Common Weakness Enumeration

CWE-798

Allowed-with-Review

Use 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-32FM-H2HH-VXJG

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-11-25 00:30 – Updated: 2022-11-28 21:30
VLAI
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.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2022-29828"
  ],
  "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-32fm-h2hh-vxjg",
  "modified": "2022-11-28T21:30:22Z",
  "published": "2022-11-25T00:30:59Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-29828"
    },
    {
      "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-32QC-3HM3-7969

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-08-17 00:00 – Updated: 2022-08-18 00:00
VLAI
Details

'Hulu / ????' App for Android from version 3.0.47 to the version prior to 3.1.2 uses a hard-coded API key for an external service. By exploiting this vulnerability, API key for an external service may be obtained by analyzing data in the app.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2022-35734"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-798"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2022-08-16T08:15:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "\u0027Hulu / ????\u0027 App for Android from version 3.0.47 to the version prior to 3.1.2 uses a hard-coded API key for an external service. By exploiting this vulnerability, API key for an external service may be obtained by analyzing data in the app.",
  "id": "GHSA-32qc-3hm3-7969",
  "modified": "2022-08-18T00:00:16Z",
  "published": "2022-08-17T00:00:33Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-35734"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN40907489/index.html"
    }
  ],
  "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-32R3-57HP-CGFW

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-01-13 03:30 – Updated: 2024-11-18 16:26
VLAI
Summary
EverShop at risk to unauthorized access via weak HMAC secret
Details

An issue was discovered in NPM's package @evershop/evershop before version 1.0.0-rc.9. The HMAC secret used for generating tokens is hardcoded as "secret". A weak HMAC secret poses a risk because attackers can use the predictable secret to create valid JSON Web Tokens (JWTs), allowing them access to important information and actions within the application.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "@evershop/evershop"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "fixed": "1.0.0-rc.9"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-46943"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-284",
      "CWE-798"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2024-01-16T16:36:47Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-01-13T02:15:07Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "An issue was discovered in NPM\u0027s package @evershop/evershop before version 1.0.0-rc.9. The HMAC secret used for generating tokens is hardcoded as \"secret\". A weak HMAC secret poses a risk because attackers can use the predictable secret to create valid JSON Web Tokens (JWTs), allowing them access to important information and actions within the application.",
  "id": "GHSA-32r3-57hp-cgfw",
  "modified": "2024-11-18T16:26:35Z",
  "published": "2024-01-13T03:30:17Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-46943"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/evershopcommerce/evershop/commit/96d9ca3e024e0b63c538911e4a914df3d287cc9f"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://advisory.checkmarx.net/advisory/CVE-2023-46943"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://devhub.checkmarx.com/cve-details/CVE-2023-46943"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/evershopcommerce/evershop"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    },
    {
      "score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V4"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "EverShop at risk to unauthorized access via weak HMAC secret"
}

GHSA-32WR-WJ5P-2R78

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:36 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:36
VLAI
Details

A Use of Hard-Coded Password issue was discovered in Phoenix Broadband PowerAgent SC3 BMS, all versions prior to v6.87. Use of a hard-coded password may allow unauthorized access to the device.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2017-6039"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-259",
      "CWE-798"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2017-06-02T14:29:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "A Use of Hard-Coded Password issue was discovered in Phoenix Broadband PowerAgent SC3 BMS, all versions prior to v6.87. Use of a hard-coded password may allow unauthorized access to the device.",
  "id": "GHSA-32wr-wj5p-2r78",
  "modified": "2022-05-13T01:36:35Z",
  "published": "2022-05-13T01:36:35Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-6039"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-17-152-01"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/98781"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-32XV-JXQG-MHRF

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-09-13 15:31 – Updated: 2024-04-04 07:39
VLAI
Details

A use of hard-coded credentials vulnerability [CWE-798] in FortiTester 2.3.0 through 7.2.3 may allow an attacker who managed to get a shell on the device to access the database via shell commands.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-40717"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-798"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-09-13T13:15:09Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "A use of hard-coded credentials vulnerability [CWE-798] in\u00a0FortiTester\u00a02.3.0 through 7.2.3 may allow an attacker who managed to get a shell on the device to access the database via shell commands.",
  "id": "GHSA-32xv-jxqg-mhrf",
  "modified": "2024-04-04T07:39:15Z",
  "published": "2023-09-13T15:31:14Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-40717"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-22-245"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-33F3-88P6-J3F9

