CWE-550: Server-generated Error Message Containing Sensitive Information
Certain conditions, such as network failure, will cause a server error message to be displayed.
How it's found
Server-generated Error Message 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.
While error messages in and of themselves are not dangerous, per se, it is what an attacker can glean from them that might cause eventual problems.
Consequences
- Read Application Data
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design/System Configuration: Recommendations include designing and adding consistent error handling mechanisms which are capable of handling any user input to your web application, providing meaningful detail to end-users, and preventing error messages that might provide information useful to an attacker from being displayed.
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-550?
Certain conditions, such as network failure, will cause a server error message to be displayed.
How do you find Server-generated Error Message Containing Sensitive Information?
Server-generated Error Message 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-550?
Read Application Data
Does TurboPentest test for Server-generated Error Message Containing Sensitive Information?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
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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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