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 Classe Brouillon
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.
Définition
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Using outdated or insufficient encryption—like short keys, deprecated algorithms (e.g., DES, RC4), or weak cipher modes—creates a false sense of security.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.
Impact réel
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).
Comment les attaquants l'exploitent
Parcours de l'attaquant étape par étape
- 1
Identifier un chemin de code qui traite des entrées non fiables sans validation.
- 2
Élaborer une charge utile qui exploite le comportement non sécurisé — injection, traversal, débordement ou abus de logique.
- 3
Délivrer la charge utile via une requête normale et observer la réaction de l'application.
- 4
Itérer jusqu'à ce que la réponse divulgue des données, exécute le code de l'attaquant ou élève les privilèges.
Exemple de code vulnérable
Vulnerable pseudo
MITRE n'a pas publié d'exemple de code pour ce CWE. Le motif ci-dessous est illustratif — voir Ressources pour les références canoniques.
// Example pattern — see MITRE for the canonical references.
function handleRequest(input) {
// Untrusted input flows directly into the sensitive sink.
return executeUnsafe(input);
} Exemple de code sécurisé
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.
Liste de contrôle de prévention
How to prevent CWE-326
- Architecture and Design Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
Signaux de détection
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.
Questions fréquentes Qu'est-ce que CWE-326 ?
Quelle est la gravité de CWE-326 ?
Quels langages ou plateformes sont affectés par CWE-326 ?
Comment puis-je prévenir CWE-326 ?
Comment Plexicus détecte et corrige CWE-326 ?
Où puis-je en savoir plus sur CWE-326 ?
Frequently asked questions
Qu'est-ce que 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.
Quelle est la gravité de CWE-326 ?
MITRE n'a pas publié de note de probabilité d'exploitation pour cette faiblesse. Traitez-la comme un impact moyen jusqu'à ce que votre modèle de menace prouve le contraire.
Quels langages ou plateformes sont affectés par CWE-326 ?
MITRE n'a pas spécifié les plateformes affectées pour ce CWE — il peut s'appliquer à la plupart des stacks applicatives.
Comment puis-je prévenir CWE-326 ?
Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
Comment Plexicus détecte et corrige CWE-326 ?
Le moteur SAST de Plexicus reconnaît la signature de flux de données de CWE-326 à chaque commit. Lorsqu'une correspondance est trouvée, notre agent Codex Remedium ouvre une PR de correction avec le code corrigé, les tests et un résumé d'une ligne pour le relecteur.
Où puis-je en savoir plus sur CWE-326 ?
MITRE publie la définition canonique à https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/326.html. Vous pouvez également consulter la documentation OWASP et NIST pour des conseils adjacents.
Faiblesses associées
Weaknesses related to CWE-326
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