CWE-211: Externally-Generated Error Message Containing Sensitive Information
The product performs an operation that triggers an external diagnostic or error message that is not directly generated or controlled by the product, such as an error generated by the programming language interpreter that a software application uses. The error can contain sensitive system information.
How it's found
Externally-Generated Error Message Containing Sensitive Information is typically found by tracing untrusted input from where it enters the system to the point where it is used without the check or neutralization this weakness describes, combining manual code review with dynamic testing.
Consequences
- Read Application Data
Mitigations
- System Configuration: Configure the application's environment in a way that prevents errors from being generated. For example, in PHP, disable display_errors.
- Implementation/Build and Compilation: Debugging information should not make its way into a production release.
- Implementation/Build and Compilation: Debugging information should not make its way into a production release.
- Implementation: Handle exceptions internally and do not display errors containing potentially sensitive information to a user. Create default error pages if necessary.
- Implementation: The best way to prevent this weakness during implementation is to avoid any bugs that could trigger the external error message. This typically happens when the program encounters fatal errors, such as a divide-by-zero. You will not always be able to control the use of error pages, and you might not be using a language that handles exceptions.
Where this fits in a TurboPentest engagement
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-211?
The product performs an operation that triggers an external diagnostic or error message that is not directly generated or controlled by the product, such as an error generated by the programming language interpreter that a software application uses. The error can contain sensitive system information.
How do you find Externally-Generated Error Message Containing Sensitive Information?
Externally-Generated Error Message Containing Sensitive Information is typically found by tracing untrusted input from where it enters the system to the point where it is used without the check or neutralization this weakness describes, combining manual code review with dynamic testing.
What is the impact of CWE-211?
Read Application Data
Does TurboPentest test for Externally-Generated Error Message Containing Sensitive Information?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Related CWEs
Written and reviewed by
Michel Chamberland - Founder & CEO, IntegSec
CISSP, OSCP, OSCE, CEH, GIAC, CCSK · 20+ years in offensive security
Michel has spent 20+ years on offensive security teams including IBM X-Force Red and Trustwave SpiderLabs, leading penetration tests, red team engagements, and breach response for Fortune 500 customers. He is the founder of IntegSec and the architect of TurboPentest.
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