CWE-1241: Use of Predictable Algorithm in Random Number Generator
Learn about CWE-1241 (Use of Predictable Algorithm in Random Number Generator), its security impact, exploitation methods, and prevention guidelines.
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.
Technical Details
Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified
Affected Languages: Not specified
Affected Technologies: System on Chip