1804
Hidden functionality can take many forms, such as intentionally malicious code, "Easter Eggs"
that contain extraneous functionality such as games, developer-friendly shortcuts that reduce
maintenance or support costs such as hard-coded accounts, etc. From a security perspective,
even when the functionality is not intentionally malicious or damaging, it can increase the product's
attack surface and expose additional weaknesses beyond what is already exposed by the intended
functionality. Even if it is not easily accessible, the hidden functionality could be useful for attacks
that modify the control flow of the application.
Relationships
The table(s) below shows the weaknesses and high level categories that are related to this
weakness. These relationships are defined as ChildOf, ParentOf, MemberOr and give insight to
similar items that may exist at higher and lower levels of abstraction. In addition, relationships such
as PeerOf and CanAlsoBe are defined to show similar weaknesses that may want to be explored.
Relevant to the view "Research Concepts" (CWE-1000)
Nature Type ID Name Page
ChildOf 684 Incorrect Provision of Specified Functionality 1505
ParentOf 506 Embedded Malicious Code 1210
Applicable Platforms
Technology : Not Technology-Specific (Prevalence = Undetermined)
Technology : ICS/OT (Prevalence = Undetermined)
Common Consequences
Scope Impact Likelihood
Other
Integrity
Varies by Context
Alter Execution Logic
Potential Mitigations
Phase: Installation
Always verify the integrity of the product that is being installed.
Phase: Testing
Conduct a code coverage analysis using live testing, then closely inspect any code that is not
covered.
Observed Examples
Reference Description
CVE-2022-31260 Chain: a digital asset management program has an undisclosed backdoor
in the legacy version of a PHP script (CWE-912) that could allow an
unauthenticated user to export metadata (CWE-306)
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2022-31260
CVE-2022-3203 A wireless access point manual specifies that the only method of configuration
is via web interface (CWE-1059), but there is an undisclosed telnet server that
was activated by default (CWE-912).
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2022-3203
MemberOf Relationships
This MemberOf relationships table shows additional CWE Catgeories and Views that reference this
weakness as a member. This information is often useful in understanding where a weakness fits
within the context of external information sources.
Nature Type ID Name Page
MemberOf 1371 ICS Supply Chain: Poorly Documented or
Undocumented Features
1358 2508
CWE Version 4.14
CWE-913: Improper Control of Dynamically-Managed Code Resources
CWE-913: Improper Control of Dynamically-Managed Code Resources