CWE-1393: Use of Default Password

Description

The product uses default passwords for potentially critical functionality.

It is common practice for products to be designed to use default passwords 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, then it makes it easier for attackers to quickly bypass authentication across multiple organizations. There are many lists of default passwords and default-password scanning tools that are easily available from the World Wide Web.

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.
Multiple OT products 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.

Documentation Limited

Ensure that product documentation clearly emphasizes the presence of default passwords and provides steps for the administrator to change them.

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 ID	Description
CVE-2022-30270	Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) uses default credentials for some SSH accounts
CVE-2022-2336	OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) industrial automation product has a default password
CVE-2021-38759	microcontroller board has default password, allowing admin access
CVE-2021-44480	children's smart watch has default passwords allowing attackers to send SMS commands and listen to the device's surroundings
CVE-2020-11624	surveillance camera has default password for the admin account
CVE-2018-15719	medical dental records product installs a MySQL database with a blank default password
CVE-2014-9736	healthcare system for archiving patient images has default passwords for key management and storage databases
CVE-2000-1209	database product installs admin account with default null password, allowing privileges, as exploited by various worms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-1393?

CWE-1393 (Use of Default Password) is a software weakness identified by MITRE's Common Weakness Enumeration. It is classified as a Base-level weakness. The product uses default passwords for potentially critical functionality.

How can CWE-1393 be exploited?

Attackers can exploit CWE-1393 (Use of Default Password) 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-1393?

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-1393?

CWE-1393 is classified as a Base-level weakness (Medium abstraction). It has been observed in 8 real-world CVEs.