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-547 Base Draft
Use of Hard-coded, Security-relevant Constants
This vulnerability occurs when code directly embeds security-critical values like passwords, cryptographic keys, or access levels as raw numbers or strings, instead of using named constants or…
Definition
What is CWE-547?
This vulnerability occurs when code directly embeds security-critical values like passwords, cryptographic keys, or access levels as raw numbers or strings, instead of using named constants or configuration files. This practice makes the code brittle and error-prone during updates or security reviews.
Hard-coding security values creates a maintenance nightmare. If a secret needs to be rotated or a permission level changed, developers must hunt through the entire codebase for every occurrence. Missing just one instance can introduce a security gap or break functionality. Once software is deployed, updating these embedded values often requires a full re-release, which may not even be possible in some environments.
These constants also risk exposure if the code is ever leaked or reverse-engineered, turning a simple configuration change into a major breach. While SAST tools can flag the pattern, Plexicus uses AI to not only detect these hard-coded secrets but also suggest the specific code fix—like moving the value to a secure configuration manager—saving hours of manual refactoring and reducing human error.
Auswirkungen in der Praxis
Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-547
Bisher sind in MITREs Katalog keine öffentlichen CVE-Referenzen mit dieser CWE verknüpft.
Wie Angreifer es ausnutzen
Angreiferpfad Schritt für Schritt
- 1
The usage of symbolic names instead of hard-coded constants is preferred.
- 2
The following is an example of using a hard-coded constant instead of a symbolic name.
- 3
If the buffer value needs to be changed, then it has to be altered in more than one place. If the developer forgets or does not find all occurrences, in this example it could lead to a buffer overflow.
- 4
In this example the developer will only need to change one value and all references to the buffer size are updated, as a symbolic name is used instead of a hard-coded constant.
Verwundbares Codebeispiel
Vulnerable C
The following is an example of using a hard-coded constant instead of a symbolic name.
char buffer[1024];
...
fgets(buffer, 1024, stdin); Sicheres Codebeispiel
Secure C
If the buffer value needs to be changed, then it has to be altered in more than one place. If the developer forgets or does not find all occurrences, in this example it could lead to a buffer overflow.
enum { MAX_BUFFER_SIZE = 1024 };
...
char buffer[MAX_BUFFER_SIZE];
...
fgets(buffer, MAX_BUFFER_SIZE, stdin); 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-547
- Implementation Avoid using hard-coded constants. Configuration files offer a more flexible solution.
Erkennungssignale
How to detect CWE-547
Plexicus erkennt CWE-547 automatisch und öffnet in unter 60 Sekunden einen Fix-PR.
Codex Remedium scannt jeden Commit, identifiziert genau diese Schwachstelle und liefert einen reviewer-ready Pull Request mit dem Patch. Keine Tickets. Keine Hand-offs.
Häufig gestellte Fragen Was ist CWE-547?
Wie gravierend ist CWE-547?
Welche Sprachen oder Plattformen sind von CWE-547 betroffen?
Wie kann ich CWE-547 verhindern?
Wie erkennt und behebt Plexicus CWE-547?
Wo erfahre ich mehr über CWE-547?
Frequently asked questions
Was ist CWE-547?
This vulnerability occurs when code directly embeds security-critical values like passwords, cryptographic keys, or access levels as raw numbers or strings, instead of using named constants or configuration files. This practice makes the code brittle and error-prone during updates or security reviews.
Wie gravierend ist CWE-547?
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-547 betroffen?
MITRE hat für diese CWE keine betroffenen Plattformen spezifiziert — sie kann in den meisten Anwendungs-Stacks auftreten.
Wie kann ich CWE-547 verhindern?
Avoid using hard-coded constants. Configuration files offer a more flexible solution.
Wie erkennt und behebt Plexicus CWE-547?
Die SAST-Engine von Plexicus erkennt die Datenfluss-Signatur von CWE-547 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-547?
MITRE veröffentlicht die kanonische Definition unter https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/547.html. Für ergänzende Hinweise kannst du auch die OWASP- und NIST-Dokumentation heranziehen.
Verwandte Schwachstellen
Weaknesses related to CWE-547
CWE-1078 Parent
Inappropriate Source Code Style or Formatting
This weakness occurs when source code violates established style guidelines for formatting, indentation, whitespace, or commenting, making…
CWE-1085 Sibling
Invokable Control Element with Excessive Volume of Commented-out Code
This weakness occurs when a callable function, method, or procedure contains a large amount of inactive, commented-out code within its…
CWE-1099 Sibling
Inconsistent Naming Conventions for Identifiers
This weakness occurs when a codebase uses mixed naming styles for elements like variables, functions, data types, or files, creating an…
CWE-1106 Sibling
Insufficient Use of Symbolic Constants
This weakness occurs when developers embed raw numbers or text strings directly in code instead of using named symbolic constants, making…
CWE-1107 Sibling
Insufficient Isolation of Symbolic Constant Definitions
This weakness occurs when a codebase uses symbolic constants (like named values for numbers or strings) but scatters their definitions…
CWE-1109 Sibling
Use of Same Variable for Multiple Purposes
This weakness occurs when a single variable is reused to handle multiple, unrelated tasks or to store different pieces of data throughout…
CWE-1113 Sibling
Inappropriate Comment Style
This weakness occurs when source code comments are written in a style or format that doesn't match the project's established standards or…
CWE-1114 Sibling
Inappropriate Whitespace Style
This weakness occurs when source code uses inconsistent or non-standard whitespace formatting, such as irregular indentation, spacing, or…
CWE-1115 Sibling
Source Code Element without Standard Prologue
This weakness occurs when source code files or modules lack a consistent, standardized header or prologue that the development team has…
Ressourcen
Further reading
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