CWE-525: Use of Web Browser Cache Containing Sensitive Information
The web application does not use an appropriate caching policy that specifies the extent to which each web page and associated form fields should be cached.
How it's found
Use of Web Browser Cache Containing Sensitive Information 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.
Consequences
- Read Application Data: Browsers often store information in a client-side cache, which can leave behind sensitive information for other users to find and exploit, such as passwords or credit card numbers. The locations at most risk include public terminals, such as those in libraries and Internet cafes.
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: Protect information stored in cache.
- Implementation: Use a restrictive caching policy for forms and web pages that potentially contain sensitive information, such as "no-cache" in the Cache-Control header.
- Architecture and Design: Do not store unnecessarily sensitive information in the cache.
- Architecture and Design: Consider using encryption in the cache.
Where this fits in a TurboPentest engagement
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-525?
The web application does not use an appropriate caching policy that specifies the extent to which each web page and associated form fields should be cached.
How do you find Use of Web Browser Cache Containing Sensitive Information?
Use of Web Browser Cache Containing Sensitive Information 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-525?
Read Application Data: Browsers often store information in a client-side cache, which can leave behind sensitive information for other users to find and exploit, such as passwords or credit card numbers. The locations at most risk include public terminals, such as those in libraries and Internet cafes.
Does TurboPentest test for Use of Web Browser Cache Containing Sensitive Information?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Related CWEs
- Base weaknessCWE-524: Use of Cache Containing Sensitive Information
- Base weaknessCWE-22: Path Traversal
- Variant weaknessCWE-259: Use of Hard-coded Password
- Class weaknessCWE-285: Improper Authorization
- Class weaknessCWE-287: Improper Authentication
- Base weaknessCWE-309: Use of Password System for Primary Authentication
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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