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.)
Cleartext Storage in a File or on Disk
This vulnerability occurs when an application writes sensitive data, such as passwords or personal information, directly to a file or disk without using encryption.
What is CWE-313?
Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-313
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Cleartext credentials in world-readable file.
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Password in cleartext in config file.
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Password in cleartext in config file.
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Decrypted copy of a message written to disk given a combination of options and when user replies to an encrypted message.
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Cleartext storage of private key and passphrase in log file when user imports the key.
Trajeto do atacante passo a passo
- 1
The following examples show a portion of properties and configuration files for Java and ASP.NET applications. The files include username and password information but they are stored in cleartext.
- 2
This Java example shows a properties file with a cleartext username / password pair.
- 3
The following example shows a portion of a configuration file for an ASP.Net application. This configuration file includes username and password information for a connection to a database but the pair is stored in cleartext.
- 4
Username and password information should not be included in a configuration file or a properties file in cleartext as this will allow anyone who can read the file access to the resource. If possible, encrypt this information.
Vulnerable Java
This Java example shows a properties file with a cleartext username / password pair.
```
# Java Web App ResourceBundle properties file*
...
webapp.ldap.username=secretUsername
webapp.ldap.password=secretPassword
... Secure pseudo
// Validate, sanitize, or use a safe API before reaching the sink.
function handleRequest(input) {
const safe = validateAndEscape(input);
return executeWithGuards(safe);
} How to prevent CWE-313
- Architecture Use safe-by-default frameworks and APIs that prevent the unsafe pattern from being expressible.
- Implementation Validate input at trust boundaries; use allowlists, not denylists.
- Implementation Apply the principle of least privilege to credentials, file paths, and runtime permissions.
- Testing Cover this weakness in CI: SAST rules + targeted unit tests for the data flow.
- Operation Monitor logs for the runtime signals listed in the next section.
How to detect CWE-313
O Plexicus deteta automaticamente o CWE-313 e abre um PR de correção em menos de 60 segundos.
O Codex Remedium analisa cada commit, identifica esta fraqueza exata e entrega um pull request pronto para revisão com o patch. Sem tickets. Sem transferências.
Frequently asked questions
O que é o CWE-313?
This vulnerability occurs when an application writes sensitive data, such as passwords or personal information, directly to a file or disk without using encryption.
Qual a gravidade do CWE-313?
A MITRE não publicou uma classificação de probabilidade de exploração para esta fraqueza. Trate-a como impacto médio até o seu modelo de ameaças provar o contrário.
Que linguagens ou plataformas são afetadas pelo CWE-313?
A MITRE não especificou as plataformas afetadas por este CWE — pode aplicar-se à maioria das stacks de aplicações.
Como posso prevenir o CWE-313?
Use safe-by-default frameworks, validate untrusted input at trust boundaries, and apply the principle of least privilege. Cover the data-flow signature in CI with SAST.
Como é que o Plexicus deteta e corrige o CWE-313?
O motor SAST do Plexicus correlaciona a assinatura de fluxo de dados do CWE-313 em cada commit. Quando é encontrada uma correspondência, o nosso agente Codex Remedium abre um PR de correção com o código corrigido, testes e um resumo de uma linha para o revisor.
Onde posso saber mais sobre o CWE-313?
A MITRE publica a definição canónica em https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/313.html. Pode também consultar a documentação da OWASP e do NIST para orientações adjacentes.
Weaknesses related to CWE-313
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