CWE-326: Inadequate Encryption Strength
The product stores or transmits sensitive data using an encryption scheme that is theoretically sound, but is not strong enough for the level of protection required.
How it's found
Inadequate Encryption Strength describes a general pattern rather than a single fixed bug. Testers use a mix of static analysis and manual code review to find where a target's code matches this pattern, then confirm exploitability by hand.
A weak encryption scheme can be subjected to brute force attacks that have a reasonable chance of succeeding using current attack methods and resources.
Consequences
- Bypass Protection Mechanism, Read Application Data: An attacker may be able to decrypt the data using brute force attacks.
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
How TurboPentest tests for this
TurboPentest's automated black-box pentest actively probes for Inadequate Encryption Strength using testssl.sh to check the live TLS configuration for undersized keys and weak cipher suites, with no source code required. Connecting a GitHub repo adds white-box confirmation from IntegSec's Opengrep SAST rule pack, which carries 5 dedicated rules for this weakness.
Tools: testssl.sh
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-326?
The product stores or transmits sensitive data using an encryption scheme that is theoretically sound, but is not strong enough for the level of protection required.
How do you find Inadequate Encryption Strength?
Inadequate Encryption Strength describes a general pattern rather than a single fixed bug. Testers use a mix of static analysis and manual code review to find where a target's code matches this pattern, then confirm exploitability by hand.
What is the impact of CWE-326?
Bypass Protection Mechanism, Read Application Data: An attacker may be able to decrypt the data using brute force attacks.
Does TurboPentest test for Inadequate Encryption Strength?
TurboPentest's automated black-box pentest actively probes for Inadequate Encryption Strength using testssl.sh to check the live TLS configuration for undersized keys and weak cipher suites, with no source code required. Connecting a GitHub repo adds white-box confirmation from IntegSec's Opengrep SAST rule pack, which carries 5 dedicated rules for this weakness.
Related CWEs
- Pillar weaknessCWE-693: Protection Mechanism Failure
- Variant weaknessCWE-14: Compiler Removal of Code to Clear Buffers
- Base weaknessCWE-261: Weak Encoding for Password
- Class weaknessCWE-311: Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data
- Variant weaknessCWE-321: Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key
- Base weaknessCWE-325: Missing Cryptographic Step
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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