797
Extended Description
A weak encryption scheme can be subjected to brute force attacks that have a reasonable chance
of succeeding using current attack methods and resources.
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 693 Protection Mechanism Failure 1520
ParentOf 328 Use of Weak Hash 806
Relevant to the view "Architectural Concepts" (CWE-1008)
Nature Type ID Name Page
MemberOf 1013 Encrypt Data 2428
Applicable Platforms
Language : Not Language-Specific (Prevalence = Undetermined)
Common Consequences
Scope Impact Likelihood
Access Control
Confidentiality
Bypass Protection Mechanism
Read Application Data
An attacker may be able to decrypt the data using brute
force attacks.
Detection Methods
Automated Static Analysis
Automated static analysis, commonly referred to as Static Application Security Testing (SAST),
can find some instances of this weakness by analyzing source code (or binary/compiled code)
without having to execute it. Typically, this is done by building a model of data flow and control
flow, then searching for potentially-vulnerable patterns that connect "sources" (origins of input)
with "sinks" (destinations where the data interacts with external components, a lower layer such
as the OS, etc.)
Effectiveness = High
Potential Mitigations
Phase: Architecture and Design
Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
Observed Examples
Reference Description
CVE-2001-1546 Weak encryption
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2001-1546
CVE-2004-2172 Weak encryption (chosen plaintext attack)
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2004-2172
CVE-2002-1682 Weak encryption
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2002-1682
CVE-2002-1697 Weak encryption produces same ciphertext from the same plaintext blocks.
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2002-1697
CVE-2002-1739 Weak encryption
CWE Version 4.14
CWE-326: Inadequate Encryption Strength
CWE-326: Inadequate Encryption Strength