CWE-256 - Plaintext Storage of a Password
- Abstraction:Base
- Structure:Simple
- Status:Incomplete
- Release Date:2006-07-19
- Latest Modification Date:2025-09-09
Weakness Name
Plaintext Storage of a Password
Description
The product stores a password in plaintext within resources such as memory or files.
Common Consequences
Scope: Access Control
Impact: Gain Privileges or Assume Identity
Notes: Storing a plaintext password in a configuration file allows anyone who can read the file to access the password-protected resource. In some contexts, even storage of a plaintext password in memory is considered a security risk if the password is not cleared immediately after it is used.