Weakness · Medium
CWE-1241: Use of Predictable Algorithm in Random Number Generator
What it is
The device uses an algorithm that is predictable and generates a pseudo-random number.
- Severity (our rating)
- Medium
- Likelihood of exploit
- Not rated by MITRE
- Introduced during
- Architecture and Design, Implementation
- Exploited in the wild
- No CVE in CISA's catalog
In more detail
Pseudo-random number generator algorithms are predictable because their registers have a finite number of possible states, which eventually lead to repeating patterns. As a result, pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) can compromise their randomness or expose their internal state to various attacks, such as reverse engineering or tampering.
What an attacker can do
- Read Application Data (Confidentiality)
How to prevent it
Architecture and Design
- It is highly recommended to use a true random number generator (TRNG) to ensure the security of encryption schemes. Hardware-based TRNGs generate unpredictable, unbiased, and independent random numbers because they employ physical phenomena, e.g., electrical noise, as sources to generate random numbers.
Implementation
- It is highly recommended to use a true random number generator (TRNG) to ensure the security of encryption schemes. Hardware-based TRNGs generate unpredictable, unbiased, and independent random numbers because they employ physical phenomena, e.g., electrical noise, as sources to generate random numbers.
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Start freeSource: MITRE Common Weakness Enumeration, CWE version 4.19.1. CWE is a trademark of The MITRE Corporation.