CWE-348: Use of Less Trusted Source
The product has two different sources of the same data or information, but it uses the source that has less support for verification, is less trusted, or is less resistant to attack.
How it's found
Use of Less Trusted Source 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
$requestingIP = $_SERVER['HTTP_X_FORWARDED_FOR'];
$requestingIP = $_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR'];
generatePage();return;
echo "You are not authorized to view this page";return;$requestingIP = '0.0.0.0';if (array_key_exists('HTTP_X_FORWARDED_FOR', $_SERVER)) {else{}if(in_array($requestingIP,$ipAllowlist)){}else{}echo "This application cannot be accessed through a proxy.";return;
$requestingIP = $_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR'];...$requestingIP = '0.0.0.0';if (array_key_exists('HTTP_X_FORWARDED_FOR', $_SERVER)) {else{}Consequences
- Bypass Protection Mechanism, Gain Privileges or Assume Identity: An attacker could utilize the untrusted data source to bypass protection mechanisms and gain access to sensitive data.
How TurboPentest tests for this (white-box)
This weakness (Use of Less Trusted Source) is caught by white-box static analysis when you connect a GitHub repo: IntegSec's Opengrep SAST rule pack carries 1 rule for it, flagging the issue directly in your source code as part of the pentest.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-348?
The product has two different sources of the same data or information, but it uses the source that has less support for verification, is less trusted, or is less resistant to attack.
How do you find Use of Less Trusted Source?
Use of Less Trusted Source 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-348?
Bypass Protection Mechanism, Gain Privileges or Assume Identity: An attacker could utilize the untrusted data source to bypass protection mechanisms and gain access to sensitive data.
Does TurboPentest test for Use of Less Trusted Source?
This weakness (Use of Less Trusted Source) is caught by white-box static analysis when you connect a GitHub repo: IntegSec's Opengrep SAST rule pack carries 1 rule for it, flagging the issue directly in your source code as part of the pentest.
Related CWEs
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.
Find these issues before an attacker does
TurboPentest runs an agentic AI pentest against your target and reports findings with proof, from $99 per target.
Start a pentest