Skip to main content

Non-encrypted confidential information - Base 64

Description​

Base64 credentials are stored in the source code.

Impact​

Obtain service credentials.

Recommendation​

  • Change the login credentials that were compromised.
  • Purge git history of affected sensitive data.
  • Upload sensitive data from secure sources such as: key vault services, configuration files that are properly encrypted.

Threat​

Attacker with access to source code from the Internet.

Expected Remediation Time​

⌚ 60 minutes.

Score​

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

Base​

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

Temporal​

  • Exploit code madurity: X
  • Remediation level: X
  • Report confidence: X

Result​

  • Vector string: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N/E:X/RL:X/RC:X
  • Score:
    • Base: 4.3
    • Temporal: 4.3
  • Severity:
    • Base: Medium
    • Temporal: Medium

Code Examples​

Compliant code​

The encrypted values of sensitive information should be stored in the code

class User(db.Model, UserMixin):
  id = db.Column(db.Integer, primary_key=True)
  email = db.Column(db.String(255), unique=True)
  password_hash = db.Column(db.String(128))

  @property
  def password(self):
      raise AttributeError('password not readable')
  @password.setter
  def password(self, password):
      self.password_hash = bcrypt.hashpw('password', bcrypt.gensalt())

Non compliant code​

The server could have a user class that stores the passwords in Base64

class User(db.Model, UserMixin):
  id = db.Column(db.Integer, primary_key=True)
  email = db.Column(db.String(255), unique=True)
  password_hash = db.Column(db.String(128))

  @property
  def password(self):
      raise AttributeError('password not readable')
  @password.setter
  def password(self, password):
      self.password_hash = base64.b64encode('password')

Requirements​

free trial

Search for vulnerabilities in your apps for free with our automated security testing! Start your 21-day free trial and discover the benefits of our Continuous Hacking Machine Plan. If you prefer a full service that includes the expertise of our ethical hackers, don't hesitate to contact us for our Continuous Hacking Squad Plan.