CWE-1394
Use of Default Cryptographic Key
Description
The product uses a default cryptographic key for potentially critical functionality.
It is common practice for products to be designed to use default keys. 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.
Parent Weaknesses (ChildOf)
Common Consequences
Scope
Impact
Gain Privileges or Assume Identity
Potential Mitigations
Prohibit use of default, hard-coded, or other values that do not vary for each installation of the product - especially for separate organizations.
Force the administrator to change the credential upon installation.
The product administrator could change the defaults upon installation or during operation.
CVE-2018-3825cloud cluster management product has a default master encryption key
CVE-2016-1561backup storage product has a default SSH public key in the authorized_keys file, allowing root access
CVE-2010-2306Intrusion Detection System (IDS) uses the same static, private SSL keys for multiple devices and installations, allowing decryption of SSL traffic
Applicable Platforms
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