CWE-1393 Detail

The product uses default passwords for potentially critical functionality.

It is common practice for products to be designed to use default passwords for authentication. The rationale is to simplify the manufacturing process or the system administrator's task of installation and deployment into an enterprise. However, if admins do not change the defaults, then it makes it easier for attackers to quickly bypass authentication across multiple organizations. There are many lists of default passwords and default-password scanning tools that are easily available from the World Wide Web.

Modes Of Introduction

Architecture and Design

Applicable Platforms

Language

Class: Not Language-Specific (Undetermined)

Operating Systems

Class: Not OS-Specific (Undetermined)

Architectures

Class: Not Architecture-Specific (Undetermined)

Technologies

Class: Not Technology-Specific (Undetermined)
Class: ICS/OT (Undetermined)

Common Consequences

Observed Examples

Potential Mitigations

Phases : Requirements
Prohibit use of default, hard-coded, or other values that do not vary for each installation of the product - especially for separate organizations.
Phases : Documentation
Ensure that product documentation clearly emphasizes the presence of default passwords and provides steps for the administrator to change them.
Phases : Architecture and Design
Force the administrator to change the credential upon installation.
Phases : Installation // Operation
The product administrator could change the defaults upon installation or during operation.

Vulnerability Mapping Notes

Justification : This CWE entry is at the Base level of abstraction, which is a preferred level of abstraction for mapping to the root causes of vulnerabilities.
Comment : Carefully read both the name and description to ensure that this mapping is an appropriate fit. Do not try to 'force' a mapping to a lower-level Base/Variant simply to comply with this preferred level of abstraction.

References

REF-1283

OT:ICEFALL: The legacy of "insecure by design" and its implications for certifications and risk management
Forescout Vedere Labs.
https://www.forescout.com/resources/ot-icefall-report/

REF-1303

Researchers Out Default Passwords Packaged With ICS/SCADA Wares
Kelly Jackson Higgins.
https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint-security/researchers-out-default-passwords-packaged-with-ics-scada-wares

REF-1446

Secure by Design Alert: How Manufacturers Can Protect Customers by Eliminating Default Passwords
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/secure-design-alert-how-manufacturers-can-protect-customers-eliminating-default-passwords

REF-1493

Shifting the Balance of Cybersecurity Risk: Principles and Approaches for Secure By Design Software
US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, US National Security Agency, US FBI, Australian Signals Directorate, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, National Cyber Security Centre, OAS, NISC, CSA Singapore, CERT NZ, Norwegian Cyber Security Centre, Korea Internet & Security Agency, JPCERT/CC.
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/SecureByDesign_1025_508c.pdf

Submission

Modifications