1218
CWE-512: Spyware
Weakness ID : 512
Structure : Simple
Abstraction : Base
Description
The product collects personally identifiable information about a human user or the user's activities,
but the product accesses this information using other resources besides itself, and it does not
require that user's explicit approval or direct input into the product.
Extended Description
"Spyware" is a commonly used term with many definitions and interpretations. In general, it is
meant to refer to products that collect information or install functionality that human users might
not allow if they were fully aware of the actions being taken by the software. For example, a user
might expect that tax software would collect a social security number and include it when filing a tax
return, but that same user would not expect gaming software to obtain the social security number
from that tax software's data.
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 506 Embedded Malicious Code 1210
Common Consequences
Scope Impact Likelihood
Confidentiality Read Application Data
Potential Mitigations
Phase: Operation
Use spyware detection and removal software.
Phase: Installation
Always verify the integrity of the product that is being installed.
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 904 SFP Primary Cluster: Malware 888 2387
MemberOf 1412 Comprehensive Categorization: Poor Coding Practices 1400 2538
CWE-514: Covert Channel
Weakness ID : 514
Structure : Simple
Abstraction : Class
Description
CWE Version 4.14
CWE-514: Covert Channel
CWE-514: Covert Channel