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-01-30 15:30 – Updated: 2024-02-01 06:31
VLAI
Details

TOTOLINK A8000RU v7.1cu.643_B20200521 was discovered to contain a hardcoded password for root stored in /etc/shadow.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-24324"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-798"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-01-30T15:15:09Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "TOTOLINK A8000RU v7.1cu.643_B20200521 was discovered to contain a hardcoded password for root stored in /etc/shadow.",
  "id": "GHSA-33f3-88p6-j3f9",
  "modified": "2024-02-01T06:31:05Z",
  "published": "2024-01-30T15:30:22Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-24324"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/funny-mud-peee/IoT-vuls/blob/main/TOTOLINK%20A8000RU/TOTOlink%20A8000RU%20hard%20code.md"
    }
  ],
  "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-33F4-MJCH-7FPR

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-10 22:53 – Updated: 2025-10-23 20:35
VLAI
Summary
Allstar Reviewbot has Authentication Bypass via Hard-coded Webhook Secret
Details

A vulnerability in Allstar’s Reviewbot component caused inbound webhook requests to be validated against a hard-coded, shared secret:

https://github.com/ossf/allstar/blob/294ae985cc2facd0918e8d820e4196021aa0b914/pkg/reviewbot/reviewbot.go#L59

The value used for the secret token was compiled into the Allstar binary and could not be configured at runtime. In practice, this meant that every deployment using Reviewbot would validate requests with the same secret unless the operator modified source code and rebuilt the component - an expectation that is not documented and is easy to miss. While Reviewbot is not commonly enabled in standard Allstar setups, we are issuing this advisory to reach any environments where it may have been deployed.

Affected Versions

All Allstar releases prior to v4.5 that include the Reviewbot code path are affected. Deployments on v4.5 and later are not affected. If you have not enabled or exposed the Reviewbot endpoint, this issue does not apply to your installation.

Impact

If the Reviewbot endpoint is deployed and reachable, an attacker can bypass authentication by crafting webhook requests that use the known, hard-coded secret. Because signature verification will succeed, Reviewbot would treat these requests as authentic when they should be rejected. Depending on the permissions and automations attached to your deployment, this could allow unauthorized triggering of review actions such as posting automated comments or reviews, influencing checks, or otherwise manipulating repository signals. The primary risk is to the integrity of repository workflows rather than confidentiality or availability, although secondary effects (e.g., noisy automation, misleading reviews, or workflow disruptions) are possible.

Exploitability

Exploiting this is straightforward and does not require an attacker to be authenticated. Anyone who can send requests to the Reviewbot webhook can reach the vulnerable code.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "Go",
        "name": "github.com/ossf/allstar"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "fixed": "0.0.0-20250721181116-e004ecb540d6"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2025-61926"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-798"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2025-10-10T22:53:42Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2025-10-09T22:15:32Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "A vulnerability in Allstar\u2019s Reviewbot component caused inbound webhook requests to be validated against a hard-coded, shared secret:\n\nhttps://github.com/ossf/allstar/blob/294ae985cc2facd0918e8d820e4196021aa0b914/pkg/reviewbot/reviewbot.go#L59\n\nThe value used for the secret token was compiled into the Allstar binary and could not be configured at runtime. In practice, this meant that every deployment using Reviewbot would validate requests with the same secret unless the operator modified source code and rebuilt the component - an expectation that is not documented and is easy to miss. While Reviewbot is not commonly enabled in standard Allstar setups, we are issuing this advisory to reach any environments where it may have been deployed.\n\n## Affected Versions\n\nAll Allstar releases prior to v4.5 that include the Reviewbot code path are affected. Deployments on v4.5 and later are not affected. If you have not enabled or exposed the Reviewbot endpoint, this issue does not apply to your installation.\n\n## Impact\n\nIf the Reviewbot endpoint is deployed and reachable, an attacker can bypass authentication by crafting webhook requests that use the known, hard-coded secret. Because signature verification will succeed, Reviewbot would treat these requests as authentic when they should be rejected. Depending on the permissions and automations attached to your deployment, this could allow unauthorized triggering of review actions such as posting automated comments or reviews, influencing checks, or otherwise manipulating repository signals. The primary risk is to the integrity of repository workflows rather than confidentiality or availability, although secondary effects (e.g., noisy automation, misleading reviews, or workflow disruptions) are possible.\n\n## Exploitability\n\nExploiting this is straightforward and does not require an attacker to be authenticated. Anyone who can send requests to the Reviewbot webhook can reach the vulnerable code.",
  "id": "GHSA-33f4-mjch-7fpr",
  "modified": "2025-10-23T20:35:27Z",
  "published": "2025-10-10T22:53:42Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/ossf/allstar/security/advisories/GHSA-33f4-mjch-7fpr"
    },
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-61926"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/ossf/allstar/pull/713"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/ossf/allstar/commit/e004ecb540d63ca6f5b1689b41af6c0040a82c73"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/ossf/allstar"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/ossf/allstar/blob/294ae985cc2facd0918e8d820e4196021aa0b914/pkg/reviewbot/reviewbot.go#L59"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://pkg.go.dev/vuln/GO-2025-4018"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U",
      "type": "CVSS_V4"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Allstar Reviewbot has Authentication Bypass via Hard-coded Webhook Secret"
}

