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Base · Medium

CWE-356: Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions

The product's user interface does not warn the user before undertaking an unsafe action on behalf of that user. This makes it easier for attackers to trick users into inflicting damage to their system...

CWE-356 · Base Level ·6 CVEs

Description

The product's user interface does not warn the user before undertaking an unsafe action on behalf of that user. This makes it easier for attackers to trick users into inflicting damage to their system.

Product systems should warn users that a potentially dangerous action may occur if the user proceeds. For example, if the user downloads a file from an unknown source and attempts to execute the file on their machine, then the application's GUI can indicate that the file is unsafe.

Potential Impact

Non-Repudiation

Hide Activities

Real-World CVE Examples

CVE IDDescription
CVE-1999-1055Product does not warn user when document contains certain dangerous functions or macros.
CVE-1999-0794Product does not warn user when document contains certain dangerous functions or macros.
CVE-2000-0277Product does not warn user when document contains certain dangerous functions or macros.
CVE-2000-0517Product does not warn user about a certificate if it has already been accepted for a different site. Possibly resultant.
CVE-2005-0602File extractor does not warn user if setuid/setgid files could be extracted. Overlaps privileges/permissions.
CVE-2000-0342E-mail client allows bypass of warning for dangerous attachments via a Windows .LNK file that refers to the attachment.

CWE-221: Information Loss or Omission

The product does not record, or improperly records, security-relevant information that leads to an incorrect decision or...

Taxonomy Mappings

  • PLOVER: — Product UI does not warn user of unsafe actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-356?

CWE-356 (Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions) is a software weakness identified by MITRE's Common Weakness Enumeration. It is classified as a Base-level weakness. The product's user interface does not warn the user before undertaking an unsafe action on behalf of that user. This makes it easier for attackers to trick users into inflicting damage to their system...

How can CWE-356 be exploited?

Attackers can exploit CWE-356 (Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions) to hide activities. This weakness is typically introduced during the Architecture and Design, Implementation phase of software development.

How do I prevent CWE-356?

Follow secure coding practices, conduct code reviews, and use automated security testing tools (SAST/DAST) to detect this weakness early in the development lifecycle.

What is the severity of CWE-356?

CWE-356 is classified as a Base-level weakness (Medium abstraction). It has been observed in 6 real-world CVEs.