Missing Required Cryptographic Step
Weakness ID: 325 (Weakness Base)Status: Incomplete
+ Description

Description Summary

The software does not implement a required step in a cryptographic algorithm, resulting in weaker encryption than advertised by that algorithm.

Extended Description

Cryptographic implementations should follow the algorithms that define them exactly, otherwise encryption can be weaker than expected.

+ Time of Introduction
  • Architecture and Design
  • Requirements
+ Applicable Platforms

Languages

All

+ Modes of Introduction

Developers sometimes omit certain "expensive" (resource-intensive) steps in order to improve performance, especially in devices with limited memory or CPU cycles. This could be done under a mistaken impression that the step is unnecessary for preserving security. Alternately, the developer might adopt a threat model that is inconsistent with that of its consumers by accepting a risk for which the remaining protection seems "good enough."

This issue can be introduced when the requirements for the algorithm are not clearly stated.

+ Observed Examples
ReferenceDescription
CVE-2001-1585Missing challenge-response step allows authentication bypass using public key.
+ Relationships
NatureTypeIDNameView(s) this relationship pertains toView(s)
ChildOfCategoryCategory310Cryptographic Issues
Development Concepts (primary)699
ChildOfWeakness ClassWeakness Class573Failure to Follow Specification
Research Concepts (primary)1000
ChildOfCategoryCategory719OWASP Top Ten 2007 Category A8 - Insecure Cryptographic Storage
Weaknesses in OWASP Top Ten (2007) (primary)629
ChildOfCategoryCategory720OWASP Top Ten 2007 Category A9 - Insecure Communications
Weaknesses in OWASP Top Ten (2007)629
PeerOfWeakness BaseWeakness Base358Improperly Implemented Security Check for Standard
Research Concepts1000
+ Relationship Notes

Overlaps incomplete/missing security check.

Can be resultant.

+ Functional Areas
  • Cryptography
+ Taxonomy Mappings
Mapped Taxonomy NameNode IDFitMapped Node Name
PLOVERMissing Required Cryptographic Step
OWASP Top Ten 2007A8CWE More SpecificInsecure Cryptographic Storage
OWASP Top Ten 2007A9CWE More SpecificInsecure Communications
+ Related Attack Patterns
CAPEC-IDAttack Pattern Name
(CAPEC Version: 1.4)
68Subvert Code-signing Facilities
+ Content History
Submissions
Submission DateSubmitterOrganizationSource
PLOVERExternally Mined
Modifications
Modification DateModifierOrganizationSource
2008-07-01Eric DalciCigitalExternal
updated Time of Introduction
2008-09-08CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Description, Functional Areas, Modes of Introduction, Relationships, Observed Example, Relationship Notes, Taxonomy Mappings
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