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 Clase Borrador
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.
Definición
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Using outdated or insufficient encryption—like short keys, deprecated algorithms (e.g., DES, RC4), or weak cipher modes—creates a false sense of security.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.
Impacto en el mundo real
Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-326
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Weak encryption
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Weak encryption (chosen plaintext attack)
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Weak encryption
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Weak encryption produces same ciphertext from the same plaintext blocks.
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Weak encryption
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Weak encryption scheme
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Weak encryption (XOR)
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Weak encryption (reversible algorithm).
Cómo lo explotan los atacantes
Ruta del atacante paso a paso
- 1
Identifica una ruta de código que maneje entrada no confiable sin validación.
- 2
Crea un payload que ejercite el comportamiento inseguro — inyección, traversal, overflow o abuso de lógica.
- 3
Envía el payload a través de una solicitud normal y observa la reacción de la aplicación.
- 4
Itera hasta que la respuesta filtre datos, ejecute código del atacante o escale privilegios.
Ejemplo de código vulnerable
Vulnerable pseudo
MITRE no ha publicado un ejemplo de código para esta CWE. El patrón siguiente es ilustrativo — consulta Recursos para referencias canónicas.
// Example pattern — see MITRE for the canonical references.
function handleRequest(input) {
// Untrusted input flows directly into the sensitive sink.
return executeUnsafe(input);
} Ejemplo de código seguro
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.
Lista de prevención
How to prevent CWE-326
- Architecture and Design Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
Señales de detección
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.
Preguntas frecuentes ¿Qué es CWE-326?
¿Qué gravedad tiene CWE-326?
¿Qué lenguajes o plataformas se ven afectados por CWE-326?
¿Cómo puedo prevenir CWE-326?
¿Cómo detecta y corrige Plexicus CWE-326?
¿Dónde puedo aprender más sobre CWE-326?
Frequently asked questions
¿Qué es 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.
¿Qué gravedad tiene CWE-326?
MITRE no ha publicado una calificación de probabilidad de explotación para esta debilidad. Trátala como de impacto medio hasta que tu modelo de amenazas demuestre lo contrario.
¿Qué lenguajes o plataformas se ven afectados por CWE-326?
MITRE no ha especificado plataformas afectadas para esta CWE — puede aplicar a la mayoría de los stacks de aplicaciones.
¿Cómo puedo prevenir CWE-326?
Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
¿Cómo detecta y corrige Plexicus CWE-326?
El motor SAST de Plexicus detecta la firma de flujo de datos para CWE-326 en cada commit. Cuando hay coincidencia, nuestro agente Codex Remedium abre un PR de corrección con el código corregido, las pruebas y un resumen de una línea para el revisor.
¿Dónde puedo aprender más sobre CWE-326?
MITRE publica la definición canónica en https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/326.html. También puedes consultar la documentación de OWASP y NIST para guías relacionadas.
Debilidades relacionadas
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¿Listo para validar lo que importa?
Listo para validar lo que importa.
Plexicus es Proof-Driven AppSec: hallazgos validados, comprensión contextual y remediación revisada — anclada en evidencia, acotada contigo.