Val (Community Member) asked a question.
Our application has guest login password hardcoded in login form.
This configuration is used in kiosk mode.
Is this really a security flaw?
Ask the Community
Get answers, share a use case, discuss your favorite features, or get input from the community.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
.png){kind=logo}
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Hi Val,
Although the application is being run in kiosk mode, a hardcoded password is still a security flaw and we recommend it be remediated.
Any instances that the Veracode Platform detects of hardcoded passwords is likely to trigger the flaw CWE-259: Use of Hard-coded Password. More information, as well as advice on how to remediate the flaw, can be found here: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/259.html.
As this is being run in kiosk mode, the best way to remediate this would be to refactor the application to assume a guest login by default, and design an administrator override login. This way, there would be no need to have a password hardcoded.
Another recommendation for remediation would be to not hard code a password in the source code and supply the value via environment variable or via a configuration or properties file.
If this type of refactoring is not possible, then if the guest account being used is one that only applies to this application, another option would be to consider mitigating the flaw by design.
Thanks and best regards,
Chris Hanaghan