Description
The web application uses persistent cookies, but the cookies contain sensitive information.
Cookies are small bits of data that are sent by the web application but stored locally in the browser. This lets the application use the cookie to pass information between pages and store variable information. The web application controls what information is stored in a cookie and how it is used. Typical types of information stored in cookies are session identifiers, personalization and customization information, and in rare cases even usernames to enable automated logins. There are two different types of cookies: session cookies and persistent cookies. Session cookies just live in the browser's memory and are not stored anywhere, but persistent cookies are stored on the browser's hard drive. This can cause security and privacy issues depending on the information stored in the cookie and how it is accessed.
Potential Impact
Confidentiality
Read Application Data
Mitigations & Prevention
Do not store sensitive information in persistent cookies.
Detection Methods
- Automated Static Analysis High — Automated static analysis, commonly referred to as Static Application Security Testing (SAST), can find some instances of this weakness by analyzing source code (or binary/compiled code) without having to execute it. Typically, this is done by building a model of data flow and control flow, then sea
Related Weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWE-539?
CWE-539 (Use of Persistent Cookies Containing Sensitive Information) is a software weakness identified by MITRE's Common Weakness Enumeration. It is classified as a Variant-level weakness. The web application uses persistent cookies, but the cookies contain sensitive information.
How can CWE-539 be exploited?
Attackers can exploit CWE-539 (Use of Persistent Cookies Containing Sensitive Information) to read application data. This weakness is typically introduced during the Architecture and Design, Implementation phase of software development.
How do I prevent CWE-539?
Key mitigations include: Do not store sensitive information in persistent cookies.
What is the severity of CWE-539?
CWE-539 is classified as a Variant-level weakness (Low-Medium abstraction). Its actual severity depends on the specific context and how the weakness manifests in your application.