CWE-288: Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel
The product requires authentication, but the product has an alternate path or channel that does not require authentication.
How it's found
Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel 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.
Vulnerable vs. safe
assign addr_auth = (address == 32'hF00) ? 1: 0;assign addr_auth = (address == 32'hF00 || address == 32'h800F00) ? 1: 0;Consequences
- Bypass Protection Mechanism
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: Funnel all access through a single choke point to simplify how users can access a resource. For every access, perform a check to determine if the user has permissions to access the resource.
Where this fits in a TurboPentest engagement
TurboPentest's agentic pentest is powerful and covers a broad range of issues automatically. This particular class is best confirmed in a manual IntegSec engagement, where human pentesters apply deeper methodology and a larger context window than any automated pass.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-288?
The product requires authentication, but the product has an alternate path or channel that does not require authentication.
How do you find Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel?
Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel 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-288?
Bypass Protection Mechanism
Does TurboPentest test for Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel?
TurboPentest's agentic pentest is powerful and covers a broad range of issues automatically. This particular class is best confirmed in a manual IntegSec engagement, where human pentesters apply deeper methodology and a larger context window than any automated pass.
Related CWEs
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