CWE-455—Non-exit on Failed Initialization

Weakness Name

Non-exit on Failed Initialization

Description

The product does not exit or otherwise modify its operation when security-relevant errors occur during initialization, such as when a configuration file has a format error or a hardware security module (HSM) cannot be activated, which can cause the product to execute in a less secure fashion than intended by the administrator.

Common Consequences

Scope:

Integrity, Other

Impact:

Modify Application Data, Alter Execution Logic

Notes:

The application could be placed in an insecure state that may allow an attacker to modify sensitive data or allow unintended logic to be executed.

Related Weaknesses

• CWE-636Not Failing Securely ('Failing Open')
• CWE-665Improper InitializationMedium
• CWE-705Incorrect Control Flow Scoping