CWE-315: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in a Cookie
The product stores sensitive information in cleartext in a cookie.
How it's found
Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in a Cookie 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.
Attackers can use widely-available tools to view the cookie and read the sensitive information. Even if the information is encoded in a way that is not human-readable, certain techniques could determine which encoding is being used, then decode the information.
Consequences
- Read Application Data
How TurboPentest tests for this (white-box)
This weakness (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in a Cookie) is caught by white-box static analysis when you connect a GitHub repo: IntegSec's Opengrep SAST rule pack carries 2 rules for it, flagging the issue directly in your source code as part of the pentest.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-315?
The product stores sensitive information in cleartext in a cookie.
How do you find Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in a Cookie?
Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in a Cookie 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-315?
Read Application Data
Does TurboPentest test for Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in a Cookie?
This weakness (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in a Cookie) is caught by white-box static analysis when you connect a GitHub repo: IntegSec's Opengrep SAST rule pack carries 2 rules for it, flagging the issue directly in your source code as part of the pentest.
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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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