CWE-298: Improper Validation of Certificate Expiration
A certificate expiration is not validated or is incorrectly validated.
How it's found
Improper Validation of Certificate Expiration is a specific, narrowly defined instance of a broader pattern. Testers confirm it with targeted code review and a proof-of-concept input that exercises the exact code path this weakness describes.
Consequences
- Other: The data read from the system vouched for by the expired certificate may be flawed due to malicious spoofing.
- Other: Trust may be assigned to certificates that have been abandoned due to age.
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: Check for expired certificates and provide the user with adequate information about the nature of the problem and how to proceed.
- Implementation: If certificate pinning is being used, ensure that all relevant properties of the certificate are fully validated before the certificate is pinned, including the expiration.
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-298?
A certificate expiration is not validated or is incorrectly validated.
How do you find Improper Validation of Certificate Expiration?
Improper Validation of Certificate Expiration is a specific, narrowly defined instance of a broader pattern. Testers confirm it with targeted code review and a proof-of-concept input that exercises the exact code path this weakness describes.
What is the impact of CWE-298?
Other: The data read from the system vouched for by the expired certificate may be flawed due to malicious spoofing. Other: Trust may be assigned to certificates that have been abandoned due to age.
Does TurboPentest test for Improper Validation of Certificate Expiration?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
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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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