Small Seed Space in PRNG
Weakness ID: 339 (Weakness Base)Status: Draft
+ Description

Description Summary

A PRNG uses a relatively small space of seeds.
+ Time of Introduction
  • Architecture and Design
  • Implementation
+ Applicable Platforms

Languages

All

+ Observed Examples
ReferenceDescription
CVE-2002-0872
+ Potential Mitigations

Use well vetted pseudo-random number generating algorithms with adequate length seeds. Pseudo-random number generators can produce predictable numbers if the generator is known and the seed can be guessed. A 256-bit seed is a good starting point for producing a "random enough" number.

Phase: Implementation

Perform FIPS 140-2 tests on data to catch obvious entropy problems.

Phase: Implementation

Consider a PRNG which re-seeds itself, as needed from a high quality pseudo-random output, like hardware devices.

+ Relationships
NatureTypeIDNameView(s) this relationship pertains toView(s)
ChildOfWeakness ClassWeakness Class335PRNG Seed Error
Development Concepts (primary)699
Research Concepts (primary)1000
PeerOfWeakness BaseWeakness Base341Predictable from Observable State
Research Concepts1000
+ Taxonomy Mappings
Mapped Taxonomy NameNode IDFitMapped Node Name
PLOVERSmall Seed Space in PRNG
+ Maintenance Notes

This entry overlaps predictable from observable state (CWE-341).

+ Content History
Submissions
Submission DateSubmitterOrganizationSource
PLOVERExternally Mined
Modifications
Modification DateModifierOrganizationSource
2008-07-01Eric DalciCigitalExternal
updated Time of Introduction
2008-09-08CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Maintenance Notes, Relationships, Taxonomy Mappings
2009-03-10CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Potential Mitigations
2009-12-28CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Potential Mitigations
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