CWE-341—Predictable from Observable State

Weakness Name

Predictable from Observable State

Description

A number or object is predictable based on observations that the attacker can make about the state of the system or network, such as time, process ID, etc.

Common Consequences

Scope:

Other

Impact:

Varies by Context

Notes:

This weakness could be exploited by an attacker in a number ways depending on the context. If a predictable number is used to generate IDs or keys that are used within protection mechanisms, then an attacker could gain unauthorized access to the system. If predictable filenames are used for storing sensitive information, then an attacker might gain access to the system and may be able to gain access to the information in the file.

Related Weaknesses

• CWE-340Generation of Predictable Numbers or Identifiers