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 searching for potentially-vulnerable patterns that connect "sources" (origins of input) with "sinks" (destinations where the data interacts with external components, a lower layer such as the OS, etc.)
CWE-326 Class Draft
Inadequate Encryption Strength
This vulnerability occurs when an application protects sensitive information with encryption, but the specific algorithm or key strength used is too weak to withstand modern attack methods.
Definition
What is CWE-326?
This vulnerability occurs when an application protects sensitive information with encryption, but the specific algorithm or key strength used is too weak to withstand modern attack methods.
Using outdated or insufficient encryption—like short keys, deprecated algorithms (e.g., DES, RC4), or weak cipher modes—creates a false sense of security. Attackers can exploit this by running brute-force or cryptanalytic attacks to decrypt data with feasible computing power, potentially exposing credentials, personal data, or financial information.
Identifying and upgrading weak encryption across a large codebase can be challenging. An ASPM platform like Plexicus not only detects these patterns through SAST/DAST but uses AI to generate specific remediation guidance, helping teams efficiently enforce strong cryptographic standards throughout their application portfolio.
Auswirkungen in der Praxis
Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-326
-
Weak encryption
-
Weak encryption (chosen plaintext attack)
-
Weak encryption
-
Weak encryption produces same ciphertext from the same plaintext blocks.
-
Weak encryption
-
Weak encryption scheme
-
Weak encryption (XOR)
-
Weak encryption (reversible algorithm).
Wie Angreifer es ausnutzen
Angreiferpfad Schritt für Schritt
- 1
Identifiziere einen Codepfad, der nicht vertrauenswürdige Eingaben ohne Validierung verarbeitet.
- 2
Erzeuge eine Payload, die das unsichere Verhalten auslöst — Injection, Traversal, Overflow oder Logik-Missbrauch.
- 3
Liefere die Payload über einen normalen Request aus und beobachte die Reaktion der Anwendung.
- 4
Iteriere, bis die Antwort Daten preisgibt, Angreifer-Code ausführt oder Berechtigungen eskaliert.
Verwundbares Codebeispiel
Vulnerable pseudo
MITRE hat kein Codebeispiel für diese CWE veröffentlicht. Das untenstehende Muster ist illustrativ — kanonische Referenzen findest du unter Ressourcen.
// Example pattern — see MITRE for the canonical references.
function handleRequest(input) {
// Untrusted input flows directly into the sensitive sink.
return executeUnsafe(input);
} Sicheres Codebeispiel
Secure pseudo
// Validate, sanitize, or use a safe API before reaching the sink.
function handleRequest(input) {
const safe = validateAndEscape(input);
return executeWithGuards(safe);
} What changed: the unsafe sink is replaced (or the input is validated/escaped) so the same payload no longer triggers the weakness.
Präventions-Checkliste
How to prevent CWE-326
- Architecture and Design Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
Erkennungssignale
How to detect CWE-326
CWE-326
Don't catalog this weakness. Prove it's reachable.
Plexicus turns CWE catalogs into evidence: every CWE-pattern is matched against your real code graph, reach is proven on a sandbox clone, and verified findings ship as reviewed PRs.
Häufig gestellte Fragen Was ist CWE-326?
Wie gravierend ist CWE-326?
Welche Sprachen oder Plattformen sind von CWE-326 betroffen?
Wie kann ich CWE-326 verhindern?
Wie erkennt und behebt Plexicus CWE-326?
Wo erfahre ich mehr über CWE-326?
Frequently asked questions
Was ist CWE-326?
This vulnerability occurs when an application protects sensitive information with encryption, but the specific algorithm or key strength used is too weak to withstand modern attack methods.
Wie gravierend ist CWE-326?
MITRE hat für diese Schwachstelle keine Exploit-Wahrscheinlichkeit veröffentlicht. Behandle sie als mittlere Auswirkung, bis dein Threat Model anderes belegt.
Welche Sprachen oder Plattformen sind von CWE-326 betroffen?
MITRE hat für diese CWE keine betroffenen Plattformen spezifiziert — sie kann in den meisten Anwendungs-Stacks auftreten.
Wie kann ich CWE-326 verhindern?
Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
Wie erkennt und behebt Plexicus CWE-326?
Die SAST-Engine von Plexicus erkennt die Datenfluss-Signatur von CWE-326 bei jedem Commit. Bei einem Treffer öffnet unser Codex-Remedium-Agent einen Fix-PR mit korrigiertem Code, Tests und einer einzeiligen Zusammenfassung für den Reviewer.
Wo erfahre ich mehr über CWE-326?
MITRE veröffentlicht die kanonische Definition unter https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/326.html. Für ergänzende Hinweise kannst du auch die OWASP- und NIST-Dokumentation heranziehen.
Verwandte Schwachstellen
Weaknesses related to CWE-326
CWE-693 Parent
Protection Mechanism Failure
This weakness occurs when software either lacks a necessary security control, implements one that is too weak, or fails to activate an…
CWE-1039 Sibling
Inadequate Detection or Handling of Adversarial Input Perturbations in Automated Recognition Mechanism
This vulnerability occurs when a system uses automated AI or machine learning to classify complex inputs like images, audio, or text, but…
CWE-1248 Sibling
Semiconductor Defects in Hardware Logic with Security-Sensitive Implications
A security-critical hardware component contains physical flaws in its semiconductor material, which can cause it to malfunction and…
CWE-1253 Sibling
Incorrect Selection of Fuse Values
This vulnerability occurs when a hardware security fuse is incorrectly programmed to represent a 'secure' state as logic 0 (unblown). An…
CWE-1269 Sibling
Product Released in Non-Release Configuration
This vulnerability occurs when a product ships to customers while still configured with its pre-production or manufacturing settings,…
CWE-1278 Sibling
Missing Protection Against Hardware Reverse Engineering Using Integrated Circuit (IC) Imaging Techniques
This vulnerability occurs when hardware lacks safeguards against physical inspection, allowing attackers to extract sensitive data by…
CWE-1291 Sibling
Public Key Re-Use for Signing both Debug and Production Code
This vulnerability occurs when the same cryptographic key is used to sign both development/debug software builds and final production…
CWE-1318 Sibling
Missing Support for Security Features in On-chip Fabrics or Buses
This vulnerability occurs when the communication channels (fabrics or buses) within a chip lack built-in or enabled security features,…
CWE-1319 Sibling
Improper Protection against Electromagnetic Fault Injection (EM-FI)
This vulnerability occurs when a hardware device lacks sufficient shielding against electromagnetic interference, allowing attackers to…
Bereit, das Wesentliche zu validieren?
Bereit zu validieren, was zählt.
Plexicus ist Proof-Driven AppSec: validierte Funde, kontextuelles Verständnis und geprüfte Remediation — in Evidenz verankert, mit Ihnen gescoped.