What is Cleartext Storage of Sensitive (CWE-316)?

TL;DR: CWE-316 is a vulnerability where sensitive information is stored in cleartext in memory without proper protection or encryption. It can be prevented by implementing secure coding practices and using secure libraries and frameworks.

At-a-Glance Table

What is Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory?

Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory (CWE-316) is a type of vulnerability where sensitive information is stored in cleartext in memory without proper protection or encryption. As defined by the MITRE Corporation under CWE-316, and classified by the OWASP Foundation under A06:2021 - Insecure Design, this vulnerability occurs when sensitive information is not properly protected or encrypted while being stored in memory.

Quick Summary

Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory (CWE-316) is a vulnerability that can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and reputational damage. It’s essential to prevent this vulnerability by implementing secure coding practices and using secure libraries and frameworks. PenScan’s automated scanners actively test for CWE-316, ensuring you detect and prevent this vulnerability.

Jump to: What is Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory? · Quick Summary · Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory Overview · How Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory Works · Business Impact of Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory · Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory Attack Scenario · How to Detect Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory · How to Fix Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory · Framework-Specific Fixes for Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory · How to Ask AI to Check Your Code for Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory · Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory Best Practices Checklist · Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory FAQ · Vulnerabilities Related to Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory · References · Scan Your Own Site

Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory Overview

What: CWE-316 is a type of vulnerability where sensitive information is stored in cleartext in memory without proper protection or encryption.

Why it matters: Storing sensitive information in cleartext in memory can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and reputational damage.

Where it occurs: CWE-316 can occur in web applications, APIs, databases, and cloud services.

Who is affected: CWE-316 affects anyone who stores sensitive information in cleartext in memory without proper protection or encryption.

Who is NOT affected: Applications that never construct paths/queries/commands from external input are not affected by CWE-316.

How Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory Works

Root Cause

CWE-316 occurs when sensitive information is stored in cleartext in memory without proper protection or encryption.

Attack Flow

1. An attacker gains access to the system.
2. The attacker extracts sensitive information from the system’s memory.
3. The attacker uses the extracted information for malicious purposes.

Prerequisites to Exploit

• Sensitive information must be stored in cleartext in memory.
• The system must not have proper protection or encryption mechanisms in place.

Vulnerable Code

import os

def store_sensitive_info(info):
    with open('sensitive_data.txt', 'w') as f:
        f.write(info)

store_sensitive_info('password')

This code stores sensitive information (a password) in cleartext in a file without proper protection or encryption.

Secure Code

import os
from cryptography.fernet import Fernet

def store_sensitive_info(info):
    key = Fernet.generate_key()
    cipher_suite = Fernet(key)
    encrypted_info = cipher_suite.encrypt(info.encode())
    with open('sensitive_data.txt', 'wb') as f:
        f.write(encrypted_info)

store_sensitive_info('password')

This code stores sensitive information (a password) in an encrypted format using the Fernet encryption algorithm.

Business Impact of Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory

• Confidentiality: CWE-316 can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Integrity: CWE-316 can allow attackers to modify or delete sensitive information.
• Availability: CWE-316 can disrupt system availability by causing data corruption or loss.

Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory Attack Scenario

1. An attacker gains access to the system.
2. The attacker extracts sensitive information from the system’s memory.
3. The attacker uses the extracted information for malicious purposes.

How to Detect Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory

Manual Testing

• Review code for storage and transmission of sensitive information.
• Check if encryption mechanisms are implemented correctly.
• Verify that sensitive information is not stored in cleartext in memory.

Automated Scanners (SAST/DAST)

Automated scanners can detect CWE-316 by analyzing code for storage and transmission of sensitive information, checking if encryption mechanisms are implemented correctly, and verifying that sensitive information is not stored in cleartext in memory. However, dynamic testing may be required to detect this vulnerability, as static analysis alone may not catch it.

PenScan Detection

PenScan’s scanner engines actively test for CWE-316 by analyzing code for storage and transmission of sensitive information, checking if encryption mechanisms are implemented correctly, and verifying that sensitive information is not stored in cleartext in memory.

False Positive Guidance

False positives can occur when the pattern looks risky but is actually safe due to context a scanner can’t see. To avoid false positives, review the findings carefully and verify them manually.

How to Fix Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory

• Implement proper encryption mechanisms for sensitive information stored in memory.
• Use secure libraries and frameworks that implement encryption by default.
• Review code regularly to ensure sensitive information is not stored in cleartext in memory.

Framework-Specific Fixes for Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory

Java

import javax.crypto.Cipher;
import javax.crypto.spec.SecretKeySpec;

public class SecureStorage {
    public static void storeSensitiveInfo(String info) throws Exception {
        String key = "secret_key";
        Cipher cipher = Cipher.getInstance("AES");
        SecretKeySpec secretKey = new SecretKeySpec(key.getBytes(), "AES");
        cipher.init(Cipher.ENCRYPT_MODE, secretKey);
        byte[] encryptedInfo = cipher.doFinal(info.getBytes());
        // Store the encrypted info in a secure location
    }
}

Node.js

const crypto = require('crypto');

function storeSensitiveInfo(info) {
    const key = 'secret_key';
    const cipher = crypto.createCipheriv('aes-256-cbc', key, Buffer.alloc(16));
    let encryptedInfo = cipher.update(info);
    encryptedInfo = Buffer.concat([encryptedInfo, cipher.final()]);
    // Store the encrypted info in a secure location
}

Python/Django

from cryptography.fernet import Fernet

def store_sensitive_info(info):
    key = Fernet.generate_key()
    cipher_suite = Fernet(key)
    encrypted_info = cipher_suite.encrypt(info.encode())
    # Store the encrypted info in a secure location

How to Ask AI to Check Your Code for Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory

Review the following [language] code block for potential CWE-316 Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory vulnerabilities and rewrite it using proper encryption mechanisms:

import os

def store_sensitive_info(info):
    with open('sensitive_data.txt', 'w') as f:
        f.write(info)

store_sensitive_info('password')

Rewrite the code to use a secure library or framework that implements encryption by default, such as Fernet in Python.

Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory Best Practices Checklist

✅ Implement proper encryption mechanisms for sensitive information stored in memory. ✅ Use secure libraries and frameworks that implement encryption by default. ✅ Review code regularly to ensure sensitive information is not stored in cleartext in memory. ✅ Store sensitive information in a secure location, such as an encrypted database or file.

Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory FAQ

How does Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory occur?

Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory occurs when sensitive information is stored in cleartext in memory without proper protection or encryption.

What are the consequences of storing sensitive information in cleartext in memory?

Storing sensitive information in cleartext in memory can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and reputational damage.

How do I detect Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory?

You can detect Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory using manual testing, automated scanners (SAST/DAST), or PenScan’s detection capabilities.

How do I fix Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory?

To fix Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory, you should implement proper encryption and protection mechanisms for sensitive information stored in memory.

Can Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory be prevented?

Yes, Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory can be prevented by implementing secure coding practices, using secure libraries and frameworks, and following best practices for storing sensitive information.

What are the related weaknesses to Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory?

CWE-312 is a related weakness that involves cleartext storage of sensitive information.

How do I ask AI to check my code for Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory?

You can ask AI to review your code and rewrite it using secure coding practices, such as implementing proper encryption and protection mechanisms for sensitive information stored in memory.

Vulnerabilities Related to Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory

References

• MITRE: CWE-316
• OWASP: A06:2021 - Insecure Design
• NVD

Scan Your Own Site

Manual code review catches what you know to look for. An automated scan catches what you didn’t. Scan your own website using PenScan to find Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory and other risks before an attacker does.