CWE-453: Insecure Default Variable Initialization
The product, by default, initializes an internal variable with an insecure or less secure value than is possible.
How it's found
Insecure Default Variable Initialization 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.
Vulnerable vs. safe
// $user and $pass automatically set from POST request
...$authorized = true;
generatePage();if (login_user($user,$pass)) {}if ($authorized) {}$authorized = true;...$user = $_POST['user'];$pass = $_POST['pass'];$authorized = false;if (login_user($user,$pass)) {}Consequences
- Modify Application Data: An attacker could gain access to and modify sensitive data or system information.
Mitigations
- System Configuration: Disable or change default settings when they can be used to abuse the system. Since those default settings are shipped with the product they are likely to be known by a potential attacker who is familiar with the product. For instance, default credentials should be changed or the associated accounts should be disabled.
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-453?
The product, by default, initializes an internal variable with an insecure or less secure value than is possible.
How do you find Insecure Default Variable Initialization?
Insecure Default Variable Initialization 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-453?
Modify Application Data: An attacker could gain access to and modify sensitive data or system information.
Does TurboPentest test for Insecure Default Variable Initialization?
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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