CWE-13: ASP.NET Misconfiguration: Password in Configuration File
Learn about CWE-13 (ASP.NET Misconfiguration: Password in Configuration File), its security impact, exploitation methods, and prevention guidelines.
What is ASP.NET Misconfiguration: Password in Configuration File?
• Overview: ASP.NET Misconfiguration: Password in Configuration File (CWE-13) occurs when a plaintext password is stored in a configuration file, making it accessible to anyone with read access to that file. This practice compromises security by potentially exposing sensitive credentials.
• Exploitation Methods:
- Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by gaining unauthorized read access to the configuration file and extracting the plaintext password.
- Common attack patterns include scanning for configuration files in web applications and using malware or phishing to gain server access.
• Security Impact:
- Direct consequences of successful exploitation include unauthorized access to password-protected resources and systems.
- Potential cascading effects include further compromise of connected systems and data breaches.
- Business impact includes loss of sensitive data, legal ramifications, and damage to reputation.
• Prevention Guidelines:
- Specific code-level fixes include avoiding hardcoding passwords in configuration files and using secure credential storage mechanisms.
- Security best practices involve encrypting sensitive information like passwords and using environment variables for configuration.
- Recommended tools and frameworks include ASP.NET's built-in secure configuration options, such as using Azure Key Vault or other secret management services.
Technical Details
Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified
Affected Languages: Not specified
Affected Technologies: Not specified