Description

The product does not exit or otherwise modify its operation when security-relevant errors occur during initialization, such as when a configuration file has a format error or a hardware security module (HSM) cannot be activated, which can cause the product to execute in a less secure fashion than intended by the administrator.

Consequences

Integrity, Other — Modify Application Data, Alter Execution Logic

The application could be placed in an insecure state that may allow an attacker to modify sensitive data or allow unintended logic to be executed.

Mitigations

Phase: Implementation

Follow the principle of failing securely when an error occurs. The system should enter a state where it is not vulnerable and will not display sensitive error messages to a potential attacker.