What is CWE-326?
The product stores or transmits sensitive data using an encryption scheme that is theoretically sound, but is not strong enough for the level of protection required.
Analyzing data...
CWE-326: Inadequate Encryption Strength
Data statistics
OWASP TOP 10:2025 RANK4 — A04:2025 — Cryptographic Failures
RELATED CVES (365 DAYS)22
ABSTRACTIONClass
Vulnerabilities mapped to CWE-326
22 vulnerabilities214.3% increase year over year
Vulnerabilities in CISA KEV for CWE-326
0 vulnerabilities
The product stores or transmits sensitive data using an encryption scheme that is theoretically sound, but is not strong enough for the level of protection required.
A weak encryption scheme can be subjected to brute force attacks that have a reasonable chance of succeeding using current attack methods and resources.
Characteristics
Modes of introduction
- Architecture and Design: COMMISSION: This weakness refers to an incorrect design related to an architectural security tactic.
Common consequences
| Impact | Scope | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Bypass Protection Mechanism, Read Application Data | Access Control, Confidentiality | An attacker may be able to decrypt the data using brute force attacks. |
Risk mitigations
- Architecture and DesignUse an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
Detection methods
| Method | Approach | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Static Analysis | Automated static analysis, commonly referred to as Static Application Security Testing (SAST), can find some instances of this weakness by analyzing source code (or binary/compiled code) without having to execute it. Typically, this is done by building a model of data flow and control flow, then searching for potentially-vulnerable patterns that connect "sources" (origins of input) with "sinks" (destinations where the data interacts with external components, a lower layer such as the OS, etc.) | High |
Representative vulnerabilities
Below are representative vulnerabilities related to this CWE, prioritized by severity.
CWE™ Program, operated by The MITRE Corporation. Copyright © 2006–2026, The MITRE Corporation. The MITRE Corporation hereby grants you a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use CWE for research, development, and commercial purposes. CWE Terms of Use.
Learn more
Run an in-depth assessment with complete web risk management
CyStack VulnScan continuously discovers assets, validates vulnerabilities, and helps security teams prioritize remediation across the organization.
Explore CyStack VulnScan
