CWE-1188: Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default
Learn about CWE-1188 (Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default), its security impact, exploitation methods, and prevention guidelines.
What is Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default?
• Overview: CWE-1188 refers to initializing a resource with a default value that is insecure. This vulnerability occurs when software is shipped with default settings that are not secure, assuming administrators will change them, but they often do not.
• Exploitation Methods:
- Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by identifying and using these insecure defaults to gain unauthorized access or perform unauthorized actions.
- Common attack patterns include scanning for systems with default usernames and passwords or default network configurations that allow unauthorized access.
• Security Impact:
- Direct consequences of successful exploitation include unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise.
- Potential cascading effects could involve further exploitation of interconnected systems or escalation of privileges within a network.
- Business impact includes financial loss, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences due to data breaches or non-compliance with security regulations.
• Prevention Guidelines:
- Specific code-level fixes include designing the application to enforce changes to default settings during initial setup.
- Security best practices involve documenting secure default configurations and educating administrators on the importance of changing defaults.
- Recommended tools and frameworks include using configuration management tools to enforce secure configurations and vulnerability scanners to detect systems with default settings.
Technical Details
Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified
Affected Languages: Not specified
Affected Technologies: Not specified