CWE-322: Key Exchange without Entity Authentication
The product performs a key exchange with an actor without verifying the identity of that actor.
How it's found
Key Exchange without Entity Authentication 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.
Performing a key exchange will preserve the integrity of the information sent between two entities, but this will not guarantee that the entities are who they claim they are. This may enable an attacker to impersonate an actor by modifying traffic between the two entities. Typically, this involves a victim client that contacts a malicious server that is impersonating a trusted server. If the client skips authentication or ignores an authentication failure, the malicious server may request authentication information from the user. The malicious server can then use this authentication information to log in to the trusted server using the victim's credentials, sniff traffic between the victim and trusted server, etc.
Consequences
- Bypass Protection Mechanism: No authentication takes place in this process, bypassing an assumed protection of encryption.
- Read Application Data: The encrypted communication between a user and a trusted host may be subject to sniffing by any actor in the communication path.
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: Ensure that proper authentication is included in the system design.
- Implementation: Understand and properly implement all checks necessary to ensure the identity of entities involved in encrypted communications.
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-322?
The product performs a key exchange with an actor without verifying the identity of that actor.
How do you find Key Exchange without Entity Authentication?
Key Exchange without Entity Authentication 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-322?
Bypass Protection Mechanism: No authentication takes place in this process, bypassing an assumed protection of encryption. Read Application Data: The encrypted communication between a user and a trusted host may be subject to sniffing by any actor in the communication path.
Does TurboPentest test for Key Exchange without Entity Authentication?
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
About this reference
These security references are maintained by IntegSec, an offensive-security firm whose team holds CISSP, OSCP, and OSCE certifications and has run thousands of penetration tests. Content is kept current as tools, standards, and attack techniques evolve.
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