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Base · Medium

CWE-1392: Use of Default Credentials

The product uses default credentials (such as passwords or cryptographic keys) for potentially critical functionality.

CWE-1392 · Base Level ·5 CVEs ·3 Mitigations

Description

The product uses default credentials (such as passwords or cryptographic keys) for potentially critical functionality.

It is common practice for products to be designed to use default keys, passwords, or other mechanisms for authentication. 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.

Potential Impact

Authentication

Gain Privileges or Assume Identity

Demonstrative Examples

In 2022, the OT:ICEFALL study examined products by 10 different Operational Technology (OT) vendors. The researchers reported 56 vulnerabilities and said that the products were "insecure by design" [REF-1283]. If exploited, these vulnerabilities often allowed adversaries to change how the products operated, ranging from denial of service to changing the code that the products executed. Since these products were often used in industries such as power, electrical, water, and others, there could even be safety implications.
At least one OT product used default credentials.

Mitigations & Prevention

Requirements High

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

Architecture and Design High

Force the administrator to change the credential upon installation.

InstallationOperation Moderate

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

Real-World CVE Examples

CVE IDDescription
CVE-2022-30270Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) uses default credentials for some SSH accounts
CVE-2021-41192data visualization/sharing package uses default secret keys or cookie values if they are not specified in environment variables
CVE-2021-38759microcontroller board has default password, allowing admin access
CVE-2018-3825cloud cluster management product has a default master encryption key
CVE-2010-2306Intrusion Detection System (IDS) uses the same static, private SSL keys for multiple devices and installations, allowing decryption of SSL traffic

CWE-1391: Use of Weak Credentials

The product uses weak credentials (such as a default key or hard-coded password) that can be calculated, derived, reused...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-1392?

CWE-1392 (Use of Default Credentials) is a software weakness identified by MITRE's Common Weakness Enumeration. It is classified as a Base-level weakness. The product uses default credentials (such as passwords or cryptographic keys) for potentially critical functionality.

How can CWE-1392 be exploited?

Attackers can exploit CWE-1392 (Use of Default Credentials) to gain privileges or assume identity. This weakness is typically introduced during the Architecture and Design phase of software development.

How do I prevent CWE-1392?

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

What is the severity of CWE-1392?

CWE-1392 is classified as a Base-level weakness (Medium abstraction). It has been observed in 5 real-world CVEs.