CWE-798
Allowed-with-ReviewUse of Hard-coded Credentials
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product contains hard-coded credentials, such as a password or cryptographic key.
2176 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-2MG9-59XM-CHRG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-05-21 15:30 – Updated: 2025-11-03 21:33The /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow files reveal hard-coded password hashes for the operating system "root" user. The credentials are shipped with the update files. There is no option for deleting or changing their passwords for an enduser. An attacker can use the credentials to log into the device. Authentication can be performed via SSH backdoor or likely via physical access (UART shell).
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-48413"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-05-21T12:16:22Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The `/etc/passwd` and `/etc/shadow` files reveal hard-coded password hashes for the operating system \"root\" user. The credentials are shipped with the update files. There is no option for deleting or changing their passwords for an enduser. An attacker can use the credentials to log into the device. Authentication can be performed via SSH backdoor or likely via physical access (UART shell).",
"id": "GHSA-2mg9-59xm-chrg",
"modified": "2025-11-03T21:33:57Z",
"published": "2025-05-21T15:30:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-48413"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://r.sec-consult.com/echarge"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/23"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-2MXG-RVHC-JQF9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:39 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:39A vulnerability in Cisco Smart Software Manager Satellite could allow an authenticated, local attacker to access sensitive information on an affected system. The vulnerability is due to insufficient protection of static credentials in the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by gaining access to the static credential that is stored on the local device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view static credentials, which the attacker could use to carry out further attacks.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-1219"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-01-20T21:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "\n A vulnerability in Cisco Smart Software Manager Satellite could allow an authenticated, local attacker to access sensitive information on an affected system.\n The vulnerability is due to insufficient protection of static credentials in the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by gaining access to the static credential that is stored on the local device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view static credentials, which the attacker could use to carry out further attacks.\n ",
"id": "GHSA-2mxg-rvhc-jqf9",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:39:36Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:39:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-1219"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-cssm-sc-Jd42D4Tq"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-2P93-H9HW-WQJG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2021-12-17 00:00 – Updated: 2021-12-23 00:01A combination of a use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability [CWE-321] in FortiClientEMS 7.0.1 and below, 6.4.6 and below and an improper certificate validation vulnerability [CWE-297] in FortiClientWindows, FortiClientLinux and FortiClientMac 7.0.1 and below, 6.4.6 and below may allow an unauthenticated and network adjacent attacker to perform a man-in-the-middle attack between the EMS and the FCT via the telemetry protocol.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-41028"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-12-16T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A combination of a use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability [CWE-321] in FortiClientEMS 7.0.1 and below, 6.4.6 and below and an improper certificate validation vulnerability [CWE-297] in FortiClientWindows, FortiClientLinux and FortiClientMac 7.0.1 and below, 6.4.6 and below may allow an unauthenticated and network adjacent attacker to perform a man-in-the-middle attack between the EMS and the FCT via the telemetry protocol.",
"id": "GHSA-2p93-h9hw-wqjg",
"modified": "2021-12-23T00:01:55Z",
"published": "2021-12-17T00:00:25Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-41028"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://fortiguard.com/advisory/FG-IR-21-075"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-2P9X-H657-5MG3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-09-18 18:30 – Updated: 2025-04-14 15:31Victure PC420 1.1.39 was discovered to use a weak and partially hardcoded key to encrypt data.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-41611"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-09-18T18:15:05Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Victure PC420 1.1.39 was discovered to use a weak and partially hardcoded key to encrypt data.",
"id": "GHSA-2p9x-h657-5mg3",
"modified": "2025-04-14T15:31:49Z",
"published": "2024-09-18T18:30:51Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-41611"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.trevorkems.com/operation-big-brother-iot-camera"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-2PFH-M36R-GFQC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:45 – Updated: 2022-10-08 00:00The software contains a hard-coded password it uses for its own inbound authentication or for outbound communication to external components on the Reason DR60 (all firmware versions prior to 02A04.1).
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-27440"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-259",
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-03-25T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "The software contains a hard-coded password it uses for its own inbound authentication or for outbound communication to external components on the Reason DR60 (all firmware versions prior to 02A04.1).",
"id": "GHSA-2pfh-m36r-gfqc",
"modified": "2022-10-08T00:00:33Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:45:25Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-27440"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-082-03"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-2PFW-VJ6X-2W7X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-11-25 00:30 – Updated: 2022-11-28 21:30Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric GX Works3 all versions allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to disclose sensitive information . As a result, unauthorized users may view or execute programs illegally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-29829"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-321",
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-11-25T00:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric GX Works3 all versions allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to disclose sensitive information . As a result, unauthorized users may view or execute programs illegally.",
"id": "GHSA-2pfw-vj6x-2w7x",
"modified": "2022-11-28T21:30:22Z",
"published": "2022-11-25T00:30:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-29829"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/vu/JVNVU97244961/index.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-22-333-05"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mitsubishielectric.com/en/psirt/vulnerability/pdf/2022-015_en.pdf"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-2PW8-G87H-MHMJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:06 – Updated: 2025-04-20 03:35DragonWave Horizon 1.01.03 wireless radios have hardcoded login credentials (such as the username of energetic and password of wireless) meant to allow the vendor to access the devices. These credentials can be used in the web interface or by connecting to the device via TELNET. This is fixed in recent versions including 1.4.8.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-7576"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-04-06T22:59:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "DragonWave Horizon 1.01.03 wireless radios have hardcoded login credentials (such as the username of energetic and password of wireless) meant to allow the vendor to access the devices. These credentials can be used in the web interface or by connecting to the device via TELNET. This is fixed in recent versions including 1.4.8.",
