CWE-1035

What is CWE-1035 (OWASP Top Ten 2017 Category A3 - Sensitive Data Exposure)?

This CWE category maps to the OWASP Top Ten 2017 A3 risk covering sensitive data exposure through weak cryptography, missing encryption, or improper data handling.

Vulnerability Insights

OWASP Top Ten 2017 Category A3 - Sensitive Data Exposure (CWE-1035) represents a security risk across modern software systems. This weakness enables attackers to exploit data protection flaws, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or system compromise. Organizations should implement defense-in-depth strategies combining static analysis, runtime monitoring, and binary analysis.

Impact on Systems

• Compromise of Application Integrity: Predictable execution flow is disrupted
• Potential Data Exposure: Depending on context, sensitive configurations may leak
• Availability Risks: Unexpected states leading to temporary denial of service

Real-World Attack Scenario

An attacker probes the system interfaces to identify areas where the input or state related to OWASP Top Ten 2017 Category A3 - Sensitive Data Exposure is improperly handled. Once identified, they craft a payload tailored to the specific backend architecture. By exploiting the lack of robust structural validation, the attacker is able to force the application into an unintended state, bypassing standard business logic and achieving unauthorized outcomes.

Code Examples

Vulnerable Implementation

// VULNERABLE: Unvalidated input leading to OWASP Top Ten 2017 Category A3 - Sensitive Data Exposure
function processInput(data) {
    // Missing strict validation or sanitization
    executeOrStoreConfig(data);
}

Secure Alternative

// SECURE: Proper validation mitigating OWASP Top Ten 2017 Category A3 - Sensitive Data Exposure
function processInput(data) {
    if (!isValid(data)) throw new Error('Invalid input');
    const safeData = sanitize(data);
    executeOrStoreConfig(safeData);
}

Detection with Precogs AI

Precogs AI identifies owasp top ten 2017 category a3 - sensitive data exposure patterns through automated binary and source code analysis, detecting CWE-1035 weaknesses before they reach production. Our analysis engine examines compiled artifacts without requiring source code access, identifying CWE-1035 patterns in vendor software, containers, firmware, and third-party libraries.

Remediation

Implement proper data protection controls following secure coding guidelines. Use automated scanning tools like Precogs AI to continuously monitor for CWE-1035 vulnerabilities. Apply the principle of least privilege and validate all inputs from untrusted sources.