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#2 A02:2021

Cryptographic Failures

Failures related to cryptography which often lead to sensitive data exposure. This was previously known as Sensitive Data Exposure.

Overview

Shifting up one position to #2, previously known as Sensitive Data Exposure. The focus is on failures related to cryptography which often leads to sensitive data exposure or system compromise.

How Attackers Exploit This

Understanding attack patterns helps you build better defenses. These are the techniques security teams watch for.

Data exposure in transit

Sensitive data transmitted over unencrypted connections can be intercepted. This includes passwords, session tokens, and personal information.

Detection signal: HTTP (not HTTPS) requests containing authentication data or sensitive information

Weak cryptographic storage

Data stored with weak or broken encryption (MD5, SHA1, DES) can be recovered by attackers who gain database access.

Detection signal: Database dumps containing hashed passwords with known weak algorithms

How to Prevent

  • Classify data processed, stored, or transmitted by an application
  • Don't store sensitive data unnecessarily
  • Encrypt all sensitive data at rest
  • Use up-to-date and strong standard algorithms and protocols
  • Encrypt all data in transit with secure protocols such as TLS
  • Disable caching for responses containing sensitive data
  • Store passwords using strong salted hashing functions

CWEs with Shoulder Detection (8)

These CWEs have Shoulder detection rules. Click to see specific vulnerabilities and fixes.

Other Mapped CWEs (22)

These CWEs are mapped to this category. Use MITRE references for guidance.