a covert storage channel.

Common Consequences

Scope: Confidentiality

Impact: Read Application Data

Notes: Covert storage channels may provide attackers with important information about the system in question.

Scope: Integrity, Confidentiality

Impact: Read Application Data

Notes: If these messages or packets are sent with unnecessary data contained within, it may tip off malicious listeners as to the process that created the message. With this information, attackers may learn any number of things, including the hardware platform, operating system, or algorithms used by the sender. This information can be of significant value to the user in launching further attacks.