CWE-420: Unprotected Alternate Channel
The product protects a primary channel, but it does not use the same level of protection for an alternate channel.
How it's found
Unprotected Alternate Channel 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
assign addr_auth = (address == 32'hF00) ? 1: 0;assign addr_auth = (address == 32'hF00 || address == 32'h800F00) ? 1: 0;Consequences
- Gain Privileges or Assume Identity, Bypass Protection Mechanism
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: Identify all alternate channels and use the same protection mechanisms that are used for the primary channels.
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-420?
The product protects a primary channel, but it does not use the same level of protection for an alternate channel.
How do you find Unprotected Alternate Channel?
Unprotected Alternate Channel 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-420?
Gain Privileges or Assume Identity, Bypass Protection Mechanism
Does TurboPentest test for Unprotected Alternate Channel?
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
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