Backslash Vulnerability Database Use of Default Password
Use of Default Password
CWE-1393
Short description
The product uses default passwords for potentially critical functionality.
Extended description
It is common practice for products to be designed to use
default passwords for authentication. The rationale is to
simplify the manufacturing process or the system
administrator's task of installation and deployment into an
enterprise. However, if admins do not change the defaults,
then it makes it easier for attackers to quickly bypass
authentication across multiple organizations. There are many
lists of default passwords and default-password scanning tools
that are easily available from the World Wide Web.
Best practices to prevent this CWE
Phase: Requirements
Prohibit use of default, hard-coded, or other values that do not vary for each installation of the product - especially for separate organizations.
Effectiveness: High
Phase: Documentation
Ensure that product documentation clearly emphasizes the presence of default passwords and provides steps for the administrator to change them.
Effectiveness: Limited
Phase: Architecture and Design
Force the administrator to change the credential upon installation.
Effectiveness: High
Phase: Installation; Operation
The product administrator could change the defaults upon installation or during operation.