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Sensitive information in source code - API Key

Description​

The encryption key is stored in the source code in plain text and is not obtained from a secure source that guarantees its confidentiality.

Impact​

  • Generate an elaborate brute-force attack on the applications encrypted messages.
  • Open easily information of a company, web and API security to sensitive data exposure.

Recommendation​

It is recommended to load encryption keys from:

  • A key vault service.
  • A configuration file that is properly encrypted.
  • Administrative environment variables.

Threat​

Unauthorized user obtaining the encryption key directly from the application repository or an application file.

Expected Remediation Time​

⌚ 45 minutes.

Score​

Default score using CVSS 3.1. It may change depending on the context of the vulnerability.

Base​

  • Attack vector: N
  • Attack complexity: H
  • Privileges required: L
  • User interaction: N
  • Scope: U
  • Confidentiality: L
  • Integrity: N
  • Availability: N

Temporal​

  • Exploit code madurity: P
  • Remediation level: O
  • Report confidence: C

Result​

  • Vector string: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N/E:P/RL:O/RC:C
  • Score:
    • Base: 3.1
    • Temporal: 2.8
  • Severity:
    • Base: Low
    • Temporal: Low

Code Examples​

Compliant code​

API Keys and sensitive information are stored as encrypted values

//Store API_KEY as a secret encrypted
const key = Buffer.from(keyString.substring(0, 8), "utf8");

function getInformation(userInput){
  const info = fetch("url", key);
  //Return information
}

Non compliant code​

The API jeys are stored in plain text value inside the code

const API_KEY = "KEY_inplaneText";

function getInformation(userInput) {
  const info = fetch("url", API_KEY);
  //Return information
}

Requirements​

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