634
Password aging (or password rotation) is a policy that forces users to change their passwords after
a defined time period passes, such as every 30 or 90 days. Without mechanisms such as aging,
users might not change their passwords in a timely manner.
Note that while password aging was once considered an important security feature, it has since
fallen out of favor by many, because it is not as effective against modern threats compared to
other mechanisms such as slow hashes. In addition, forcing frequent changes can unintentionally
encourage users to select less-secure passwords. However, password aging is still in use due to
factors such as compliance requirements, e.g., Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
(PCI DSS).
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 1390 Weak Authentication 2267
PeerOf 309 Use of Password System for Primary Authentication 754
PeerOf 324 Use of a Key Past its Expiration Date 792
Relevant to the view "Architectural Concepts" (CWE-1008)
Nature Type ID Name Page
MemberOf 1010 Authenticate Actors 2424
Relevant to the view "Software Development" (CWE-699)
Nature Type ID Name Page
MemberOf 255 Credentials Management Errors 2315
Applicable Platforms
Language : Not Language-Specific (Prevalence = Undetermined)
Likelihood Of Exploit
Low
Common Consequences
Scope Impact Likelihood
Access Control Gain Privileges or Assume Identity
As passwords age, the probability that they are
compromised grows.
Potential Mitigations
Phase: Architecture and Design
As part of a product's design, require users to change their passwords regularly and avoid
reusing previous passwords.
Phase: Implementation
Developers might disable clipboard paste operations into password fields as a way to discourage
users from pasting a password into a clipboard. However, this might encourage users to choose
less-secure passwords that are easier to type, and it can reduce the usability of password
managers [REF-1294].
Effectiveness = Discouraged Common Practice
CWE Version 4.14
CWE-262: Not Using Password Aging
CWE-262: Not Using Password Aging