"id": "GHSA-2pw8-g87h-mhmj",
"modified": "2025-04-20T03:35:31Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:06:02Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-7576"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://blog.iancaling.com/post/159276197313"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-2PWC-7GR8-9W97
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-04-23 18:30 – Updated: 2025-04-23 18:30CarlinKit CPC200-CCPA Wireless Hotspot Hard-Coded Credentials Authentication Bypass Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to bypass authentication on affected installations of CarlinKit CPC200-CCPA devices. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the configuration of the wireless hotspot. The issue results from the use of hard-coded credentials. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication on the system. Was ZDI-CAN-24349.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-2765"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-04-23T17:16:54Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "CarlinKit CPC200-CCPA Wireless Hotspot Hard-Coded Credentials Authentication Bypass Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to bypass authentication on affected installations of CarlinKit CPC200-CCPA devices. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the configuration of the wireless hotspot. The issue results from the use of hard-coded credentials. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication on the system. Was ZDI-CAN-24349.",
"id": "GHSA-2pwc-7gr8-9w97",
"modified": "2025-04-23T18:30:59Z",
"published": "2025-04-23T18:30:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-2765"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-25-177"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-2PXP-HM79-MVQX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-08-01 03:30 – Updated: 2024-08-01 03:30A vulnerability was found in TOTOLINK CP450 4.1.0cu.747_B20191224. It has been classified as critical. This affects an unknown part of the file /web_cste/cgi-bin/product.ini of the component Telnet Service. The manipulation leads to use of hard-coded password. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-273255. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-7332"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-259",
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-08-01T01:15:09Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "A vulnerability was found in TOTOLINK CP450 4.1.0cu.747_B20191224. It has been classified as critical. This affects an unknown part of the file /web_cste/cgi-bin/product.ini of the component Telnet Service. The manipulation leads to use of hard-coded password. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-273255. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.",
"id": "GHSA-2pxp-hm79-mvqx",
"modified": "2024-08-01T03:30:46Z",
"published": "2024-08-01T03:30:46Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-7332"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/abcdefg-png/IoT-vulnerable/blob/main/TOTOLINK/CP450/product.md"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.273255"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.273255"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?submit.378357"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-2Q3H-PXC2-8GQG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-01-14 15:30 – Updated: 2025-01-14 15:30A use of hard-coded cryptographic key in Fortinet FortiSwitch version 7.4.0 and 7.2.0 through 7.2.5 and 7.0.0 through 7.0.7 and 6.4.0 through 6.4.13 and 6.2.0 through 6.2.7 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.7 allows attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via crafted requests.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-37936"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-321",
"CWE-798"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-01-14T14:15:26Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "A use of hard-coded cryptographic key in Fortinet FortiSwitch version 7.4.0 and 7.2.0 through 7.2.5 and 7.0.0 through 7.0.7 and 6.4.0 through 6.4.13 and 6.2.0 through 6.2.7 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.7 allows attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via crafted requests.",
"id": "GHSA-2q3h-pxc2-8gqg",
"modified": "2025-01-14T15:30:52Z",
"published": "2025-01-14T15:30:51Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-37936"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-260"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
Mitigation
- For outbound authentication: store passwords, keys, and other credentials outside of the code in a strongly-protected, encrypted configuration file or database that is protected from access by all outsiders, including other local users on the same system. Properly protect the key (CWE-320). If you cannot use encryption to protect the file, then make sure that the permissions are as restrictive as possible [REF-7].
- In Windows environments, the Encrypted File System (EFS) may provide some protection.
Mitigation
For inbound authentication: Rather than hard-code a default username and password, key, or other authentication credentials for first time logins, utilize a "first login" mode that requires the user to enter a unique strong password or key.
Mitigation
If the product must contain hard-coded credentials or they cannot be removed, perform access control checks and limit which entities can access the feature that requires the hard-coded credentials. For example, a feature might only be enabled through the system console instead of through a network connection.
Mitigation
- For inbound authentication using passwords: apply strong one-way hashes to passwords and store those hashes in a configuration file or database with appropriate access control. That way, theft of the file/database still requires the attacker to try to crack the password. When handling an incoming password during authentication, take the hash of the password and compare it to the saved hash.
- Use randomly assigned salts for each separate hash that is generated. This increases the amount of computation that an attacker needs to conduct a brute-force attack, possibly limiting the effectiveness of the rainbow table method.
Mitigation
- For front-end to back-end connections: Three solutions are possible, although none are complete.
- The first suggestion involves the use of generated passwords or keys that are changed automatically and must be entered at given time intervals by a system administrator. These passwords will be held in memory and only be valid for the time intervals.
- Next, the passwords or keys should be limited at the back end to only performing actions valid for the front end, as opposed to having full access.
- Finally, the messages sent should be tagged and checksummed with time sensitive values so as to prevent replay-style attacks.
CAPEC-191: Read Sensitive Constants Within an Executable
An adversary engages in activities to discover any sensitive constants present within the compiled code of an executable. These constants may include literal ASCII strings within the file itself, or possibly strings hard-coded into particular routines that can be revealed by code refactoring methods including static and dynamic analysis.
CAPEC-70: Try Common or Default Usernames and Passwords
An adversary may try certain common or default usernames and passwords to gain access into the system and perform unauthorized actions. An adversary may try an intelligent brute force using empty passwords, known vendor default credentials, as well as a dictionary of common usernames and passwords. Many vendor products come preconfigured with default (and thus well-known) usernames and passwords that should be deleted prior to usage in a production environment. It is a common mistake to forget to remove these default login credentials. Another problem is that users would pick very simple (common) passwords (e.g. "secret" or "password") that make it easier for the attacker to gain access to the system compared to using a brute force attack or even a dictionary attack using a full dictionary.