CWE-343: Predictable Value Range from Previous Values
Predictable Value Range from Previous Values
Weakness ID: 343 (Weakness Base)
Status: Draft
Description
Description Summary
The software's random number generator produces a series of values which, when observed, can be used to infer a relatively small range of possibilities for the next value that could be generated.
Extended Description
The output of a random number generator should not be predictable based on observations of previous values. In some cases, an attacker cannot predict the exact value that will be produced next, but can narrow down the possibilities significantly. This reduces the amount of effort to perform a brute force attack. For example, suppose the product generates random numbers between 1 and 100, but it always produces a larger value until it reaches 100. If the generator produces an 80, then the attacker knows that the next value will be somewhere between 81 and 100. Instead of 100 possibilities, the attacker only needs to consider 20.
Time of Introduction
Architecture and Design
Implementation
Applicable Platforms
Languages
All
Common Consequences
Scope
Effect
Other
Technical Impact: Varies by context
Potential Mitigations
Increase the entropy used to seed a PRNG.
Phases: Architecture and Design; Requirements
Strategy: Libraries or Frameworks
Use products or modules that conform to FIPS 140-2 [R.343.1] to avoid obvious entropy problems. Consult FIPS 140-2 Annex C ("Approved Random Number Generators").
Phase: Implementation
Consider a PRNG which re-seeds itself, as needed from a high quality
pseudo-random output, like hardware devices.