CWE-319

Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information

High

Description

The product transmits sensitive or security-critical data in cleartext in a communication channel that can be sniffed by unauthorized actors.

Potential Impact

How to Fix

Architecture and Design

Before transmitting, encrypt the data using reliable, confidentiality-protecting cryptographic protocols.

Implementation

When using web applications with SSL, use SSL for the entire session from login to logout, not just for the initial login page.

Implementation

When designing hardware platforms, ensure that approved encryption algorithms (such as those recommended by NIST) protect paths from security critical data to trusted user applications.

Testing

Use tools and techniques that require manual (human) analysis, such as penetration testing, threat modeling, and interactive tools that allow the tester to record and modify an active session. These may be more effective than strictly automated techniques. This is especially the case with weaknesses that are related to design and business rules.

Operation

Configure servers to use encrypted channels for communication, which may include SSL or other secure protocols.

Detection Methods

Related Weaknesses

References

View on MITRE CWE Database →

Need Help Fixing This Vulnerability?

Our security experts can help you identify and remediate CWE-319 vulnerabilities in your codebase.

Get Security Assessment