CWE-256βPlaintext Storage of a Password
PUBLISHEDweakness recordHigh
released 2006-07-19 Β· last modified 2025-12-11
Metadata
- CWE ID:
- CWE-256
- Abstraction:
- Base
- Structure:
- Simple
- Status:
- Incomplete
- Release Date:
- 2006-07-19
- Latest Modification Date:
- 2025-12-11
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.
