CWE-1394

Base Abstraction Level
Pillar — Highest-level weakness category
Class — Abstract, language-independent
Base — Specific enough to detect
Variant — Tied to specific technology
Compound — Requires multiple weaknesses Incomplete MITRE CWE Status
Stable — Fully reviewed and complete
Draft — Under development, may change
Incomplete — Partially defined by MITRE
Deprecated — No longer recommended
Obsolete — Replaced by another CWE
Use of Default Cryptographic Key

Description

The product uses a default cryptographic key for potentially critical functionality.

It is common practice for products to be designed to use default keys. The rationale is to simplify the manufacturing process or the system administrator's task of installation and deployment into an enterprise. However, if admins do not change the defaults, it is easier for attackers to bypass authentication quickly across multiple organizations.

Top Monitored CVEs

CVE-2024-48956
CRITICAL
9.8 0.9%
2024-12-09

Consequences

Authentication — Gain Privileges or Assume Identity

Mitigations

Phase: Requirements

Prohibit use of default, hard-coded, or other values that do not vary for each installation of the product - especially for separate organizations.

Phase: Architecture and Design

Force the administrator to change the credential upon installation.

Phase: Installation, Operation

The product administrator could change the defaults upon installation or during operation.