CWE-489 is Active Debug Code. The flaw arises when the product is released with debugging code still enabled or active. The database currently holds 27 vulnerabilities mapped to CWE-489 and none of them are in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
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No vulnerability data in CISA KEV for CWE-489
The product is released with debugging code still enabled or active.
| Impact | Scope | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Bypass Protection Mechanism, Read Application Data, Gain Privileges or Assume Identity, Varies by Context | Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Access Control, Other | Active debug code can create unintended entry points or expose sensitive information. The severity of the exposed debug code will depend on the particular instance. At the least, it will give an attacker sensitive information about the settings and mechanics of web applications on the server. At worst, as is often the case, the debug code will allow an attacker complete control over the web application and server, as well as confidential information that either of these access. |
| 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 |
Below are representative vulnerabilities related to this CWE, prioritized by severity.
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