GHSA-343G-4665-8J56

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:02 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:02
VLAI
Details

Dell EMC Networking OS10 versions prior to 10.4.3 contain a cryptographic key vulnerability due to an underlying application using undocumented, pre-installed X.509v3 key/certificate pairs. An unauthenticated remote attacker with the knowledge of the default keys may potentially be able to intercept communications or operate the system with elevated privileges.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2019-3710"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-798"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2019-03-28T18:29:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Dell EMC Networking OS10 versions prior to 10.4.3 contain a cryptographic key vulnerability due to an underlying application using undocumented, pre-installed X.509v3 key/certificate pairs. An unauthenticated remote attacker with the knowledge of the default keys may potentially be able to intercept communications or operate the system with elevated privileges.",
  "id": "GHSA-343g-4665-8j56",
  "modified": "2022-05-13T01:02:54Z",
  "published": "2022-05-13T01:02:54Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-3710"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.dell.com/support/article/SLN316558"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-347F-RXG8-QGRV

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-03-08 12:30 – Updated: 2023-03-14 19:34
VLAI
Summary
Easy!Appointments uses hard-coded credentials
Details

Use of Hard-coded Credentials in GitHub repository alextselegidis/easyappointments 1.4.3 and prior. A patch is available and anticipated to be part of version 1.5.0.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "Packagist",
        "name": "alextselegidis/easyappointments"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "last_affected": "1.4.3"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-1269"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-798"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2023-03-08T17:24:11Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-03-08T11:15:00Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "Use of Hard-coded Credentials in GitHub repository alextselegidis/easyappointments 1.4.3 and prior. A patch is available and anticipated to be part of version 1.5.0.",
  "id": "GHSA-347f-rxg8-qgrv",
  "modified": "2023-03-14T19:34:02Z",
  "published": "2023-03-08T12:30:16Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-1269"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/alextselegidis/easyappointments/commit/2731d2f17c5140c562426b857e9f5d63da5c4593"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/alextselegidis/easyappointments"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://huntr.dev/bounties/91c31eb6-024d-4ad3-88fe-f15b03fd20f5"
    }
  ],
  "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"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Easy!Appointments uses hard-coded credentials"
}

GHSA-348J-GHGQ-G3HJ

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-09-06 12:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 07:31
VLAI
Details

Archer C50 firmware versions prior to 'Archer C50(JP)_V3_230505' and Archer C55 firmware versions prior to 'Archer C55(JP)_V1_230506' use hard-coded credentials to login to the affected device, which may allow a network-adjacent unauthenticated attacker to execute an arbitrary OS command.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-32619"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-798"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-09-06T10:15:13Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Archer C50 firmware versions prior to \u0027Archer C50(JP)_V3_230505\u0027 and Archer C55 firmware versions prior to \u0027Archer C55(JP)_V1_230506\u0027 use hard-coded credentials to login to the affected device, which may allow a network-adjacent unauthenticated attacker to execute an arbitrary OS command.",
  "id": "GHSA-348j-ghgq-g3hj",
  "modified": "2024-04-04T07:31:35Z",
  "published": "2023-09-06T12:30:21Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-32619"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://jvn.jp/en/vu/JVNVU99392903"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.tp-link.com/jp/support/download/archer-c50/v3/#Firmware"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.tp-link.com/jp/support/download/archer-c55/#Firmware"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

Mitigation
Architecture and Design
  • 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
Architecture and Design

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
Architecture and Design

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
Architecture and Design
  • 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
Architecture and Design
  • 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.