CWE-336: Same Seed in Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG)
Description
A Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) uses the same seed each time the product is initialized.
Given the deterministic nature of PRNGs, using the same seed for each initialization will lead to the same output in the same order. If an attacker can guess (or knows) the seed, then the attacker may be able to determine the random numbers that will be produced from the PRNG.
- Abstraction
- VariantA weakness tied to a specific language, technology or resource.
- Likelihood of exploit
- Not rated by MITRE
- Status
- Draft
Common consequences
- OtherAccess Control
Other; Bypass Protection Mechanism
Potential mitigations
- Architecture and Design
Do not reuse PRNG seeds. Consider a PRNG that periodically re-seeds itself as needed from a high quality pseudo-random output, such as hardware devices.
- Architecture and DesignRequirementsLibraries or Frameworks
Use products or modules that conform to FIPS 140-2 to avoid obvious entropy problems, or use the more recent FIPS 140-3 if possible.
Related weaknesses
CAPEC attack patterns that exploit it
CWE 4.20 links no CAPEC attack pattern to this weakness.