CWE-1241: Use of Predictable Algorithm in Random Number Generator

What is Use of Predictable Algorithm in Random Number Generator?

• Overview: This vulnerability occurs when a software system uses a predictable algorithm for generating random numbers, making it easier for attackers to anticipate future values. This can undermine the security of cryptographic applications that rely on randomness.

• Exploitation Methods:

• Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by predicting future random numbers if they can determine the algorithm or its initial state.
• Common attack patterns include reverse engineering the pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) to uncover its internal state or seed, allowing attackers to reproduce the number sequence.

• Security Impact:

• Direct consequences include the compromise of encryption keys, session tokens, and other security-critical data that rely on random numbers.
• Potential cascading effects can include unauthorized access, data breaches, and integrity violations in systems that depend on secure random numbers.
• Business impact can be severe, including loss of customer trust, regulatory penalties, and financial damage due to compromised data and systems.

• Prevention Guidelines:

• Specific code-level fixes include using cryptographically secure PRNGs or hardware-based true random number generators (TRNGs) instead of predictable algorithms.
• Security best practices involve regularly updating and auditing random number generation methods and keeping up with current cryptographic standards.
• Recommended tools and frameworks include using libraries that provide secure random number generation, such as those offered by OpenSSL or Java's SecureRandom class.

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Technical Details

Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified

Affected Languages: Not specified

Affected Technologies: System on Chip