1246
Common Consequences
Scope Impact Likelihood
Confidentiality Read Application Data
The error message may contain the location of the file in
which the offending function is located. This may disclose
the web root's absolute path as well as give the attacker
the location of application files or configuration information.
It may even disclose the portion of code that failed. In
many cases, an attacker can use the data to launch further
attacks against the system.
Demonstrative Examples
Example 1:
The following servlet code does not catch runtime exceptions, meaning that if such an exception
were to occur, the container may display potentially dangerous information (such as a full stack
trace).
Example Language: Java (Bad)
public void doPost(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response) throws ServletException, IOException {
String username = request.getParameter("username");
// May cause unchecked NullPointerException.
if (username.length() < 10) {
...
}
}
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 963 SFP Secondary Cluster: Exposed Data 888 2400
MemberOf 1417 Comprehensive Categorization: Sensitive Information
Exposure
1400 2548
CWE-537: Java Runtime Error Message Containing Sensitive Information
Weakness ID : 537
Structure : Simple
Abstraction : Variant
Description
In many cases, an attacker can leverage the conditions that cause unhandled exception errors in
order to gain unauthorized access to the system.
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)
CWE Version 4.14
CWE-537: Java Runtime Error Message Containing Sensitive Information
CWE-537: Java Runtime Error Message Containing Sensitive Information