CWE-1392

Use of Default Credentials
AI Translation Available

The product uses default credentials (such as passwords or cryptographic keys) for potentially critical functionality.

Status
incomplete
Abstraction
base
ICS/OT Not Technology-Specific

It is common practice for products to be designed to use
default keys, passwords, or other mechanisms for
authentication. The rationale is to simplify the
manufacturing process or the system administrator's task of
installation and deployment into an enterprise. However, if
admins do not change the defaults, it is easier for attackers
to bypass authentication quickly across multiple
organizations.

Common Consequences

authentication
Impacts
gain privileges or assume identity

Potential Mitigations

Phases:
requirements architecture and design installation operation
Descriptions:
• Prohibit use of default, hard-coded, or other values that do not vary for each installation of the product - especially for separate organizations.
• The product administrator could change the defaults upon installation or during operation.
• Force the administrator to change the credential upon installation.